For many people, the cause of obesity is over-eating and lack of exercise. Western medicine usually recommends a strict regiment of diet and exercise that gives quick results, that will dissipate without a continuation of the program. Doctors of traditional Chinese medicine will use massage therapy to stimulate relevant acupoints that will inhibit excessive appetite and help a person maintain a state of weight loss. 

There are several kinds of massage therapies that will have an appetite inhibiting effect. The following are two of the most sensitive regions of the hand that are commonly used in treating obesity: 

The first region is located at the center of the back of the hand, 3 centimeters in diameter, that corresponds to the chest and abdomen. 

The second region is located below the thumb and index finger and corresponds to the stomach, spleen, and intestines. Pressing both regions several times before each meal can slow down the peristalsis of the intestines and inhibit one's appetite. Keep in mind that if not enough force is applied and pain is not felt when using the two methods, they will not have appetite inhibiting effects. On the contrary, gentle rubbing and massage of these two regions will increase bowel movement and appetite. Using certain implements, such as a hairpin to stimulate the aforementioned regions will help you attain the desired effect. 

Diagram 1: The "chest-abdomen" region on the back of the hand is more sensitive to pain and clips should not be used. Instead, use a bunch of toothpicks to press this region repeatedly. Note: gentle rubbing and massaging of the region will have the opposite effect.  

Diagram 2: Pinching and pressing the "stomach-spleen-intestine" region right below the index finger and the thumb with force. You can also use hairpins and bookends to achieve the stimulatory effect.