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Weight loss according to Traditional Chinese Medicine
According to TCM, the root of
excess weight is an imbalance within the body caused by malfunctioning of the spleen
and liver organ systems
In five-element theory, the spleen is responsible for the
proper functioning of the digestive system, ensuring that the food we eat is transformed
into Qi — the vital substance of life. Disharmony of the spleen will have symptoms
such as fatigue, slow metabolism, water retention, loose stool, and feeling of heaviness.
The
liver’s job is to keep the flow of your body’s Qi and blood (as well as your emotions)
running smoothly. Our modern, fast-paced lifestyle and chronic stress can negatively
impact the liver’s ability to function properly and smoothly, which, in turn, can
cause the spleen and the whole digestive system to function poorly and decrease your
metabolism. Liver disharmony can also cause some of the “triggers” that lead to cravings
and compulsive eating.
Backed by Research
A growing body of research supports the use of acupuncture and
Asian medicine in weight loss:
A 2003 study published in The Journal of Medical Acupuncture found that participants receiving acupuncture lost more than three times more weight than the control group.
In a study conducted by the University of Adelaide in Australia in 1998, 95 percent of the participants receiving electro-stimulation on acupuncture points reported appetite suppression. The results showed that the acupuncture group was more likely to experience a reduced appetite and to lose weight than the control group.
