Most people know that losing weight requires mindful eating, exercise, and rest. But natural practices like acupressure for weight loss are becoming popular because they offer extra support without medication or surgery. Acupressure is a centuries-old practice from traditional Chinese medicine, where pressure is applied to specific points on the body to balance energy, improve digestion, and regulate appetite.
Modern research adds weight to the practice. A 2022 review in Obesity Reviews looked at multiple clinical trials and found that auricular (ear) acupressure significantly reduced body weight and body mass index in overweight participants. While acupressure is not a quick fix, it may help you control cravings, boost metabolism, and support belly fat reduction when paired with healthy habits.
Acupressure and How It Relates to Weight Loss
Acupressure works by applying pressure with your fingers or thumbs on specific points along the body’s meridians. These points are believed to influence organ function, hormone balance, and nervous system activity. For weight management, stimulating certain areas may:
- Help curb appetite
- Improve digestion and reduce bloating
- Support fat metabolism
- Lower stress, which often leads to overeating
While the concept of qi (life energy) may not fit modern science, research suggests acupressure points stimulate nerves, muscles, and circulation, which can affect the gut-brain connection and hormone release. In short, acupressure can complement your weight loss routine by making it easier to eat mindfully, digest efficiently, and manage cravings.
Acupressure Points for Weight Loss
Here are twelve effective points you can use daily. Each is linked with digestion, appetite regulation, or metabolism.
1. Ear Point (Appetite Control)
The ear point is one of the most studied and widely used acupressure points for weight loss. In traditional Chinese medicine, the ear reflects a micro-system of the entire body, meaning that stimulating the ear can influence appetite, digestion, and even emotional balance. Some weight loss clinics use ear seeds on this spot to help reduce food cravings.
To find it, place your finger at the small opening of your ear, right where the jawline meets the ear canal. This point is sometimes called the “appetite control point.” Apply gentle but firm pressure with your thumb or a cotton swab for about 2–3 minutes before meals. You may feel mild tenderness, which is normal.
Stimulating this point regularly is believed to help reduce hunger, making it easier to eat smaller portions. If you struggle with late-night snacking, press this point when cravings hit. Studies on auricular acupressure suggest it can reduce food intake and help with long-term weight management when combined with dietary changes.
2. Abdomen Point (Stomach Meridian)
The abdomen point is directly tied to digestion and bloating, making it one of the most recommended acupressure points for belly fat loss. It works by supporting the stomach meridian, which plays a role in processing food and energy. Many people use this point to improve gut function and reduce abdominal heaviness.
You’ll find it about two finger widths below the navel, in the center of your abdomen. Place two or three fingers on the spot and press gently in circular motions for 2 minutes. It’s best to do this lying down in a relaxed position.
Practicing this daily may relieve bloating, constipation, or indigestion, which often makes the belly look larger. While it won’t directly “melt” fat, better digestion helps your body use nutrients more efficiently and may make weight loss easier.
3. Elbow Point (Large Intestine Meridian)
The elbow point helps stimulate bowel movement and detoxification. In traditional Chinese medicine, it’s part of the large intestine meridian, which is linked with the body’s ability to eliminate waste and excess fluid. People with sluggish digestion or water retention often find this point useful.
Bend your arm slightly and locate the crease of your elbow. The point lies on the outer side of the crease. Using your opposite thumb, press firmly for 1–2 minutes while rotating in small circles. Repeat on both arms.
By keeping your digestive system moving, this point helps prevent constipation and bloating. It’s not unusual to feel mild relief in your abdomen after pressing. Over time, better elimination supports weight balance by reducing stored toxins and water weight.
4. Knee Point (Stomach 36 or Zu San Li)
Stomach 36, often called Zu San Li, is one of the most famous acupressure points in Chinese medicine. Known as the “longevity point,” it is said to improve energy, strengthen the immune system, and regulate digestion. For weight loss, it may help boost metabolism and reduce fatigue that often leads to overeating.
To find it, place four fingers below your kneecap, just to the outer side of the shin bone. Use your thumb to press deeply in circular motions for 2–3 minutes per leg. You may feel soreness when pressing correctly.
This point is powerful because it supports the stomach and spleen meridians, which influence how your body processes food. Many practitioners recommend stimulating it daily, especially if you feel heavy after meals or have slow metabolism. By improving digestion, this point may help with fat breakdown and weight management.
5. Upper Lip Point (Governing Vessel 26)
The upper lip point is especially useful for emotional eaters. Located between the nose and the upper lip, this point is believed to calm the mind and reduce sudden cravings. It’s sometimes called an emergency point because it can also revive alertness.
