Weight Loss and Fitness
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Overview of TCM Weight Loss and Fitness
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Ming Qi Natural Healthcare Center Obesity Treatment Programs
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Traditional Chinese Medical Weight Loss Therapy
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TCM Weight Loss Diets
- Primary obesity refers to those patients with lower metabolism in which the calories patients get from food are much more than they need. Moreover, the body’s fat cells are growing in amount and size. The fewer calories a person uses through physical activity, the higher the possibility of gaining weight. A person’s environment such as family behavior, availability and expense of food, and culture are also main factors in whether obesity may develop. Other factors include improper daily diet, genetics, stress, nervous system imbalance, and emotional or psychological issues such as low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, binging, trauma, and alcohol.
- Secondary obesity is brought about as a result of the existence of various nerve-endocrine system disorders such as pituitary, adrenal, and pancreatic disorders. Another potential cause of weight gain is hormonal imbalance due to the side effects of prescription medications. Conditions such as hypothyroidism and Cushing’s syndrome may also cause weight gain. There are other factors that also play a role in obesity. These may include: age, gender and degree of physical activity, as well as use of steroids and antidepressants.
| Weight Balance / SS | Promotes fat absorption, detoxification, reduces water retention and firms skin. It is best used in the treatment of simple obesity. |
| Choleduce / XZ | Promotes fat absorption to address obesity caused by a disorder of lipid metabolism. |
| Hormolance / YS | Regulates liver and kidney function to address obesity caused by endocrine disorders. |
| Lymphclear / LS | Tonifies Spleen Qi and promotes circulation to address obesity related with sluggish lymphatic circulation and water retention. |
Overview of TCM Weight Loss and Fitness
Traditional Chinese Medicine has been used for weight loss for more than a thousand years. TCM addresses body organ or system disorders in order to achieve a healthy weight standard. This treatment can improve the metabolism and balance the endocrine hormones through lowering the glucose in the blood, increasing adrenal activity, speeding up fat metabolism and controlling cravings or desires for food and sugar. The treatment methods include acupuncture, tui na acupressure, herbal-aroma massage therapy, Moxibustion, herbal diet therapy and exercise.
The mechanism of a TCM weight loss treatment plan is in:
- Boosting the Qi energy to improve the metabolism
- Clearing heat, phlegm and water retention to help purge toxins from the digestive and lymphatic systems
- Unblocking Qi stagnation and blood stasis to relieve stress and depression
- Adjusting Yin and Yang to balance hormones and treat endocrine disorders
The Mechanism of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Weight Loss
- Stimulation: Acupuncture and Auricular Acupressure can: produce stimuli along the meridian to transmit throughout the metabolic system; and promote the decomposition and liquefaction of fatty tissue, inhibiting fat synthesis to balance fat metabolism.
- Pharmacological effect of Chinese herbal medicines: Externally applied herbal medicine can be directly absorbed through the skin, hair, pores, acupuncture points and other parts of the body. These herbs pass directly through the meridians and blood stream to produce pharmacological effects, accelerate the liquefaction and decomposition of fat, and inhibit further fat synthesis to aid in overall weight loss.
- Increasing Circulation: Lymphatic drainage massage, and moxibustion therapy on the umbilicus can improve blood and lymph circulation, accelerate the decomposition of liquefied fat content and its excretion through the sweat glands, respiratory tract, urine and other ways.
- Regulating the Endocrine System: TCM meridian weight loss therapy helps in regulating endocrine disorders, improving metabolism and suppressing the appetite. Endocrine balance plays an important role in the process of weight loss. As long as the hormones and metabolism are well balanced, in many cases, patients can indeed lose weight.
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The Benefit of TCM for Weight Loss
The Principal of Balancing Organ Function: Natural balance is the law of nature. In TCM theory, excessive weight gain is brought about by a combination of conditions which include body organ dysfunction, metabolism disorders, hormone disorders, pituitary function disorders, and malabsorption of nutrients in the intestines. The current thinking, from both the TCM and Western Medical perspectives is that obesity is a result of an imbalance of nutritional absorption, as opposed to over absorption. "Obesity is the result of a nutritional imbalance" denies the former theory of "obesity is the result of excess nutrients" and it also serves as the core mechanism of the new concept of weight loss. Modern TCM broke with the traditional understanding of weight loss and makes use of the regulation of the endocrine system to achieve the purpose of weight loss.
