Weight Management with Chinese Medicine

By Maureen M. Conant, L.Ac.

There are a ton of diets out there; low carb, high carb, low fat, raw food, etc. but let’s face it, America’s not getting any thinner. In fact, obesity is currently at an all time high. So, just to add more to your plate (ha!), let’s look at a different perspective on weight loss according to Chinese Medicine. According to the principles of Chinese Medicine, excess weight gain is simply an indication that the body is out of balance.

Visit a practitioner of Chinese Medicine and they are likely to evaluate and diagnose you as if you had any type of health complaint. Each person’s weight pattern is individual and should be treated as such. Weight gain can generally be viewed as a lack of Qi in the body. Qi (“Chee”) is partly how much energy your body has to function, similar to your metabolism. (I say partly because there is no direct translation of the word Qi in English that encompasses its whole meaning.) If your body doesn’t have enough Qi to break down and assimilate the food you eat properly, the system will slow down and some of the food you eat will be stored as fat.

The organ systems that are most affected by lack of Qi, resulting in unwanted weight gain, are the Spleen/Stomach and Kidney systems. Depending on which system is more affected, each pattern shows up differently.

The Spleen/Stomach system governs weight and digestion, in other words, how well your body utilizes the food you eat. People with a weakness in this area often gain weight predominantly around the middle. Other symptoms associated with a Spleen/Stomach weakness include: cravings for sweets, poor digestion, tiredness after eating, blood sugar problems, cloudy thinking, poor concentration, emotional eating and food addictions.

The Kidney system governs water metabolism and the strength of the body's core energy. People with a weakness in this area tend to have a problem with water retention and puffiness, especially under the eyes, legs and ankles. Weight gain tends to be either overall or more in the hip and thigh areas. Other symptoms associated with a Kidney weakness include: hormonal imbalances, depression, fatigue and low thyroid levels. You may gain weight even while eating very little, or perhaps obesity runs in the family and you’ve had to struggle with weight since childhood.

In both cases, a weakness of Qi can be constitutional, or in other words, part of your genetic makeup. In that case it may be more of a challenge to treat. Or, a weakness can come from a result of stress, overwork, exhaustion, or poor diet. Our amount of Qi naturally declines as we age, which explains why it’s harder to lose weight when we get older. ‘The metabolism isn’t quite what it used to be’, as we sometimes say.

But not to worry, it is possible to build and conserve our Qi and balance the body through common sense dietary changes, acupuncture, and herbs. When you visit a practitioner of Chinese Medicine, they will set you up on a personally designed weight reduction program. The best program for you will strengthen whatever areas of your body are weak or deficient.

Acupuncture is very helpful in balancing your Qi. Your acupuncturist will design treatments that improve your digestion, reduce water weight, reduce stress, and detoxify your body. This helps flush out fat and toxins and support you if you are dealing with any food addictions or excessive appetite. As an added benefit, you’ll notice that you feel more centered, less stressed, sleep better, and have more energy!

Your practitioner will also prescribe an herbal formula to help increase Qi and strengthen your Spleen, Stomach, and Kidney system. depending on your particular pattern. This will help you eliminate wastes, toxins, fats, and retained fluids.

Food therapy is also a big part of the program. In Chinese Medicine, food IS medicine. Foods to indulge in are foods that stimulate digestion, boost Qi, strengthen the Spleen, Stomach, and Kidney systems, eliminate excess water and detoxify the body. Foods that help aid in weight loss include: bitter melon (sometimes called winter melon), mushrooms, celery, lettuce, asparagus, corn and corn silk, lotus leaves, jobs tears (or pearl barley), rice, hawthorne berries, wolf berries, dark leafy greens, lemon, seaweed, green tea, and vinegar. In general, foods with sour and bitter flavors help to dissolve fats and aid digestion to help with weight loss.

It is best to limit greasy, oily, and rich foods. (This includes dairy, alcohol, and sugar.) These foods tend to slow down and create sluggish digestion. Also limit cold/iced beverages even in summertime. These put out the digestive fire and slow down the digestive process. Substitute your morning stimulant for some green tea, which helps improve digestion and break down fats. So if you’re gonna splurge and have a croissant, try pairing it up with some tea instead of a Grande Frappachino!

Not only what you eat is important, but also how you consume your food. It is important to eat at regular times of the day. Regularity is good for your Spleen/Stomach system. This means not skipping meals and not eating late at night. Be more conscious when eating by limiting distractions. Turn off the TV, skip the drive-thru, and don't conduct business over meals. Take the time to enjoy the ritual of eating.

Last but not least, don’t underestimate the importance of exercise! Exercise keeps Qi moving and circulating properly. Move around for at least 30 minutes a day. Simply walking will do the trick

There is no magic bullet for easy weight loss. This program is based on a simple, common sense approach to keeping weight and health in balance, and keeping the body running smoothly and efficiently. Remember to consult your health care practitioner for a full health evaluation before starting a new program.

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