The methods of weight loss in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) are diverse, mainly including acupuncture, cupping, thread embedding, and herbal regulation. These methods have unique advantages in regulating body functions and promoting fat metabolism. Below, I will explain in detail how TCM achieves weight loss and discuss whether exercise is necessary.
Methods of Weight Loss in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Acupuncture for Weight Loss
Principle: By stimulating specific acupuncture points, acupuncture helps to clear the meridians, harmonize Qi and blood, and improve the body’s metabolism and endocrine functions, thereby achieving weight loss.
Commonly Used Points: Such as Qihai, Guanyuan, Zhongwan, Tianshu, Quchi, and Neiting, these points help to regulate the body’s fat metabolism and fluid metabolism.
Characteristics: Safe, with no adverse reactions, and has a certain degree of specificity.
Cupping for Weight Loss
Principle: The negative pressure effect created by cupping acts on specific parts or acupuncture points of the body, achieving the effects of expelling cold and dampness, promoting circulation, and eliminating stagnation, thus promoting fat metabolism and excretion.
Common Areas: Obese areas as well as Zhongwan, Tianshu, Wailing, and Shuidao points.
Characteristics: Simple to operate, with significant effects, but attention is needed for warmth after cupping and to avoid immediate bathing.
Thread Embedding for Weight Loss
Principle: Embedding protein magnetic threads at corresponding acupuncture points continuously stimulates these points to strengthen the spleen and Qi, clear the meridians, suppress appetite, reduce calorie absorption, and promote fat decomposition.
Commonly Used Points: Zhongwan, Tianshu, Shuidao, Zusanli, and Fenglong.
Characteristics: Long-lasting effects, but the procedure needs to be performed by a qualified physician.
Herbal Regulation
Principle: Based on individual constitution and reasons for obesity, treatment is given based on syndrome differentiation, using herbal medicines or formulas that have weight loss effects to regulate the body’s endocrine and metabolic functions.
Common Formulas: Such as Baihu Decoction, Daotan Decoction, and Shenling Baizhu Powder, these medicines help with digestion, promote water drainage, and invigorate blood circulation.
Characteristics: Personalized treatment, but must be conducted under the guidance of a TCM practitioner.
Coordinating exercise with TCM weight loss is necessary. Although TCM weight loss methods can promote fat metabolism and excretion to a certain extent, exercise can enhance cardiopulmonary function, increase basal metabolic rate, and accelerate fat burning, making the weight loss effects more significant. In addition, exercise helps to shape the body, strengthen muscle power, and improve overall health.
Therefore, it is recommended to appropriately increase aerobic exercises (such as brisk walking, jogging, swimming, cycling, etc.) and strength training (such as weight lifting, pull-ups, etc.) while undergoing TCM weight loss, to achieve better weight loss results. At the same time, attention should also be paid to controlling diet, avoiding excessive intake of high-calorie foods, to maintain the body’s energy balance.
