Weight loss boils down to one basic concept – calorie expenditure must exceed calorie intake. This is referred to as a calorie deficit. While it may be simple in theory, it can be challenging to implement in a realistic, maintainable way. Finding natural methods that work best for each person is key to a weight loss journey that turns into a lifestyle. When first attempting to lose weight, a healthy, balanced diet and exercise are the best place to start. Though they seem like very broad methods, diet and exercise routines can be tailored to each individual based on health status, needs, and goals. In this blog, you can discover the Chinese herbal weight loss methods that work best for you.
However, we know that every body responds differently, so certain methods may be useful for one individual, while ineffective for another. For those who struggle with conventional weight loss methods, supplementing a concrete weight loss plan with a holistic approach may be the key to success.
A common encounter during a weight loss journey is the difficulty of overcoming the desire to eat, even when not necessarily hungry. Some people may eat out of boredom or under stressful conditions. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) uses pattern differential diagnosis and recognizes and addresses these signals that lead to overeating.
TCM practitioners categorize issues with weight into three categories and prescribe specific herbal formulas accordingly. It’s important to note that when it comes to weight loss and TCM, everyone is different, and there is no cure-all for weight loss. It’s crucial to consult with a practitioner before starting any weight loss routine.
Type 1: Excess Physique with Dry Heat
Indicators of this category tend to be dry mouth, consistent hunger, and heavy taste. It’s easy for people in this category to develop the habit of overeating while preferring salty and spicy fried foods. This can result in an overstimulated stomach, damaging its function if left untreated. Over time, heat will generate in the stomach, which can lead to being hungry easily, overeating, and constipation. Herbal formulas typically prescribed for the excess physique with dry heat include:
- Fang Feng Tong Sheng San
- Tao He Cheng Qi Tang
- Liang Ge San + San Ren Tang
Type 2: Liver Qi Stagnation
People in this category tend to experience unstable emotions that lead to irritability and depression, as well as insomnia. Physiological symptoms that manifest with this type include distention and fullness in the chest and flank, dry mouth, and bitter taste. Females in this category may also experience menstrual disorders. Herbal formulas typically prescribed for the liver Qi stagnation type are:
Type 3: Deficiency Physique with Damp-Phlegm Spleen Qi Deficiency
People in the type three category tend to display poor physiques and are prone to a fussy head, tight chest, mental fatigue, lack of physical strength, lethargy, occasional abdominal distension, nausea, and loose stools. It is common for those who sit for long periods of time to experience this type of overweight due to lack of movement. Herbal formulas prescribed for the deficiency physique with damp-phlegm spleen qi deficiency type are:
- Fang Ji Huang Qi Tang
- Shi Pi Yin
- Si Jun Zi Tang + Shen Qi Wan
- Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang + Ping Wei San or Wei Ling Tang
Conclusion
When using Chinese herbs to help with weight loss, it’s important to find a reputable herbal practitioner that prioritizes safety, quality, and high standards and provides an individualized approach to weight loss. Practitioners should be held to the same standards as their herbal suppliers as well. KPC is proud to offer over five generations of experience, expertise, and a commitment to quality for all customers. With each herbal formula, we strive to meet the highest standards in the industry and provide the best products to TCM practitioners.
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*Please note: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This article is not intended to suggest specific treatments for patients or that any supplements mentioned prevent or cure diseases or problems. Before taking any herbs, all patients should discuss their options with a licensed practitioner, including any other medications the patient is currently taking, as there may be contraindications between pharmaceuticals and herbs.
