Basic Principles of Weight Loss with Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
Weight loss with Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) involves adjusting the body’s internal functions to achieve the desired effect. The fundamental principles primarily include regulating metabolism, clearing heat and dampness, strengthening the spleen and replenishing qi, regulating qi and blood, and soothing the liver to relieve depression.
Regulating Metabolism
Metabolism refers to the process by which the body converts energy and exchanges materials. TCM can promote fat breakdown and consumption by regulating metabolism. For instance, Cassia obtusifolia contains various alkaloids and flavonoids that can enhance fat metabolism, aiding in weight loss【1】.
Clearing Heat and Dampness
According to TCM, the accumulation of damp heat in the body is a significant cause of obesity. By using herbs that clear heat and dampness, it is possible to effectively eliminate internal damp heat and promote fluid balance. Nelumbo nucifera (lotus leaf) is a commonly used herb for this purpose. Its main component, nuciferine, has diuretic and lipid-lowering effects, helping to reduce fat accumulation【2】.
Strengthening the Spleen and Replenishing Qi
Spleen deficiency is an important cause of obesity. The spleen governs the transportation and transformation of food and fluids. When the spleen is deficient, transportation and transformation are impaired, leading to the retention of dampness and ultimately obesity. Herbs that strengthen the spleen and replenish qi, such as Astragalus membranaceus and Atractylodes macrocephala, can improve spleen function, enhance digestion and absorption, and reduce fat accumulation【3】.
Regulating Qi and Blood
Qi deficiency or qi stagnation and blood stasis are also significant causes of obesity. By regulating qi and blood, the overall metabolic state of the body can be improved, promoting fat consumption. Salvia miltiorrhiza (danshen) has blood-activating properties, which can improve microcirculation and promote fat breakdown and metabolism【4】.
Soothing the Liver to Relieve Depression
TCM posits that emotional distress and liver qi stagnation can lead to obesity. By soothing the liver and relieving depression, emotional regulation can be achieved, promoting the circulation of qi and blood and thereby assisting in weight loss. Bupleurum chinense (chaihu) is a common herb used to soothe the liver and relieve depression. Its main component, saikosaponin, has antidepressant and lipid-regulating effects【5】.
Comprehensive Effects of TCM for Weight Loss
TCM weight loss is not the result of a single herb but rather the combined effects of multiple herbs that achieve comprehensive regulation. For example, TCM weight loss formulas often include herbs that clear heat and dampness, such as lotus leaf, herbs that strengthen the spleen and replenish qi, such as Atractylodes macrocephala, and herbs that soothe the liver and relieve depression, such as Bupleurum chinense. The combination of these herbs can more comprehensively regulate internal bodily functions to achieve weight loss【6】.
Clinical Application and Research Progress
In recent years, clinical research on TCM weight loss has made significant progress. Studies have shown that TCM weight loss has significant effects on regulating metabolism, improving lipid metabolism, and reducing body weight. For example, a clinical study on obese patients found that using a TCM formula containing lotus leaf and Cassia obtusifolia significantly reduced patients’ weight, body fat percentage, and waist circumference【7】. Another study demonstrated that a TCM formula containing Astragalus membranaceus and Atractylodes macrocephala significantly improved insulin resistance and lowered blood glucose levels in obese patients【8】.
Safety of TCM for Weight Loss
TCM weight loss is relatively safe in clinical applications, but some precautions are necessary. Firstly, TCM weight loss needs to be tailored to individual constitutions and should not be used blindly. Secondly, some herbs may have certain side effects; for instance, long-term high-dose use of Cassia obtusifolia may cause diarrhea【9】. Therefore, TCM weight loss should be conducted under the guidance of professional doctors.
Conclusion
TCM weight loss achieves its effects through multiple pathways, including regulating metabolism, clearing heat and dampness, strengthening the spleen and replenishing qi, regulating qi and blood, and soothing the liver to relieve depression. Recent clinical research has further confirmed the efficacy and safety of TCM weight loss. However, individualized treatment is essential due to differences in individual constitutions. When using TCM for weight loss, professional medical guidance is crucial to ensure safety and effectiveness.
