Objective To observe the effects of meridian massage on body weight (BW). body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (We) and hip circumference (He) in patients of simple obesity. Methods Fifty-four obesity patients were randomized into a massage group (28 patients) and a control group (26 patients) with SAS (statistical analysis software). The patients in the control group were subjected to diet control and exercise program, while the patients in the massage group were subjected to diet control and massage program in combination with meridian massage. Stomach meridian, spleen meridian, bladder meridian, Guanyuan (CV 4), Qihai (CV 6), Zhongwan (CV12), Daheng (SP 15, both sides), Tianshu (ST 25, both sides), Zusanli (ST 36, both sides), Fenglong (ST 40, both sides) and Ash; points (at positions of fat accumulation) were selected, and the massages were mainly rolling manipulation, acupressure and pressing manipulation. The treatment was carried out 3 times a week for totally 24 times. Clinical therapeutic efficacy, BW, BMI, WC and HC of the patients in the two groups before and after treatment were evaluated. Results The difference in the comparison of therapeutic efficacy after treatment between the two groups was statistically significant, and the therapeutic efficacy in the massage group was better than that in the control group (P<0.05); BW, BWI, WC and HC in the massage group were significantly improved after treatment in comparison to those before treatment and those in the control group after treatment (P<0.05). Conclusion Meridian massage can significantly improve body mass and other related indices of patients, improve their life quality, and thus may reduce the morbidity of obesity related diseases.
