Classic Chinese herbal remedies for obesity
Obesity is a prevalent health issue in contemporary society. According to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), obesity is attributed to pathological conditions such as "phlegm-dampness retention" and "qi stagnation with blood stasis," primarily associated with dysfunctions of internal organs, metabolic disorders, and emotional imbalances.
On one hand, individuals with obesity often overeat, leading to improper digestion and absorption of food, resulting in abnormalities of the spleen and stomach and the accumulation of internal phlegm-dampness. On the other hand, excessive weight burdens muscles, consuming a significant amount of qi, blood, and vital energy, resulting in deficiency of qi. Therefore, TCM treatment for obesity focuses on regulating the spleen and stomach, dispelling dampness and phlegm, and reinforcing qi and nourishing blood.
Obesity belongs to the category of "phlegm-dampness obstruction" in TCM. Hence, treatment involves regulating the spleen and stomach, promoting digestion, expelling dampness, and enhancing metabolic processes to facilitate the body's ability to eliminate waste. Among various TCM prescriptions, the modified formula of "Ban Xia Xie Xin Tang" has been clinically proven effective in treating obesity.
The main components of this formula include Pinellia (Ban Xia), Scutellaria (Huang Qin), Codonopsis (Dang Shen), Dried Ginger (Gan Jiang), Lotus Leaf (He Ye), Coptis (Huang Lian), Chinese Date (Da Zao), Licorice (Zhi Gan Cao), and Hawthorn (Shan Zha).The synergistic effects of Pinellia and Scutellaria include clearing heat, regulating the stomach, and aiding digestion by promoting gastrointestinal motility and digesting stagnation. Codonopsis and Dried Ginger promote metabolism, accelerating the breakdown and metabolism of fats. Lotus Leaf and Coptis clear heat, resolve summer heat, diuretic, and reduce swelling by eliminating excess water and waste. Chinese Date and Licorice regulate the endocrine system, promoting digestion and absorption. Hawthorn lowers lipid and cholesterol levels, promoting fat metabolism.
TCM emphasizes the regulation of internal organs, particularly the spleen and stomach, which play a crucial role in weight loss. The spleen and stomach are essential organs for digestion and absorption in the human body. Dysfunctions in these organs can lead to food stagnation and the retention of dampness, promoting obesity. Therefore, TCM treatment for obesity also focuses on regulating the spleen and stomach to promote normal digestive and absorptive functions.
Finally, TCM emphasizes the importance of exercise. Exercise accelerates metabolism, promotes calorie expenditure, and aids in weight loss. However, TCM suggests that individuals with different constitutions and in different age groups should choose suitable forms and intensities of exercise.
