February 8, 2010
by Antonia Balfour
Losing weight is a major concern and struggle for so many people around the world. There is no magical method to shed off unwanted pounds. Lifestyle changes are the most crucial aspect of any successful weight loss program. But Chinese medicine does have a role as part of a holistic weight-loss program designed to achieve long-term results. Recent clinical trials confirm the efficacy of acupuncture and Chinese medicine as a successful tool in the treatment of obesity and weight loss.
How Does it Work
From the Chinese medicine perspective, weight gain comes when the Qi (life-force energy) of the Spleen meridian (different from the anatomical spleen, in Chinese medicine it governs digestion) is weak and the Qi of the Liver meridian (which flows energy throughout the body) is stuck. Weak Spleen Qi leads to a build-up of phlegm. When we think of “phlegm” we think of a runny nose or congestion in the lungs. But in Chinese medicine “phlegm” is a broader concept. Fat, or adipose tissue, is said to be a build-up of phlegm-dampness.
Acupuncture points, foods, and herbs are chosen to boost the Spleen Qi, flow the Liver Qi, and eliminate phlegm-dampness.
In addition, psychological aspects of losing weight are addressed.
The key to treatment with Chinese medicine is that each treatment is customized to address the individual needs of every patient.
In treating a patient trying to lose weight, points may also be chosen to: relieve hunger, aid metabolism, reduce stress, control compulsive eating, and calm the spirit.
Avoid Fad Diets –
Any diet focused on eating in an unnatural way may initially shed pounds, but there’s no way the weight will stay off.
Eating cabbage soup for a week or eliminating carbs completely will help one lose weight in the short term. But both the body and mind will invariably shift causing even more intense cravings in order to rebuild stores of energy. This can begin a cycle of yo-yo dieting which ultimately slows metabolism and creates imbalances within the body.
What to Eat –
In general, the focus of healthy eating according to Chinese medicine is efficiency.
Foods must be easily and efficiently digested in order to produce energy. Waste must be efficiently eliminated so that unwanted turbidity doesn’t build up in the body.
Chinese medicine practitioners generally recommend a “clear, bland diet” consisting of complex carbohydrates from grain and beans, and lots of fresh vegetables and fruits. Steamed vegetables are easier on the digestive system than raw ones. Meats, sugar, fats, and spices are used sparingly. A healthy diet is one with a lot of variety.
Ideally, a specific eating plan should be customized for each person according to their Chinese medicine body type. A person who runs hot should avoid warming foods and spices like garlic, onions, and cinnamon, whereas these foods may be beneficial for someone who runs cold.
In creating an eating plan, the most important thing is to find a way of eating that can be maintained on a long-term basis. Everyone needs an “indulgence” every now and then, but these should be the exception, not the rule.
Clinical Research
Recent studies published in the International Journal of Obesity and the Journal of Medical Acupuncture and show acupuncture groups more successful in losing weight than control groups.
In Conclusion
The holistic approach to losing weight with Chinese medicine aims to assist people to take weight off and keep it off. Results are achieved through improving digestion, improving metabolism, decreasing food cravings, reducing appetite, and balancing emotions. Because of the holistic nature of the treatment, lasting changes occur on both a physical and an emotional level leading to long-term successful results.
