The most direct and obvious cause of abdominal bloating and an increase in waist circumference is the accumulation of excess fat in the abdomen. However, many people are unaware that factors like abdominal bloating from gas and the tension in the abdominal wall’s muscles and fascia can also cause the abdomen to appear distended.
Modern people often spend long hours at desks facing computers with little exercise, slowing down the movement of the gastrointestinal tract. Their diet typically includes high-protein and high-fat foods, which generate a significant amount of gas during digestion. Irregular lifestyles and weak spleen and stomach digestive functions also lead to prolonged food retention in the digestive system. These factors all contribute to excessive gas production in the body.
Under normal conditions, the gas in the digestive tract is absorbed by the intestinal walls and expelled from the body. However, if too much gas is produced or digestive function is impaired, the gas can accumulate in the abdominal cavity, resulting in bloating and discomfort.
Additionally, for individuals who experience high stress and lack exercise, the muscles and fascia throughout the body tend to remain in a state of tension. When palpated, these areas feel stiff, tense, and cold. This is especially noticeable in the abdominal area, where the muscles are relatively relaxed and lack skeletal support.
In conclusion, an overweight person’s bloated abdomen is caused not only by excessive abdominal fat but also by significant gas buildup and muscle tension.
Traditional Chinese Medicine’s Perspective on Obesity
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), obesity is viewed differently. Excess fat stored under the skin is considered phlegm and dampness, pathological products. The fundamental cause is the weakness of the spleen and stomach, which fails to properly transform and transport food, leading to the formation of internal dampness and phlegm.
Overeating rich foods, poor nutrition, irregular sleep, lack of exercise, and emotional stress can all impair the spleen and stomach, reducing their ability to transform nutrients. The resulting excess is stored as phlegm and dampness, leading to an accumulation of fat in the body. Thus, TCM sees obesity as being rooted in the dysfunction of the spleen and stomach.
The Principle of Massage for Weight Loss
True fat, as a “tangible substance,” cannot be eliminated or transported in a short period. For noticeable results, massage for weight loss typically requires 3 to 6 months.
The reduction in waist and abdominal circumference after each massage session is not just due to fat loss, but also the absorption and expulsion of abdominal gas, as well as the release of “space” after reducing tension in the abdominal wall muscles and fascia.
Massage techniques are effective in promoting gastrointestinal motility, accelerating digestion and absorption, relaxing muscles and fascia, and improving blood circulation in the abdominal and surrounding tissues. These techniques form the basis for treating internal diseases like stomach pain, gastrointestinal disorders, constipation, diarrhea, as well as conditions such as diabetes and fatty liver.
Scientific Approach to Massage for Weight Loss
Fat accumulation takes years to form, and its reduction requires a significant amount of time. Therefore, one should not pursue quick weight loss at the cost of health.
Massage for weight loss should be guided by principles of strengthening the spleen and stomach and eliminating phlegm and fat. This should be combined with a healthy diet and regular exercise, addressing both the symptoms and root causes. On one hand, it helps regulate the flow of energy and blood, unblocking the channels and meridians beneath the skin and fascia; on the other hand, it improves the function of the spleen and stomach through abdominal organ massage and specific acupressure points, enhancing digestion and overall metabolism.
There are scientific protocols for selecting massage techniques, controlling pressure, identifying acupuncture points, and determining how to use them. Treatment varies depending on the patient’s age, constitution, and the stage of the treatment. This requires an experienced massage therapist.
A scientific approach and a healthy mindset are always the most important factors. The proper weight loss regimen should begin with dietary adjustments and simultaneously include increased physical activity. Within about a month, abdominal circumference may reduce by 2 to 5 centimeters. Many people experience a plateau during this time, where weight no longer decreases despite maintaining exercise and a balanced diet. At this point, massage can be used to help patients overcome the plateau, enhancing the treatment’s effectiveness and boosting the patient’s confidence and endurance.