Harnessing the Power of Chinese Herbs for Effective Weight Loss

It’s a frustrating cycle. You decide to eat better and go to the gym, but you still don’t see any weight loss. Or, you find a miracle diet that helps you shed some pounds, only to gain them back once you start eating normally again. Losing weight and keeping it off is tough! There has to be a better way, right?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) suggests that diet and exercise are not the only factors to consider for weight loss. The first thing a TCM practitioner will check is your digestive system’s health.

TCM believes that good digestion is essential for overall health, including maintaining a healthy weight. Your digestive system includes the liver, pancreas, large intestine, small intestine, stomach, and immune system. If your digestion isn’t working properly, it can lead to numerous health issues like obesity, insomnia, and fertility problems. That’s why digestion is usually the first thing addressed by a TCM practitioner—it’s foundational for absorbing nutrients and medicines effectively.

Western science is gradually recognizing the importance of proper digestion. Studies on the human microbiome support what TCM has long known. The microbiome consists of bacteria in our mucous membranes, skin, and digestive system, and these bacteria significantly influence our health and weight.

TCM highlights that gut health impacts everything from mental well-being and immune function to metabolism and digestion. Hence, taking care of your gut is crucial for weight loss and overall health. Many people try to improve gut health with yogurt or probiotics, but there’s more you can do.

Fermented foods are particularly beneficial for gut health. Foods like raw sauerkraut, miso, kimchi, and kefir are rich in good bacteria. Try to include at least one serving of fermented foods in your daily diet to maintain a healthy microbiome, assist with weight loss, and boost your overall health.

TCM practitioners often recommend cleanses to create a healthier microbiome. A cleanse can improve the function of your kidneys, liver, and immune system, which are crucial for good digestion and health. During a cleanse, your gut lining rests and heals, promoting the growth of good bacteria and eliminating harmful ones. Cleanses can be a great way to jump-start weight loss and enhance your overall health.

Herbs play a vital role in TCM, especially for weight loss. Herbs like Panax ginseng, goji berry, and angelica are commonly recommended. A TCM practitioner can help you develop a treatment plan that includes herbs and supplements to support digestion, boost energy, and promote weight loss.

Acupuncture, a long-standing practice in TCM, is also effective for treating various conditions, including digestive issues. Acupuncturists may recommend treatment plans that combine herbs, supplements, dietary and lifestyle changes, and acupuncture to tackle digestive problems affecting weight loss.

Focusing on gut health and maintaining a healthy microbiome will be a top priority if you seek TCM for weight loss. Mental health also matters—a common cause and effect of weight gain is depression. When you’re depressed, you might eat more unhealthy foods and be less active. Acupuncture can help by stimulating the release of endorphins, the body’s feel-good hormones, which improve mood and energy levels.

If you’re eating well and exercising but still can’t lose weight, TCM might help by enhancing your gut health and digestion. Remember, a healthy gut is key to not only losing weight but also achieving better overall health now and in the future.