VII. Massage for Weight Loss TCM massage also called tu-na has been applied for 2000 years; it is widely used in Chinese medicine. The techniques are simple and fairly easy to manipulate and is especially good for localized slimming. It can be used on its own, but it is usually used in conjunction with other treatment strategies. TCM massage therapy promotes qi (vital energy) and blood flow, helps to remove obstructions in the meridians and relieves stagnation. Different forms of pressure are applied depending on whether the aim is to tonify, to reduce, or to achieve a relative neutral, calming effect. Massage helps restore localized blood circulation and increases the metabolic rate and lipid break down in the targeted area. Different forms of massage manipulations.

1. Topical massage

These are very simple and straightforward massage techniques. Choose the appropriate regions, e.g. abdomen, hip, waist and thigh, use a hot towel to rub and scrub the area first, and then apply the recommended amount of herbal paste on it. The strength of pressure depends on the thickness of fat tissues and individual's condition. Basically a person should feel comfortable after massage. The usual manipulations are pressing, rubbing, pushing and grasping techniques. Each session should last for 10-15 minutes and be performed two to three times daily. 2. Massage of acu-points This massage technique concentrates on applying pressure to specific acu-points in order to achieve specific systemic changes in the body. The choice of acu-points is based on the type of diagnostic pattern that is used in acupuncture treatment. It is suitable for localized slimming. For example, the protocol for the abdominal region is: Lying flat on the back, untie the belt and relax the whole body. Apply pressure on acu-points such as zhong-wan, zhong-shu and guan-yuen by pinching, rubbing, vibrating and pressing with palm manipulation. Sometimes digital-striking on the acu-points is used in order to reinforce the stimulations. Each session should last for ten minutes and be performed once daily. 3. Massage follows the meridians Physicians massage areas through which the meridians run, and especially treat the acu-points along them. The meridians mainly focused on are the spleen,stomach, lung and bladder. Physicians usually manipulate them by using pushing, grasping, pressing, striking, pinching, rubbing and rolling techniques. Massage can concentrate on specific meridians such as the speen, stomach, lung and bladder meridians. For example, individuals lying flat on their back are massaged along the lung, spleen and kidney meridians; the usual selected acu-points are: zhong-fu, yun-men, ti-wei, sheng-wei, fu-jie, fu-she, zhong-wan, qi-hai and guan-yuan. Individuals lying face down are massaged along the bladder meridian; the usual selected acu-points are pi-shu, wei-shu and shen-shu. Massage should occur three times weekly; four weeks is considered one course. Although massage is generally very safe, some precautions should be noted. Never use massage on someone who is suffering from severe cardiovascular or liver disease; avoid massage on areas where there are lumps, tumors or skin lesions. Take extreme care with massage during pregnancy or menstruation and in elderly persons. A professional massagist should be sought where possible.