WEIGHT LOSS

3 Reason for Weight Gain in TCM

TCM focuses in restoring the body’s natural balance and improving metabolism to shed excess weight. In TCM, fats are viewed as dampness or phlegm. This dampness is believed to accumulate due to overconsumption of sweet, greasy and processed food which in turn damages the Spleen function. Spleen plays an important role in turning food into energy and getting rid of excess body fluids.

However, when Spleen function is compromised, it fails to move and transform waste fluids and foods. Instead, these excess wastes will gather, collect and transform into dampness which will congeal into phlegm and become “fat”.

• Spleen Weakness and Stomach Heat

Over consumption of heavy, greasy and spicy foods or alcohol causes heat to accumulate in the stomach. The heat digests food faster and causes you to eat more, however at the same time the Spleen is overloaded and unable to function properly. As a result, excess metabolic products turn into dampness and phlegm which take up as extra weight on your body.

• Liver Qi Stagnation

For those who are under emotional stress, the Liver fails to regulate Qi (energy) flow. When this smooth flow of Qi is obstructed, blood flow is affected too. This sluggish flow of Qi can block organ meridians, block blood flow and impede damp clearance which result in weight gain. Managing stress and letting go of unnecessary emotion is also crucial when it comes to weight management.

• Kidney Yang Deficiency

Kidney is the fundamental root of all Yin and Yang. Yang is the warmth and the energy that keep the metabolism active. When Kidney Yang is deficient, fluids are not metabolized efficiently and fluid retention may occur. Body metabolism slows down and makes it difficult to lose weight.

TCM Views for Weight Loss

Common methods of TCM weight loss include: acupuncture, moxibustion, cupping, thread embedding and appoints massage.

1. Benefits of Acupuncture for Weight Loss

The effects of acupuncture slimming are visible with minimal adverse outcomes. It is a common misconception that acupuncture is used to “poke” fats away. Acupuncture works in a holistic way and does not work as a spot reduction treatment.

By stimulating appoints, it can speed up metabolism and promote fat decomposition. It assists to maximize the absorption of nutrients in our body, which are burned as fuel rather than stored as fat. It helps to promote healthy digestion. It suppresses appetite, which reduces the amount of energy that we take in. The combined effect will result in healthy weight loss. 

• Ear Acupuncture

The two most commonly used methods for ear acupuncture to lose weight are Needle-embedding and ear seeds. By selecting specific acupoints, it can enhance the effect of weight loss:

• Needle-embedding

Ear acupoints:  Shenmen, Stomach, Large Intestine, Sanjiao, Lung, Endocrine.

Efficacy:  Promoting qi and water, clearing the bowels and removing fat.

Usage: It firstly need to sterilize the selected acupoints, and accurately place the acupoints by using a small hemostatic forceps, and fix it with tape. The needle embedded will be removed  after 5 days, and then replaced by another acupoint. Only one acupoints are applied each time, 6 acupoints are taken in turn. 6 times are one course of treatment.

• Ear seeds

Main acupoints: endocrine, Shenmen.

Matching acupoints: large intestine, stomach, lung, mouth, cardia.

Efficacy: Regulate yin and yang, remove fat and lose weight.

Usage: It should stick the Vaccaria seeds on a 0.6cm tape and apply it to the selected acupoint. and pressure it until you feel acid, numbness, swelling, pain or fever sense. Only one auricular point is applied each time, and the two ears are applied alternately. The main point must be applied each time; 1-2 points can be selected as the auxiliary points, once a week, 10 times as a course of treatment. 

Please refer to the article” Ear seeds: A secret weapon for weight loss” if you want to know more about how ear seeds for weight loss. 

2. Benefits of Cupping for Weight Loss

By sucking and pulling local parts, it can dredge the meridians, balance qi and blood, adjust endocrine, accelerate blood circulation and lymph circulation, promote gastrointestinal motility, thereby improving digestive function, which can not only reduce body surface fat, but also reduce fat deep inside the body.

3.  Acupoint Catgut Embedding（ACE）

As one of popular weight loss methods – “acupoint catgut embedding（ACE）” is a useful acupuncture therapy for weight management. The catgut which is a “biological protein” absorbed by the body, is embedded in acupuncture points instead of needles. By timulating continuously on acupoints and adjusting meridians and internal regulatory function, it can promote metabolism with own adjustment to reach the balance in the body, so that the purpose of losing weight can be achieved.

This method is performed once every 15 days, which avoids the trouble and pain of “needling” once a day for those patients. It may be the good choice for busy modern people. 

4.  Benefits of Acupressure for Weight Loss

Acupressure for weight loss is another popular method nowadays. Through related acupoint massage, it can help to dredge the meridians and promote the body’s metabolism, which is very helpful for weight loss.

A Trusted Chinese Medical Clinic By Your Side

In addition to fat reduction, TCM can help to safely reduce the appearance of cellulite, strengthen core muscles and lift sagging skin. TCM weight loss can also relieve other health problems caused by weight gain such as fatigue, heat intolerance, perspirations, heart palpitations, shortness of breath and constipation. It also helps to prevent the onset of hypertension, coronary heart disease, high cholesterol, bone and joint disease, severe metabolic disorders such as diabetes and metabolic syndrome.

It is never too late to kick start your weight loss journey. Losing weight can improve your blood lipid levels, decrease internal inflammation, improve gut health and boost your confidence too.

At Shanghai Medical Clinic, we are committed to work together and support you in succeeding at weight loss. Feel free to contact us at + 971 4343 4811 or make an appointment.