Perhaps you’ve experienced wearing pants that fit just right—except for around that lower belly bulge. A few clicks online will flood you with solutions to get rid of it, ranging from endless crunches to scary surgical options. However, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) asks a deeper question: Why is fat so drawn to that area in the first place?
TCM suggests working with the body instead of fighting it. The acupoint Great Horizontal (Da Heng, SP15) offers a refreshing alternative—one that doesn’t require sweat, hunger, or gimmicks.
A Strategic Acupoint With Deep Roots
Da Heng was first mentioned in the “Zhen Jiu Jia Yi Jing,” known in English as “The A-B Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion,” a foundational text dating back nearly 2,000 years. In TCM, its significance lies in both its location and function. Situated precisely where the large intestine makes a sharp turn across the abdomen, Da Heng reflects the TCM view of the body as a natural landscape. T
Think of your intestines as rivers. At bends and corners, debris can gather and slow down the flow, creating a blockage that traps even more waste. Similarly, this acupoint is believed to be where undigested food and stagnant fluids collect, contributing to hard-to-shed belly fat.
What Da Heng Does Best
Da Heng’s primary function is to help clear out the “intestinal bends,” encouraging better flow and movement within the digestive system. That means less stagnation and buildup and better elimination. If constipation, abdominal heaviness, or bloating are part of your daily experience, this point may be especially useful.
As a bonus, it’s also associated with addressing dense lower belly fat that doesn’t respond to calorie cutting or crunches. By addressing the most problematic areas of the intestine prone to congestion, Da Heng enables the body to eliminate excessive fat naturally. Supporting digestion, easing distention, and encouraging proper elimination are the hallmarks of Da Heng’s therapeutic effect.
What Clinical Trials Say
Recent clinical research backs up what TCM has known for centuries. A patient-assessor blinded, randomized trial tested the effectiveness of electro-acupuncture using Da Heng, among other acupoints, to treat central obesity or excessive fat concentration around the abdominal area. Over eight weeks, participants in the electro-acupuncture group showed significantly better results than those in the sham group. They lost more inches off their waist and hips, and more body weight, and experienced more noticeable reductions in their body mass index. More importantly, the improvements lasted well into the follow-up period. Both groups had minimal and comparable side effects, highlighting that the method is both effective and safe.
How to Locate and Stimulate Da Heng
Finding Da Heng is straightforward. Start at the belly button and measure six finger widths directly to each side. This acupoint is symmetrical on both the left and right sides. Press around that spot until you locate a point that feels lightly sore or tender. These sensations indicate the presence of the acupoint and serve as reliable guidance.
Ways to Stimulate Da Heng
- Firm pressure: Press firmly for three to five seconds, then relax for three seconds. Repeat for one to three minutes on each side.
- Circular massage: Use circular motions with your index finger or thumb for one to three minutes. Alternate clockwise and counterclockwise circles.
- Herbal patch: Apply an herbal patch overnight for prolonged, gentle stimulation.
- Advanced methods: Acupuncture, cupping, and moxibustion (a gentle heat therapy with dried mugwort) by a trained professional can deepen the therapeutic effects.
Precautions
Avoid this acupoint if you have injuries in the area. When using herbal patches, opt for those made with natural ingredients, especially if your skin is sensitive. If your digestion is sluggish, you may experience more intense sensations when you press the point. That’s a sign the body is responding, and slow, gentle stimulation is key.
Daily Support for Digestive Health
Da Heng isn’t a pass to eat poorly or skip out on fiber, but it is a natural, side-effect-free way to support digestion and improve elimination. It helps address belly fat by helping it function the way it’s meant to. Whether trying to slim down or simply wanting to feel less bloated and more energetic, Da Heng offers a natural, sustainable option to incorporate into your self-care routine.
TCM expert Shihhsiang Hung reviewed this article for accuracy and clarity.
Originally published in Epoch Times on 16 June 2025
