5 Acupoints for Obesity — Complete Self-Acupressure Guide

Introduction

Weight management is one of the most common concerns for people today. If you’ve tried various diets but found their effects limited, try acupressure using traditional medicine acupoints. In Eastern medicine, obesity is viewed as a metabolic slowdown caused by “phlegm accumulation” (accumulation of dampness and phlegm). Stimulating specific acupoints can activate digestive function, improve energy circulation in the body, and naturally regulate appetite. The five acupoints introduced in this article are the areas most commonly used in traditional medicine clinics for weight management treatment. Since you can practice using only your fingers anytime, anywhere without complicated equipment, try starting today.

Five Acupoints Effective for Weight Management

1. ST36 (Zusanli)

Location: Below the outer side of the knee, approximately four finger-widths below the depression beside the tibia (shinbone). When the knee is bent, it is located approximately 10cm below the indentation beside the knee (ST36 point) in the direction toward the ankle.

Acupressure technique: Press slowly with your thumb, maintaining pressure for 3-5 seconds. Repeat 3-5 times, gradually releasing pressure as you exhale. Avoid pressing too hard; a pressure level that creates a mild soreness is appropriate.

Benefits: ST36 is known as the “longevity acupoint” because it promotes overall health. It particularly strengthens digestive function, promotes metabolism, and enhances immunity. Regular acupressure increases basal metabolic rate, aiding weight loss.

2. ST40 (Fenglong)

Location: On the outer side of the tibia, at the midpoint between the highest bone on the outer ankle (lateral malleolus) and the knee. Find it by tracing the tibia in the center of the outer calf.

Acupressure technique: Press vertically with your thumb or middle finger, maintaining pressure for 5 seconds, then slowly release. Repeat this 5-10 times. If it’s difficult to press with one hand, overlapping your thumbs from both hands is more effective.

Benefits: ST40 is also known as the “obesity acupoint.” It removes phlegm accumulation, normalizes spleen and stomach function, and improves digestive disorders and abdominal bloating. Additionally, it promotes metabolism and directly helps reduce body fat.

3. LI4 (Hegu)

Location: In the webbing between the thumb and index finger (on the back of the hand), at the highest point where the bones meet. It’s easy to find by facing your palm down and spreading your thumb and index finger.

Acupressure technique: Press slowly with the thumb of your opposite hand, applying pressure as if penetrating about 1cm deep. Press for 3-5 seconds and slowly release. Repeat 5-10 times on both sides.

Benefits: LI4 is a powerful acupoint that promotes energy circulation throughout the body. It accelerates metabolism, reduces overeating caused by stress, and improves digestive function. It is also effective for improving constipation. (⚠️ Avoid if pregnant)

4. SP6 (Sanyinjiao)

Location: At a point approximately four finger-widths (about 10cm) above the highest bone on the inner ankle (medial malleolus), in the direction toward the toes. Find it by tracing the inner edge of the tibia.

Acupressure technique: Press gently with your thumb, maintaining pressure with a slight downward sensation. Press for 3-5 seconds while exhaling, then slowly release while inhaling. Repeat 5-10 times on each side.

Benefits: SP6 is an important acupoint that regulates the function of the spleen, liver, and kidneys. It strengthens digestive function, balances hormones to improve swelling, and promotes metabolism. It is particularly effective for weight concentrated in the abdominal area. (⚠️ Avoid if pregnant)

5. CV9 (Shuifen)

Location: It is on the midline (centerline of the body) above the navel, at a point approximately two finger-widths (about 1.5-2cm) above the navel. It’s easy to find by lying down and feeling above the navel.

Acupressure technique: It’s best to apply acupressure while lying down in a relaxed state. Gently press with your thumb or middle finger, then repeat slowly applying pressure. Avoid pressing hard; apply pressure at a level where warmth is transmitted for 3-5 minutes.

Benefits: CV9 is an acupoint that regulates water metabolism in the abdomen, excelling at improving abdominal bloating and swelling. It also strengthens digestive function and promotes metabolism, directly helping to improve abdominal obesity.

5-Minute Self-Acupressure Routine

Recommended daily sequence and time allocation:

1. LI4 – 30 seconds each side (1 minute total)

   → Awakens blood circulation when you wake up in the morning

2. ST36 – 40 seconds each side (1 minute 20 seconds total)

   → 30 minutes after meals or before meals to promote digestion

3. ST40 – 40 seconds each side (1 minute 20 seconds total)

   → Key point for weight management; allocate sufficient time

4. SP6 – 30 seconds each side (1 minute total)

   → Stabilizes hormones in the evening

5. CV9 – 1 minute

   → Finish slowly while lying down before bed

Tip: If you don’t have time, pressing only ST36 and ST40 30 minutes after meals is also effective. Doing acupressure at the same time daily helps build the habit. If your fingers are tired, you can also use an acupressure stick or massage tool.