Different from the etiological treatment of weight loss western medicine, the formulation principle of traditional Chinese medicine for weight loss is based on the results of eight principles differentiation. There are multiple classification results for TCM weight loss, resulting in even more formulations. In recent years, numerous new formulations have been developed, and according to incomplete statistics, there are no less than dozens of them. The main four types are: Decoction, Pills, Granules, and Powders.
Traditional formulations, such as "Fang Feng Tong Sheng San" from "Xuan Ming Lun", have the functions of purging, releasing the exterior, clearing heat, strengthening the spleen, and harmonizing the stomach. It is effective for patients with excess heat due to yin deficiency, and stomach heat and dampness blockage. "Fang Ji Huang Qi Tang" and "Ze Xie Tang" from "Jin Kui Yao Lue" have the function of promoting water metabolism and reducing swelling, suitable for patients with spleen deficiency and dampness blockage. "Da Chai Hu Tang" and "Da Cheng Qi Tang" from "Shang Han Lun" have the functions of purging the liver, intestines, and treating excess heat, and can be used for patients with liver qi stagnation. There are also "Hui Gui Shu Gan Tang", "He Tao Cheng Qi Tang", "Jiu Wei Ban Xia Tang", "Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan", "Ma Zi Ren Wan", "He Ye San", and so on.
Famous Chinese medicine doctor Jiang Youli has proposed 8 principles for weight loss treatment and suggested using "Er Shu Si Ling Tang", "Ze Xie Tang", and "Fang Ji Huang Qi Tang" for transforming dampness; using "Er Chen Tang", "Ping Chen Tang", and "San Zi Yang Qin Tang" for resolving phlegm; using "Wu Pi Yin" and "Dao Shui Xie Ling Tang" for promoting water metabolism in mild cases, and using "Zai Che Wan" and "Shi Zao Tang" in severe cases; using "Xiao Cheng Qi Tang" and "Yi Wei Da Huang Tang" for bowel movement; using "San Xiao Yin" and "Bao He Wan" for digestion; using "Wen Dan Tang", "Shu Gan Yin", and "Xiao Chang San" for soothing the liver and promoting bile flow; using "Wu Wei Yi Gong San", "Can Ling Bai Zhu San", "Ji Shu Wan", and "Wu Ling San" for strengthening the spleen; and using "Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang", "Ji Sheng Shen Qi Wan", and "Gan Cao Fu Zi Tang" for warming yang.
In recent years, new formulations combining Chinese and Western medicine for weight loss have emerged, such as "San Hua Jian Fei Cha", "Qing Shen Yi Hao", "Qing Shen Jiang Zhi Le", "Xiao Fei Mei", "Chun Feng Jian Fei Cha", "Jian Fei Jiang Zhi Ling", "Tang Long Qing Shen Jiu", "Tian Yan Jian Fei Cha", "Xian Yao Cha", "Yao Shan Jian Fei Cha", "Huan Tong Tu", "Mai An Chong Ji", "Qi Xiao Wan", "Xiao Fei Jian Shen Tu", and so on, with a wide variety.
All of the above formulations have their own characteristics. Different from Western medicine, they not only have their main effects but also have some overall regulatory effects. Importantly, the choice of medication should be based on differentiation and treatment according to individual differences in order to be effective. If possible, the dosage or type of formulation should be adjusted in a timely manner according to changes in the condition.
