4 Points for a Healthy Weight

Maintaining or reaching a healthy weight is one of the most popular non-medical reasons why people turn to acupuncture. And it’s important to note that I didn’t say losing weight! If that’s your goal, yes, acupuncture is a great complement to a healthy diet and exercise. But a “healthy weight” is different for everyone, and the key word in any weight conversation is “healthy.” So that’s our goal. Acupuncture offers a list of benefits to help you feel your best, whether you’re trying to lose, gain or maintain a healthy weight. It can increase your metabolism, lower stress levels (which come with a host of side effects) and balance your appetite. Here are four important points your acupuncturist might use to help you reach your weight-related wellness goals.

Three Yin Intersection (Spleen 6)
Located three thumb widths above your ankle bone on the inside of your lower leg is acupuncture point Spleen 6. It’s also called Three Yin Intersection or Three Yin Crossing because it’s where three meridians cross. Needling this point releases excess water retention, which can aid in weight loss or discomfort and restore the balance of water in your body. It’s also one of the primary points for digestive and sleep problems, which often affect a person’s ability to maintain a healthy weight.

Yin Lin Quan or Yin Mound Spring (Spleen 9)
Spleen 9, also known as Yin Lin Quan or Yin Mound Spring, is best found by running your finger up the inside of your lower leg along the tibia until your finger falls into an often sensitive hole below your knee. It’s a powerful point that’s most often used to resolve dampness, which might at first pass seem unrelated to a healthy weight. But in TCM, helping your body eliminate dampness using this point will also help you lose weight.

Zhong Wan (Ren 12)
Zhong Wan is found about halfway between your sternum and navel, and it has a direct effect on your stomach, relieving chronic indigestion and constipation. It also can help strengthen your digestive tract and calm stress-related stomach discomfort. 

Zu San Li (Stomach 36)
Zu San Li is often used to treat gastrointestinal discomfort, nausea, constipation and even energy. It’s located on the outside of your shinbone, about three thumb widths below the outer “eye” of your knee. It’s the command point of the abdomen and helps with all aspects of digestion. So it’s easy to see the benefits of this one!

Plenty of things affect your body’s ability to maintain a healthy weight, and acupuncture is a great tool for addressing those underlying conditions and finding the balance you need.

In health and wellness,
Julie