For many individuals, being on a weight loss journey is not as simple as eating less or working out more. Trying to lose weight may cause significant emotional distress and frustration, especially when the effort does not seem to give the expected results.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), weight loss management is viewed from a different perspective, taking into consideration how qi, digestive fire, body fluids, and emotions all interact within the body. Various holistic treatments are used to address the root causes of weight gain, improve digestion, and restore overall balance in the body. Looking for the most suitable Chinese remedy for weight loss? Here is a complete guide to help you better understand TCM approaches in achieving more sustainable weight changes.
Causes of Weight Gain from a TCM Perspective
From a TCM perspective, energetic patterns within the body play a crucial role in influencing body weight. Here are the causes of weight gain according to TCM:
Spleen Qi Deficiency
In TCM, the spleen is responsible for converting food into qi and transporting fluids around the body. A weakened spleen qi is believed to lead to inefficient nutrient utilisation. This may make individuals prone to bloating and a tendency towards weight gain.
Dampness and Damp Phlegm Accumulation
Dampness is often viewed as the central determinant of weight gain. Fluids that are not properly moved through the body build up as mucus and phlegm. This may translate as puffiness, swollen abdomen, and sluggishness.
Liver Qi Stagnation
The liver is often compared to an army general due to its vital role in storing blood and regulating the flow of essential substances throughout the body. Stress and unresolved emotional tension may constrict the liver, leading to emotional eating, irritability, and abdominal weight gain.
Phlegm Heat
Phlegm heat occurs when there is excess dampness in the body. This can result in inflammation and metabolic dysfunction. The signs of phlegm heat include a tendency to feel hot, an increased appetite for fried or spicy foods, and elevated lipid levels.
Chinese Herbs for Weight Loss
TCM practitioners often recommend herbs as one of the Chinese remedies for weight loss. These herbs have long been used as a complement to lifestyle changes, such as better diet and exercise routines, as well as other traditional Chinese treatments. Some of these herbs may be sipped as tea, nibbled as a dry root, or snacked on. Regardless of how you consume them, these herbs are believed to offer numerous benefits for weight control.
1. Ginseng
Ginseng is often recommended for individuals with low metabolism. It supports spleen and lung qi, helping to generate fluids. Patients who gain weight easily and often feel exhausted may benefit from consuming this herb.
2. Astragalus (Huang Qi)
Astragalus raises yang levels and helps secure the body. It helps improve fluid metabolism and is often used for those with low energy, who gain weight easily, and who tend to get sick easily. It may also help control blood sugar and lipid metabolism.
3. Job’s Tears (Yi Yi Ren)
Yi Yi Ren helps strengthen the spleen and reduce dampness in the body, clearing excess heat buildup. It is often recommended for patients with puffiness and water weight, as it supports urination without depleting the body’s qi.
4. Lotus Leaf (He Ye)
As a Chinese remedy for weight loss, lotus leaf is known to help manage dampness and support fat digestion. It may be beneficial for patients who have a diet high in fried or greasy foods.
5. Chinese Hawthorn (Shan Zha)
Chinese hawthorn may help improve slow digestion, especially when high intake of meat and greasy foods is a factor. Patients who often experience indigestion and bloating after heavy meals may benefit from consuming it.
6. Pu-erh Tea
Pu-erh Tea is a traditionally fermented black tea known for aiding slow digestion. It is often recommended to be consumed after oily or heavy meals. It may also help reduce body fat and improve cholesterol levels.
7. Goji Berry (Gou Qi Zi)
Although not specifically known as a weight-loss herb, goji berry supports liver and kidney function, which may improve vitality and energy levels for long-term weight management. It may also help improve eyesight.
Other Traditional Chinese Medicine Techniques for Weight Loss
Aside from prescribing Chinese herbs, TCM practitioners may recommend specific treatments to better address weight-gain issues.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a key treatment in many weight loss plans. It involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to influence digestion, appetite, stress, and metabolism. This treatment may help to reduce stress eating, regulate cravings, and maintain balance within the body.
Cupping
Cupping is a treatment that uses suction to lift the skin and underlying tissues. In TCM, it can mobilise Qi and blood in areas experiencing stagnation. Weight-loss cupping is performed on the upper and lower back and the abdomen. After the treatment, patients may notice a sense of lightness in their bodies and may find it easier to lose weight with a proper diet and exercise.
Reflexology
While reflexology is not a core TCM practice, it is sometimes used to help improve digestion, fat metabolism, and qi production. The gentle, focused pressure on specific foot zones also supports a better stress response and improves the body’s food processing.
Embrace a Holistic Journey to Weight Loss with TCM
TCM practitioners understand that maintaining a healthy weight requires a personalised, holistic approach. With TCM, we aim to harmonise the body’s systems to address the root causes of weight gain.
Yu He Tang Wen’s TCM Center is an experienced TCM clinic in Singapore dedicated to combining Chinese herbs, treatments, and lifestyle changes to support your journey toward sustainable weight loss. Get in touch and improve your health and wellbeing with us today!