It’s a frustrating cycle. You commit to eating better and hitting the gym regularly, but the weight just won’t come off. Or, maybe you find a miracle diet that helps you drop a few pounds, but the weight comes right back once you resume normal eating habits.
Losing weight and keeping it off can feel like an uphill battle. But there might be a better way! Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) suggests that diet and exercise aren’t the only factors to consider for weight loss.
In TCM, the first thing a practitioner looks at is your digestive health. Proper digestion is considered crucial for overall well-being, including maintaining a healthy weight. The digestive system in TCM includes the liver, pancreas, large intestine, small intestine, stomach, and immune system.
If your digestive system isn’t functioning well, it can lead to numerous issues such as obesity, insomnia, and fertility problems. A TCM practitioner will often address digestion before tackling other health concerns. Proper digestion is essential for effectively absorbing nutrients and medications, making any other health interventions far more effective.
Modern science is starting to catch up. Studies on the human microbiome are now confirming what TCM has known for centuries: the bacteria in our mucous membranes, skin, and digestive systems—collectively called the microbiome—can significantly impact our health and weight.
Gut health influences everything from mental health and immune function to metabolism and digestion, so maintaining a healthy gut is key for weight loss and overall well-being.
While many of us try to improve our gut health with yogurt or probiotic pills, there are other, more effective options. Fermented foods like uncooked sauerkraut, miso, kimchi, and kefir are rich in beneficial bacteria that your gut needs. Try to include at least one serving of fermented foods in your daily diet for weight loss and overall health.
TCM practitioners often recommend cleanses to promote a healthier microbiome. A cleanse can boost the function of your kidneys, liver, and immune system, all crucial for good digestion and health. During a cleanse, your gut lining gets a chance to rest and heal, allowing good bacteria to flourish while harmful ones are eliminated. This can kick-start weight loss and overall health improvement.
Herbs are another vital aspect of TCM. Commonly recommended herbs for weight loss include Panax ginseng, goji berries, and angelica. A TCM practitioner can create a treatment plan tailored to you, incorporating herbs, supplements, and lifestyle changes to support your digestion, boost energy levels, and aid weight loss.
Acupuncture, an ancient TCM practice, is also effective for treating a wide range of issues, including digestive problems. NYC-based acupuncturists at the Yinova Center suggest that acupuncture can help manage various digestive issues that might be hindering your weight loss efforts. A personalized treatment plan that includes acupuncture, herbs, supplements, and lifestyle adjustments can address these underlying digestive issues.
Mental health is another critical factor in weight loss. Depression can lead to weight gain due to increased eating and preference for unhealthy foods. Plus, depression often decreases physical activity. Acupuncture can help by stimulating the release of endorphins, the body’s “feel-good hormones,” which improve mood and energy levels, aiding in weight loss efforts.
If eating right and exercising haven’t been enough to help you shed pounds, Traditional Chinese Medicine might offer the solution by improving your gut health and digestion. A healthy gut is essential not just for weight loss, but for overall health now and in the future.