Effective and Safe: Using Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine, TCM weight loss therapy regulates patients’ neurological and endocrine functions. Acupuncture can inhibit gastrointestinal motility and the secretion of gastric acid, suppressing the sensation of hunger and excessive appetite, thereby reducing food intake. Simultaneously, it enhances the absorption and conversion of ingested foods, enabling them to enter the cells more quickly as stored energy. On the other hand, it can also promote metabolism, increase energy consumption, and promote the mobilization and decomposition of body fat to ultimately achieve weight loss. TCM weight loss focuses on physical conditioning; few side effects have been reported, and efficacy of the consolidation has been shown to be longer lasting with less chance of rebound weight gain.
More advantages:
- Does not force the patient to undergo a strict diet. Our special diet plan still allows for some carbohydrates, meats, dairy products and even sugar.
- Does not induce side effects such as diarrhea, dehydration, fatigue, and anxiety.
- Helps maintain regular bowel movements and speed metabolism, increasing energy and improving sleep.
- Helps balance hormones, regulate menstruation, and also aid in menopausal and polycystic ovarian syndromes.
- Is based on lowering the body’s cholesterol and glucose levels, which are regarded as key factors in the prevention of heart disease and diabetes.
- May improve sexual function and act as an overall anti-aging treatment.
- Can help tighten the skin to prevent flabbiness following significant weight loss.[/expander_maker]
Ming Qi Special Treatment Programs
Childhood obesity Almost one out of every five children in the U. S. is overweight, and this number is continuing to grow. Children have fewer weight-related health and medical problems than adults. However, overweight children are at high risk of becoming overweight adolescents and adults, placing them also at increased risk of developing chronic conditions such as heart disease and diabetes later in life. They are also more subject to the negative effects of stress, and more likely to be prone toward sadness and low self esteem.
Children may become overweight for a variety of reasons. The most common causes are genetic factors, lack of physical activity, unhealthy eating patterns, or a combination of these causes. Only in rare cases is being overweight associated with a medical condition, such as a hormonal imbalance. A child's total diet and activity level play an important role in determining a child's weight. Today, many children spend a lot time being inactive. For example, the average child spends approximately four hours each day watching television. As computers and video games become increasingly popular, the number of hours of inactivity may only increase.
Childhood obesity will affect overall health, hormonal balance and mental health. It is very important children begin to undergo treatment before they reach puberty. Acupressure, reflexology, and scalp work are the most useful and widely accepted therapies for children. Weekly treatments are recommended for approximately a three month period. Obese children must limit their intake of deep-fried food, heavy dairy products, and large amounts of meat. Exercise is also necessary to both reduce their appetite and teach children to place more emphasis on physical activities.
Post-pregnancy and labor weight loss program Post-labor, women frequently suffer from water retention due to hormonal The main areas of weight gain include the thighs, waist, and lower abdomen. Treatment will benefit both the general post-pregnancy health recovery, as well as promote skin tightening and body fitness. Acupuncture with lymphatic drainage massage should be performed once a week for three months. This treatment also helps women produce good quality milk to support breast-feeding, as well as aid the uterus and ovaries in returning to normal function.
Losing weight should not merely depend on controlling the appetite. Healthy weight loss relies on both balanced nutrition and optimally functioning organs. Due to the large degree of blood loss and the need for postpartum breastfeeding, foods should be selected that are both nutritious and beneficial to sculpturing the body and adjusting body functions based on different body conditions. Foods that have been shown to have a slimming effect are: melon, watermelon, Chui Yi, cucumber, apple, guava, radish, garland chrysanthemum, spinach, celery, cabbage, lettuce, lotus leaf, black fungus, white fungus, bitter gourd, tomatoes, tea, oatmeal, Yi Yi Ren , chrysanthemum, carp, konjac, agar, seaweed, tofu and bamboo shoots.
Cellulite and fatty masses therapies are often applied on lower abdomen, thighs, buttocks, underarm, chin, shoulder or axilla. Acupuncture with a fat burning herbal massage is tremendously effective for localized weight loss. There are also special programs designed with actors and actresses in mind, who may be called upon to lose weight on a certain part of the body as a work situation may require . Massage therapy with fat burning herbs is effective in shrinking body fat and smoothing cellulite.
Weight Loss Maintenance care plays a significant role in a successful weight loss program. Weight maintenance is one of the most difficult aspects of controlling weight. Once people have achieved a desired weight, a positive attitude is very important in their efforts to continually maintain optimum weight levels. To lose weight permanently, you must make a commitment to gradually adopt a healthier way of life. This preventive care plan includes acupuncture, body work therapy and exercise guidanc Monthly follow-up treatments are necessary until satisfactory body shape and health condition are achieved.
