Weight loss is a fashionable topic that people talk about no matter the time or season. There are many methods for losing weight, such as liposuction, exercise, and dieting, but today I will introduce you to traditional Chinese medicine weight loss methods, specifically cupping therapy, in the hope of helping you lose weight quickly and effectively.
Traditional Chinese Medicine Weight Loss
1. Stomach Harmonizing and Fat Eliminating Method
Most cases of obesity are caused by excessive intake of sweet and fatty foods, which leads to the accumulation of fat in the stomach. Symptoms often include bloating, belching, acid reflux, foul taste in the mouth, and a greasy tongue coating. To address these symptoms, it is recommended to use herbal medicines such as hawthorn, barley malt, and radish seed to harmonize the stomach and aid digestion. These herbs have long been known in traditional Chinese medicine for their ability to eliminate fat. Traditional formulas like Jiao San Xian and Bao He Wan, especially used in pediatric medicine, are commonly used for this purpose. Commercially available products like hawthorn fruits, hawthorn cakes, and hawthorn pastries are sweet and delicious, making them convenient for consumption on the go. Fresh radish can be eaten raw or stir-fried, and it is a simple and effective food therapy for reducing fat.
2. Blood Circulation Promotion and Stasis Removal Method
Obese individuals tend to have a higher amount of fat in their blood, which can easily lead to atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases. Medicines that promote blood circulation and remove stasis can dilate coronary arteries, increase blood flow, lower blood lipid levels, prevent plaque formation, and facilitate its regression. For individuals with obesity-related blood stasis, women with menstrual disorders, or those with purple spots on the tongue, this method not only helps reduce fat but also treats the underlying conditions. Commonly used medicinal herbs for promoting blood circulation and removing stasis and reducing fat include Angelica sinensis and Chuanxiong, which are the main ingredients in traditional formula Foshou San, known for their ability to promote blood circulation, regulate menstruation, and alleviate pain. Salvia miltiorrhiza, known as Danshen, is commonly used for treating cardiovascular diseases. Paeonia lactiflora and Tetrastigma hemsleyanum are effective for promoting blood circulation and relieving muscle tension, making them suitable for those with blood stasis in the meridians. Notoginseng and Typhonium flagelliforme are effective for promoting blood circulation and relieving pain, and are often used for individuals with blood stasis and stabbing pain. Commercially available products like Danshen capsules, compound Danshen capsules, Coronary Formula 1, and Coronary Formula 2 have the effect of promoting blood circulation, removing stasis, and reducing fat.
3. Chest Expanding and Phlegm Dissolving Method
Traditional Chinese medicine literature suggests that obese individuals tend to have excessive phlegm, which refers to the accumulation of excess fat. Common symptoms include shortness of breath, chest tightness, dizziness, vomiting, nausea, and a greasy tongue coating. For individuals with these symptoms, the method of chest expanding and phlegm dissolving is appropriate.
Commonly used herbs for this method include Trichosanthes kirilowii, also known as Gualou, which is a major herb for chest expanding and phlegm dissolving. Commercially available Gualou packages are made from this herb and can help reduce blood lipids, particularly effective for treating coronary heart disease. Gualou kernel also has a laxative effect, making it suitable for those with phlegm accumulation and constipation. Allium macrostemon, also known as Xiaoxiang, is often used in combination with Gualou. It is a famous traditional Chinese medicine formula called Gualou Xiaobai Tang, which has been used for hundreds of years. Fructus aurantii and Pinellia ternata can both expand the chest and dissolve phlegm, and when combined with dried tangerine peel and pinellia, they form the Wen Dan Tang method, commonly used for treating obesity with phlegm-dampness, palpitations, and insomnia. Pinellia ternata can dissolve phlegm, regulate the stomach, and stop vomiting. When combined with dried tangerine peel, it becomes the main ingredient in Er Chen Tang, a traditional formula for resolving phlegm-dampness. Commercially available products like Chenpi plum and dried tangerine peel strips are delicious and can be used as dietary therapy for reducing fat.
4. Liver Soothing and Gallbladder Promoting Method
Bile is responsible for digesting fat. People with liver inflammation, gallbladder inflammation, and liver and gallbladder stones often have insufficient bile secretion and tend to avoid greasy foods. However, if they accidentally consume such foods, it can trigger a flare-up of their condition. Liver soothing and gallbladder promoting methods are essential for liver and gallbladder diseases, especially for patients with fatty liver, as I have personally seen good results with this method.
Commonly used medicinal herbs for liver soothing and gallbladder promoting include Artemisia capillaris, which is a specialized herb in traditional Chinese medicine for treating jaundice and has a good bile-promoting effect. Curcuma zedoaria, Curcuma longa, and Curcuma aromatica are all from the same family and can soothe the liver, promote bile secretion, and reduce fat. They are often used in combination with Artemisia capillaris. Commercially available Baijin pills are made from Curcuma aromatica and alum, and are a Chinese patent medicine that soothes the liver, promotes bile secretion, reduces fat, and dissolves stones. Bupleurum chinense powder (Bupleurum, Citrus aurantium, Paeonia lactiflora, Glycyrrhiza uralensis, Cyperus rotundus, and dried tangerine peel) can be used as a commonly used formula with adjustments based on the symptoms. Cassia obtusifolia seeds can clear the liver and brighten the eyes. Drinking tea made from these seeds regularly can help clear liver heat and reduce blood lipids.
