Pushing pressure points and massaging different parts of our body are some of the most effective ways to relieve stress. But according to an acupuncture expert, pressing the right points could limit binge eating, too.
Yahoo Health reports acupuncture and oriental doctor Daniel Hsu explains how applying pressure in certain areas of the body could help control overeating. When done correctly, rubbing these pressure points will regulate the hypothalamus, which is the part of the brain responsible for hunger hormones, appetite and digestion.
Yes, no needles involved!
Aside from stress and headaches, Hsu says massaging the base of your neck could relieve cravings, too. So whenever you feel guilty for planning on indulging, try rubbing the area where the hairline and neck meet with the use of both hands.
You can also stop the urge for food by pressing the back of your hand firmly. Almost to the point of discomfort, pressing the thick area between the thumb and forefinger could be worth it for relieving hunger, pain and stress.
Giving your temples or the point between your eyebrows a good rub could actually suppress your appetite, too. According to Hsu, these pressure areas are connected with the nerves that could stimulate the nervous system in producing serotonin --- a neurotransmitter also responsible in controlling hunger.
Binge eating doesn't only happen during Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners since overindulging on food isn't really driven by physiological hunger. Apparently, the urge to overeat is triggered by psychological problems such as feeling inadequate, fear of failure and shame.
According to a website called Eating Disorder Hope, this bad eating behavior could intensify feelings of sadness, depression, anxiety, anger and loneliness when done continuously. In fact, overeating could most likely lead to obesity which increases risks for cardiovascular diseases, high blood pressure and diabetes.
