Losing weight can be a real challenge. You might stick to healthy eating and regular workouts, yet those extra pounds won’t budge. Or maybe you lose some weight with a miracle diet, but it all comes back as soon as you return to your usual eating habits.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a different perspective on weight loss, focusing not just on diet and exercise, but on the health of your digestive system. In TCM, good digestion is key to overall health and maintaining a healthy weight. The digestive system includes the liver, pancreas, intestines, stomach, and the immune system.
If your digestive system isn’t working properly, it can cause many health issues like obesity, insomnia, and even fertility problems. That’s why TCM practitioners prioritize improving digestion before addressing other health concerns. Proper digestion is essential for nutrient and medicine absorption, making any health change more effective.
Modern science is beginning to recognize the importance of digestion, with studies on the human microbiome supporting TCM’s long-held views. The microbiome, consisting of the bacteria in our digestive systems, skin, and mucous membranes, significantly impacts our health and weight.
According to TCM, gut health influences mental health, immune function, metabolism, and digestive processes. Taking care of your gut is crucial for weight loss and overall health. While many people turn to yogurt or probiotics, incorporating fermented foods like sauerkraut, miso, kimchi, and kefir can be more beneficial. Aim to eat at least one serving of fermented foods daily to maintain a healthy microbiome, supporting both weight loss and general health.
Cleanses are another recommendation from TCM practitioners to improve the microbiome. Cleanses can boost kidney, liver, and immune functions, essential for good digestion and health. They give the gut time to heal and repopulate with beneficial bacteria while eliminating harmful ones. This can jump-start weight loss and enhance overall health.
Herbs play a vital role in TCM. Herbs like Panax ginseng, goji berry, and angelica are often suggested for weight loss. A TCM practitioner can design a treatment plan that includes these herbs, along with supplements, to support digestion, increase energy, and aid weight loss.
Acupuncture, a practice used for centuries in TCM, can address various health issues, including digestive problems. Acupuncture treatments can help manage these issues, improving gut health and supporting weight loss. A personalized treatment plan from an acupuncturist might include herbs, dietary and lifestyle changes, and acupuncture sessions focused on digestive health.
Mental health is another important factor in weight loss. Depression can lead to weight gain and make it harder to lose weight. Depressed individuals often eat more and choose unhealthy foods while being less active. Acupuncture can boost endorphins, the body’s “feel-good hormones,” which help manage pain and stress and improve mood and energy levels, aiding in weight loss.
Many people struggle to lose weight despite a healthy diet and regular exercise. For those individuals, TCM might offer a solution by improving gut health and digestive functions. A healthy gut is essential not only for weight loss but also for improved overall health now and in the future.
