The most direct and obvious cause of a protruding abdomen and an enlarged waistline is the accumulation of excess fat in the abdominal area. However, many people are often unaware that two other factors—gas buildup in the abdominal cavity and tension in the abdominal muscles and fascia—can also contribute to abdominal distension.
Modern lifestyles involve prolonged periods sitting in front of computers with little exercise, leading to slowed gastrointestinal motility. Diets rich in high-protein and high-fat foods produce significant amounts of gas during digestion. Irregular living habits keep the digestive functions of the spleen and stomach in a low state, prolonging the time food remains in the digestive tract. All these factors can lead to excessive gas production in the body.
Under normal circumstances, gases within the digestive tract can be absorbed by the intestinal walls and expelled. However, if gas production is excessive or digestive function declines, these gases accumulate in the abdominal cavity, causing discomfort and distension.
On the other hand, people under stress and lacking physical activity tend to have muscles and fascia that are in a relatively high-tension state. When touched, they feel stiff, tense, and cold. This is especially prominent in the abdomen, which lacks bony support and has relatively lax muscles.
In summary, the bloated belly of an obese person not only contains excess fat but also a significant amount of gas and muscle tension.
How Traditional Chinese Medicine Views Obesity
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has unique insights into obesity. TCM categorizes excess fat accumulated under the skin as phlegm-dampness, a pathological product. The basic pathogenesis lies in the failure of the spleen and stomach to maintain healthy function, leading to the internal generation of phlegm-dampness.
Overconsumption of fatty and sweet foods, nutritional imbalances, irregular daily routines, excessive sedentary behavior, and emotional distress can all damage the spleen and stomach. This impairs their ability to transform food, preventing the refinement and distribution of nutrients. As a result, these nutrients accumulate as phlegm-dampness and fatty substances within the body. It is clear that while the superficial manifestation of obesity is excess fat and phlegm-dampness, its root lies in the health of the spleen and stomach.
The Principle of Massage for Weight Loss
True fat, as a tangible substance, cannot be eliminated or transported away in a short period. For massage to produce noticeable results, it typically requires 3 to 6 months.
Each abdominal massage session reduces not only fat but also decreases the abdominal circumference by facilitating the absorption and expulsion of gas in the abdominal cavity and reducing the tension in the abdominal muscles and fascia, thereby releasing the “space” they occupy.
Massage techniques significantly enhance gastrointestinal motility, accelerate digestion and absorption, relax muscles and fascia, and improve blood circulation within and outside the abdominal cavity. These techniques also form the basis of massage therapy for internal diseases such as stomach pain, gastrointestinal dysfunction, constipation, diarrhea, and even diabetes and fatty liver disease.
Scientific Methods for Massage Weight Loss
Excess fat accumulates over years and requires a similarly lengthy period to eliminate. Do not compromise your health in pursuit of rapid weight loss.
Massage for weight loss should be guided by the principles of strengthening the spleen and stomach and eliminating phlegm and fat. This approach should be accompanied by a scientifically balanced diet and regular exercise to treat both the symptoms and the root cause. On one hand, it promotes the circulation of qi (vital energy) in the muscles, skin, and fascia; on the other hand, it regulates the spleen and stomach. Abdominal organ massage combined with acupressure at specific points effectively strengthens the spleen and stomach, enhances digestive function, and boosts overall metabolism.
Massage involves scientific operational standards and treatment procedures in the selection of techniques, application of pressure, differentiation of acupoints based on individual conditions, and use of acupoint methods. Treatments vary according to the age, constitution, and stage of treatment for different patients. This requires the expertise of experienced massage therapists.
A scientific attitude and healthy mindset always come first. The correct weight loss process should start with dietary adjustments and increased physical activity. Within about a month, there will be a reduction of 2 to 5 centimeters in abdominal circumference. At this point, many people encounter a plateau where, despite continued exercise and a balanced diet, their weight no longer decreases. This is when massage can step in to help patients quickly overcome this plateau, improving efficacy and boosting confidence and perseverance. (Wang Hailong)