Chinese Herbal Medicine for Healthy Weight Loss: Balancing Qi, Resolving Phlegm

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) believes that obesity is related to phlegm, dampness, and qi deficiency. The Neijing states, "Those who have a natural inclination for fatty and sweet foods, alcohol, and indulgence in sexual pleasures tend to have a fat body and excess phlegm." Some TCM practitioners also mention that "obese individuals often have excessive phlegm and dampness," "obese fair-skinned individuals tend to have excess dampness," and "obese individuals feeling heavy, sluggish, and lacking energy are often qi deficient." Therefore, when using Chinese herbal medicine for weight loss, the focus should be on tonifying qi, strengthening the spleen, and resolving phlegm. By harnessing the advantages of Chinese herbal medicine and employing methods that invigorate digestion and promote bowel movements, one can adjust the functions of various organs in the body, convert excess body fat, restore energy metabolism, and achieve the goal of healthy weight loss. Chinese herbal medicine can help regulate the internal organs and endocrine system by promoting diuresis, invigorating the spleen, promoting blood circulation, and regulating qi. This improves the circulation of qi and blood in the body, facilitates the elimination of excess water, metabolic waste, and toxins, and accelerates metabolism. However, it is important to note that Chinese herbal medicine is still a form of medication, and medicinal herbs have their own characteristics and contraindications. Weight loss drugs, even those containing Chinese herbal medicine, are not completely safe.