Losing weight and slimming down is a desire for many people. We all want to have a perfect body shape, so some people try various methods of weight loss, some of which are effective while others are not so satisfactory. So, which weight loss method is suitable for you? What are the commonly used methods of weight loss in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM)? Let's take a look.
Contents:
1. TCM Five Elements Weight Loss Method
2. Acupuncture Weight Loss Method
3. Cupping Therapy for Weight Loss
4. TCM Bathing for Weight Loss
5. Does Scraping Therapy Work for Weight Loss?
6. Acupressure Points for Weight Loss
7. Chinese Herbal Medicine for Weight Loss
8. Chinese Herbal Tea for Weight Loss
9. TCM Weight Loss Soup
10. Chinese Medicinal Recipes for Weight Loss
TCM Five Elements Weight Loss Method:
What are the Five Elements?
The Five Elements refer to metal, wood, water, fire, and earth. They have a cycle of mutual generation and mutual restraint. Metal corresponds to the lungs, wood corresponds to the liver, water corresponds to the kidneys, fire corresponds to the heart, and earth corresponds to the spleen. They are interconnected just like our human body. Our constitution is not completely singular. It may lean towards water and earth, or wood and fire.
Step 1: Consultation
Which element do you belong to?
Since it is TCM Five Elements, the first step is the four diagnostic methods of observation, listening, questioning, and pulse taking by a TCM practitioner. Through these four diagnostic methods, the practitioner can determine which element you belong to and categorize your obesity as either central obesity, constitutional obesity, or lower limb edema. Then, they can prescribe suitable treatment and design a customized prescription.
Step 2: Acupuncture
Adjusting constitution and slimming specific areas
After determining the constitution, the next step is to adjust the constitution. This can be achieved through acupuncture. Depending on the individual's constitution, the practitioner will identify the acupoints that need strengthening and stimulation for adjustments. Excessive fire needs to be reduced, while deficiency in vital energy needs to be replenished. Additionally, for those with localized obesity, localized acupuncture can be intensified to promote local metabolism.
Step 3: Herbal Bath
Regulating metabolism and targeted weight loss
We can make herbal bath bags using different Chinese medicinal herbs based on our body shape and constitution. For individuals with central obesity, a bath using herbs such as Fangfeng, Jingjie, Lianqiao, Mahuang, Shanwei, and Dahuang is recommended. For constitutional obesity, a bath using herbs like Fangji, Huangqi, and Baizhu is recommended. For lower limb edema, a bath using Fuzi, Fuling, and Baishao is recommended. Bathing with herbal ingredients can promote metabolism and gradually achieve the goal of weight loss.
Step 4: Massage
Relaxing meridians
Based on the individual's constitutional attributes, select suitable essential oils that correspond to the Five Elements (metal, wood, water, fire, and earth) and perform massage on the acupoints on the back. Since most people do not exclusively belong to a single element, multiple essential oils may be used for massage. Massage is also suitable for localized weight loss.
In a spa, essential oils are used for massages, but the massage therapists rarely have a certain level of TCM knowledge. In TCM hospitals, there are professional TCM massage therapists, but they rarely choose aromatic essential oils that smell pleasant for massage. Depending on personal preferences, choose between a spa therapist or a TCM massage therapist.
Step 5: Medicinal Diet
Slimming through enjoyable eating
TCM regulation does not only involve bitter and tear-inducing Chinese herbal medicine. The combination of Chinese medicinal herbs and delicious food is now widely used in many medicinal diet restaurants, gaining popularity. It should be emphasized that these medicinal diets should match the individual's constitutional attributes to achieve the goal of body nourishment and weight loss.
Please note that the above information is for reference only. It is recommended to consult with a qualified TCM practitioner or healthcare professional before starting any weight loss program.