To use it, press the area firmly with your index finger for about one minute whenever you feel an urge to snack, particularly under stress. You might feel a sharp sensation that fades into mild relief.
This point is most effective when used alongside mindful breathing. By calming stress and distracting the mind, it helps prevent overeating. If you often find yourself eating from boredom or anxiety, this point can be a simple way to pause and reset before reaching for food.
6. Hand Point (Hegu or LI4)
The weight loss acupressure points in hand are among the easiest to use since you can press them anywhere. LI4, also known as Hegu, is located in the webbing between your thumb and index finger. It is traditionally linked to pain relief, stress reduction, and improved digestion.
To stimulate it, pinch the fleshy area between your thumb and forefinger of the opposite hand. Apply firm pressure for 1–2 minutes, then switch sides. If you feel tenderness, you’re on the right spot.
This point is great for curbing sudden cravings. Press it before meals to avoid overeating, or use it when you’re tempted by sugary snacks. Since it also reduces stress, it can prevent comfort eating, making it a practical daily tool in your weight loss routine.
7. Wrist Point (Pericardium 6 or Nei Guan)
Pericardium 6 is well-known for easing nausea, but it’s also linked with calming the nervous system and reducing emotional eating. Stress and anxiety often trigger overeating, and this point may help reduce that cycle.
You’ll find it three finger widths below your wrist crease, between the two large tendons on your inner wrist. Use your thumb to press and hold for 2 minutes while breathing slowly. Repeat on both wrists.
Regular stimulation of this point can help improve willpower and keep stress-driven cravings in check. It’s especially helpful if you tend to eat late at night or when feeling overwhelmed.
8. Ankle Point (Spleen 6)
This point is tied to the spleen meridian, which influences digestion, water retention, and hormone regulation. Many practitioners use it for weight management and hormonal balance.
To locate it, place four fingers above your inner ankle bone along the shin bone. The point lies just behind the bone. Press deeply with your thumb in small circles for 2 minutes on each leg.
This point is especially helpful if you struggle with bloating or fluid retention. By stimulating it regularly, you may feel lighter and less puffy. It’s also considered a balancing point for overall metabolism.
9. Thigh Point (Gallbladder Meridian)
The thigh point supports fat metabolism and circulation in the lower body. It’s particularly useful for those who struggle with stubborn fat around the hips and thighs.
The point lies midway between your hip and knee, on the outer side of your thigh. Sit comfortably and use your fist or palm to press into the area in circular motions for 2–3 minutes.
Regular practice may improve circulation, reduce heaviness, and support fat breakdown. While it doesn’t directly burn fat, stimulating this area encourages better energy flow in the lower body.
10. Foot Point (Liver 3 or Tai Chong)
The liver plays a major role in processing fat and detoxifying the body. Stimulating Liver 3, or Tai Chong, is believed to improve liver function and regulate stress-related eating.
You’ll find it on the top of your foot, in the space between your big toe and second toe. Apply firm pressure with your thumb for 1–2 minutes per foot.
This point helps with cravings, especially for fatty or processed foods. By supporting the liver, it may improve how your body metabolizes fat and balances hormones tied to appetite.
11. Calf Point (Bladder Meridian)
The calf point is linked with circulation and water balance in the body. Stimulating it may help reduce swelling and improve overall energy flow.
Locate it midway up your calf, on the outer side of your leg. Use both thumbs to press into the muscle for 2 minutes, working in circular motions.
This point may be useful if you retain water or feel heavy in your legs. Improving circulation through this meridian supports detoxification, which indirectly aids weight management.
12. Jaw Point (Stomach Meridian near Jawline)
The jaw point targets the stomach meridian and is especially helpful for curbing sugar cravings. It can also help reduce tension in the jaw, which is often linked with stress eating.
To find it, place your fingers just below your ear, at the angle of the jaw. Press gently but firmly for 1–2 minutes while keeping your mouth slightly open.
This point works well if you struggle with cravings during stressful situations. By easing tension and calming the stomach meridian, it may make it easier to resist unhealthy snacks.
Acupressure as a Mind-Body Reset
Exploring acupressure for weight loss goes beyond pressing points; it’s about reconnecting with your body and noticing the signals it gives. Each pressure point is a small reminder to slow down, check in with your hunger, and respond thoughtfully rather than automatically. Beyond the potential metabolic benefits, the practice encourages mindfulness, reduces stress, and creates a sense of agency over your choices. Think of it as a subtle, daily habit that trains both your body and mind, turning the process of losing weight into a more conscious, balanced journey rather than a constant battle.