Ming Qi Natural Healthcare Center Weight Loss Program
Chinese Herbs and Products - Adjusts Endocrine Function: In TCM theory, obesity is due to factors such as organ function disharmony, especially Spleen Qi Deficiency. Treating obesity using TCM involves tonifying the spleen and the Qi, resolving phlegm stagnation to improve water retention, and enhancing the blood and lymphatic circulation. In accordance with a patients’ individual health condition, various therapies are combined in order to regulate organ function, balance hormones, increase metabolism, promotes lymphatic drainage and help convert body fat into energy, thus eliminating excess water and metabolic waste in order to ultimately achieve healthy weight loss. Appropriate candidates include those who suffer from menopausal syndrome, male hormone insufficiency, slow lymphatic circulation, poor thyroid function, decreased metabolic function as well as fatigue, poor libido, increased appetite, sweet cravings, abdominal distension, constipation and fluid retention.
| Weight Balance / SS | Promotes fat absorption, detoxification, reduces water retention and firms skin. It is best used in the treatment of simple obesity. |
| Choleduce / XZ | Promotes fat absorption to address obesity caused by a disorder of lipid metabolism. |
| Hormolance / YS | Regulates liver and kidney function to address obesity caused by endocrine disorders. |
| Lymphclear / LS | Tonifies Spleen Qi and promotes circulation to address obesity related with sluggish lymphatic circulation and water retention. |
Acupuncture - Promotes Metabolism: Acupuncture and acupressure can stimulate the body's meridians to adjust system functions of the hypothalamic - pituitary - adrenal cortex and sympathetic - adrenal medulla. It can accelerate the basal metabolic rate and increase fat circulation to produce heat and energy, and thereby adjust and improve the body's balance.
- Traditional needle technique effectively addresses the whole body’s health care needs - especially useful in addressing the diseases associated with weight gain such as hypothyroidism, menopausal syndrome, stress, depression, and food or sugar cravings. Acupuncture points will be selected according to the individual health condition. Electric stimulation (E-stim) may be applied to achieve better results.
- Auricular needle technique helps control appetite, balance hormones and relieve stress. By reducing cravings, this technique makes the weight loss process smoother and easier.
- Fat burning technique (Wen Zhen) is applied on the underarm, abdomen, buttocks or waist where fat is stored. Needles insert in the deep fatty tissue are heated using Moxibustion. This treatment works specifically to reduce the accumulated fat in certain areas of the body. Patients may experience slight bruising for 2-3 days after the procedure.
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Auricular Herbal Pads- Controls Appetite: Auricular herbal pads are applied directly to various acupuncture points of the ears, for the purpose of controlling the appetite or regulating endocrine function. They have been shown to significantly alleviate hunger, and reduce cravings for sweets and starchy foods. The application of auricular herbal pads during weight loss programs and appropriate massage therapy should be undertaken simultaneously.
Acupressure – Detoxes Colon and Aids in Cellulite/Fat Decomposition: Acupressure is used to stimulate the appropriate corresponding acupuncture points to adjust blood and Qi circulation in the digestive system and expel stagnant toxins therefore, it is also referred to as colon detoxification therapy. In addition to the excellent therapeutic effects on localized fatty deposits such as on the thighs and abdomen, Acupressure also regulates the menses, treats constipation, reduces cholesterol and balances total body function.
- Constipation Points: Very effective in relieving constipation, enhancing gastrointestinal motility and promoting the excretion of toxins.
- Gastric Point: Promotes metabolism, reduces fat accumulation, activates digestive enzymes and reduces abdominal fat accumulation.
- Hunger Point: Intercepts the hunger signal issued by the stomach to prevent it reaching the hypothalamus which controls the appetite; thusly alleviating hunger.
- Endocrine Point: Affects the appetite control center of the hypothalamus. Reduces the production of hunger hormones, increases the production of satiety hormone and speeds the metabolic rate.
- Jia Che/Tian Tu Points: Speeds lymphatic circulation, and promotes the tightening of facial muscles to reduce facial flabbiness; eliminates facial swelling and contours and slims the face.
- Bai Hui Points: Helps ease physical and mental pressure and stress. Massaging these points before meals can help control appetite and reduce overall fat intake.
- Shen Yu Points: Effectively regulates the metabolism to help eliminate excess water to reduce puffiness and safeguard the health of the kidneys.
- Di Cang Point: Cools “Stomach Heat” and thereby suppresses the appetite.
Massage - Eliminates Edema and Fat: Massage is a manual therapy whereby force is applied externally by hand. Abdominal massage can promote the metabolism, reduce the appetite, regulate the endocrine function, alleviate bloating and edema and prevent abdominal distention. Scalp and head massage can promote relaxation, activate the meridians, increase blood circulation and firm facial skin. Massage applied directly to the upper arms, thighs and feet can increase blood circulation, improve bowel movements and elimination, and reduce upper arm axillary skin edema and cellulite. Suppressing the Shui Fen and Dai Mai points can reduce fat around the waist and abdominal area and thus effectively reduces abdominal waist fat and narrows the waist and hips. Massaging the points of the axillary fold and cubital crease and can help firm the skin and eliminate edema. The main acupressure points for weight loss are: Zu San Li, which can regulate the efficacy of the large intestine and improve the blood supply; Qu Chi, which can improve the digestive system, promote blood circulation and regulate the endocrine system; and A Shi points which can be massaged to eliminate localized edema.
