TCM weight loss: What are the facts?

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) offers a holistic perspective on weight loss that focuses on overall wellbeing rather than crash dieting.

TCM views excess weight as a symptom of an underlying imbalance or deficiency in the body that needs to be addressed, instead of just a cause of poor diet or lack of exercise.

By taking a whole-body approach and making lifestyle changes, TCM can help you lose weight sustainably.

close up of woman preparing herbs in pounder — Photo by Yan Krukau on Pexels.com

Table of Contents

How TCM Views Weight Loss

TCM looks at the root causes of being overweight differently than Western medicine:

Imbalances – Excess weight is seen as the result of imbalances in the body, especially deficiencies in qi (energy flow). If qi is weak, it can lead to a sluggish metabolism. Strengthening qi helps the body’s organs work properly. [1]
Organ function – Proper functioning of the spleen, stomach, liver and other organs is important for good digestion, nutrient absorption and waste elimination. [2]
Dampness or phlegm – Being overweight is associated with dampness or phlegm in the body, which are viewed as blockages that prevent proper energy and fluid flow. [3]
External factors – Diet, exercise and lifestyle impact weight, but are not the only causes. Internal balance plays a key role.

TCM Weight Loss Techniques

TCM uses a multifaceted approach to weight loss:

Acupuncture – Acupuncture points can help balance energy, improve organ function, reduce cravings and stress, boost metabolism, and aid digestion. Evidence shows acupuncture combined with diet and exercise can produce more weight loss. [4]
Chinese herbal medicine – Herbs that dry dampness, promote energy flow and support organ function may be used, like green tea, ginseng, garcinia cambogia and rhubarb root. Herbs are combined in formulas tailored to each person. Studies show certain herbal remedies can reduce BMI and body fat. [5]
Nutrition – TCM recommends eating warming, energetically balanced, easy-to-digest foods like vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean proteins, herbs and spices. Pungent, bitter and sour flavours are preferred for weight loss. Sugar, fried and heavy foods should be avoided. [3]
Exercise – Gentle exercises like tai chi, qi gong and yoga that integrate breathing and move energy can complement acupuncture treatment. Any exercise regimen should fit your current health level.
Stress relief – Tools like meditation, massage and acupressure ease tension and anxiety that can impede weight loss. Stress fuels cortisol production, which promotes fat storage around the stomach.
Lifestyle changes – Getting better sleep, sufficient daily activity, water intake and finding balance helps regulate appetite and metabolism.

A Customized Approach

The best TCM weight loss plans are tailored to each individual by identifying imbalances and selecting suitable therapies. A study in over 90 overweight adults found personalized TCM treatments produced greater weight loss than a standard approach. [6]

TCM practitioners take your health history, symptoms, body type and exam results into account. Blood tests, tongue evaluation for signs of imbalance and palpation of energy meridians can help determine appropriate treatment. Monitoring progress over a course of care is used to adjust the plan as needed.

The Takeaway

For sustainable, holistic weight loss, TCM offers an approach that nurtures your overall wellbeing, rather than just cutting calories. By restoring balance and optimal function, TCM helps your body find its natural, healthy weight.

Studies indicate this integrative approach can produce results comparable to or better than conventional diet programs. Talk to your healthcare provider about incorporating TCM therapies into your weight management efforts.