Obesity, popularly understood as “absorption of calories greater than consumption,” the excess calories are converted into fat deposits in the body. With the proliferation or enlargement of fat cells in the body, the weight naturally exceeds the standard. Therefore, we seek various ways to lose weight, such as taking weight-loss pills, dieting, excessive exercise, and some even opt for surgical fat removal procedures. Regardless of whether these methods can help you achieve weight loss, they will inevitably affect your health.
I believe health-conscious individuals are familiar with moxibustion, knowing that moxibustion can regulate immunity, prevent diseases, and even have cosmetic effects. However, few people know that moxibustion actually has a very good therapeutic effect on weight loss. The following will explain the reasons for obesity. Why is moxibustion effective for weight loss? How does moxibustion help with weight loss? What should be considered during weight loss with moxibustion?
“Thin people have more heat, while fat people have more phlegm.” The main cause of obesity is usually excess water, cold, and phlegm. The spleen and stomach act as the sea of water and grains, the source of qi and blood transformation. When the spleen is deficient, it fails to transport and transform efficiently, making it difficult for the essence of water and grains to reach the lungs. When the lung qi is not smooth enough to circulate and purify the essence of water and grains throughout the body and facilitate water passage to nourish the skin, water dampness stagnates internally, leading to obesity. Deficiencies in kidney qi, liver qi, or heart qi can also disrupt organ function, inhibit the breakdown of turbid substances and fats, and hinder water elimination, all contributing to the occurrence of obesity or other related diseases.
Moxibustion involves burning moxa made from mugwort leaves to fumigate and heat specific acupuncture points on the body, stimulating these points with moxa smoke and heat. By activating the movement of meridian qi, moxibustion helps regulate the body’s disrupted physiological functions, balance the qi and blood of the meridians and organs, promote gastrointestinal peristalsis, reduce fat absorption, aid in eliminating excess water and intestinal waste, thus achieving weight loss effects. It suppresses excessive appetite on one hand and promotes metabolism on the other, increasing energy expenditure.
Which acupuncture points are effective for weight loss with moxibustion? Here are some recommended acupoints:
1. Da Zhui Acupoint
2. Yang Chi Acupoint
3. Zhong Wan Acupoint
4. Tian Shu Acupoint
5. Dai Mai Acupoint
6. San Jiao Shu Acupoint
7. Yin Ling Quan Acupoint
8. Shen Shu Acupoint
9. San Yin Jiao Acupoint
10. Feng Long Acupoint
11. Zu San Li Acupoint
Moxibustion is a chronic regulation process, and fat accumulation takes time. Therefore, persistence is essential in using moxibustion for obesity management. Compared to other weight loss methods, moxibustion has no side effects on the body, does not require strict dietary restrictions, and is not excessively challenging, while also offering beneficial health effects for various suboptimal body conditions. However, this does not mean indulging in uncontrolled eating and drinking. It is still necessary to improve unhealthy habits, maintain a light diet, observe proper rest, engage in appropriate physical activity, as these can promote weight loss effectively.
