Hydration Alone Won't Fix Puffiness - An Acupuncturist Busts Common Myths and Explains What Actually Works

If you're among those who does everything right and still find yourself at the brink of losing all motivation to keep chasing the image of your 'dream body', there may be a big, little detail you're missing out on. In many bodies, owing to the work-imposed sedentary hours as well as lifestyle choices, recurring issues like puffiness and inflammation begin to disguise themselves as 'stubborn weight' - simply for how constant and immovable they feel. The body holding on to water weight and gas, masks as those extra kilos on the weighing scale which can be disheartening to see. But the good news here is, it's much more easier to dissipate than actual fat. Licensed acupuncturist and traditional Chinese medicine expert, Jude Massey, busts myths and shows

the way out of weight loss purgatory.

What is Puffiness?

A recurring advice resounding everywhere is to treat consistent hydration as a one-size-fits-all approach to tackling health issues. While keeping yourself well-hydrated of course does work wonders, Massey clears that puffiness for one, isn't just water weight your body is holding on to, or even the lack of proper hydration there of. It's what the body is unable to move out. He says: "It's not a hydration problem. People drink more water and the puffiness stays. The body has the fluid. It can't shift it. That's a different problem and it needs a different answer."

The Two 'Magic' Pressure Points

A CB Physiotherapy report explains the rationale behind acupuncture: "Practitioners believe the human body has more than 2,000 specific points connected by pathways, or meridians. These pathways circulate a vital energy known as 'Qi'. Disruptions in this energy flow are thought to cause disease or pain." Now you don't need to book an expensive acupuncture session to finally get rid of all that excess your body has been carrying. Massey explains how all you need, is your fingers - and some discipline. Of the 2000 points in the body, he specifically mentions two - Stomach 36 and Spleen 9, to get you started on your journey to reverse puffiness.Stomach 36, as Massey explains, is: "Four finger widths below the kneecap, one finger width outside the shinbone." This is the point for the spleen, which as per the understanding of traditional Chinese medicine, moves fluid. Massey asks for you to massage this point for at least 2 minutes in the morning.

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Spleen 9 on the other hand, is for if your puffiness feels heavy and damp. "Just below the inside of the knee, in the dip under the bone," he explains. If pressing on this point makes you wince, chances are you've hit the jackpot. Massey asks for you to massage this point on both your legs, for 2 minutes each.

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Consistency is Key

One bout of pressing won't undo years of accumulation. Massey asks for the same kind of habit and discipline you have with brushing your teeth. He also presses on the importance of keeping the body warm from the inside to break this cycle of inflammation and puffiness. "The digestive centre sits between the navel and the bottom of the breastbone...The body can't move fluid when the middle is cold," he explains. Keeping puffiness at bay then, comes down to being equipped with the right information and a commitment to reverse it.Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Readers should consult a qualified healthcare professional or nutritionist before making any significant changes to their diet, especially if they have existing health conditions. Times Now does not assume responsibility for any outcomes arising from the use of this information.