- Meridian Qi Gong Tui Na works effectively to treat obesity related to physical illness and disorders, Reflexology can increase the body’s metabolism to burn fat as fuel,
- Scalp massage helps balance the endocrine and sexual hormones as well as relax the body both mentally and physically,
- Lymphatic drainage therapy follows the Lymphatic channels to strengthen the immune system and cleanse the body in the treatment of weight gain, water retention, cellulite and toxin stagnation. Herbal-aromatherapy massage seeks to induce relaxation, restore lost balance, improve physical energy and speed fat metabolism.
Moxibustion - Fat Burning Detoxification: Through the application of heat to acupuncture points using Artemisia mugwort along with other TCM herbs , Moxibustion has been shown to regulate the body’s blood and qi circulation, balance the organs’ function, promote intestinal peristalsis and digestion, reduce fat absorption, improve detoxification and benefit the overall health condition as well as firm and shape muscles and promote weight loss.
- Shui Fen, Zhong Wan, Tian Shu and Gui Lai are the main acupuncture points that are used to reduce abdominal fat and water retention.
- Guan Yuan: can enhance the flexibility of the abdominal muscle fibers.
- Feng Long: can enhance the body's absorption of nutrients, boost energy and the body's metabolism, accelerate blood circulation, eliminate edema and promote detoxification.
- Yao Yang Guan: has been shown to have good effects on treating endocrine imbalance, underarm fatty deposits and the accumulation of abdominal fat.
- Ju liao: can promote the metabolism of the arm and thigh deep fatty deposits, increase muscle fiber and reduce fat accumulation.
- Dai Mai: is a main acupuncture point for reducing abdominal fat accumulations around the waist.
Cupping - Localized Removal of Fat: Cupping is a method of creating a vacuum on the patient's skin to dispel stagnation . Through the use of suction pressure and heat from friction, cupping sends a signal to the cerebral cortex of the brain indicating which areas are blocked and require activation and increased circulation. The body responds by accelerating the corresponding skin tissue metabolism, promoting blood and lymphatic circulation and discharging the toxins so as to reduce inflammation and achieve the purpose of weight loss. Additionally, by promoting blood circulation, strengthening the metabolism and lymphatic drainage, cupping helps eliminate phlegm and dampness thus reducing cellulite and edema.
Cupping encourages the release of neurotransmitters which flow through the body with the body fluids to stimulate the various organs, enhance organ function and improve immune function, which contributes to the recovery of the body and overall healing process.
The Embedding Thread – Eliminating Edema by Stimulating Acupuncture Points: Embedding Tread weight loss refers to implanting catgut in acupuncture points, which can stimulate acupuncture points over an extended period of time, to increase local blood circulation and speed fat metabolism. It is more effective and more convenient than traditional acupuncture weight loss therapies. Embedding Thread weight loss needs to be performed once every 15 days. Generally, this procedure will not induce any adverse reactions and the rebound rate is quite low
Navel Therapies– Good Weight Loss Method for Children: Applying herbal pads to abdominal umbilical points, or the application of moxibustion on the acupuncture point Shen Que, can adjust abnormal hormone levels, increase metabolism, promote colon detoxification to reduce abdominal fat and body water retention, as well as help regulate hypothalamic function . This therapy is painless and convenient to use, and thus is a commonly used method for childhood and adolescent weight loss therapy.
Gua Sha - Firms legs/reduces edema Applying blunt ceramic scraping plates or a porcelain spoon to massage the legs can stimulate leg blood and lymph circulation, warm and relax meridians, smooth the elimination of edema and shape slender and healthy legs.
Exercises for Weight Loss- Combining static and dynamic; addresses both the psychological and physiological aspects of weight loss: Somewhat different from the Western viewpoint, TCM theory recommends a consistent, moderate and balanced daily exercise program for weight loss rather than intense movement. It also requires a physical approach instructed by a mental one to reach proper weight and maintain fitness.
- Tai Chi Chuan : The movements of Tai Chi Chuan are relaxed and slow. They call for stillness in motion to achieve relaxation of the mind and body. At the same time, while in fixed form, there must be motion in stillness so that the movements do not discontinue and the mind and energy flow is not interrupted. Regular Tai Chi Chuan practice can help adjust the body’s imbalance to heal illness and detoxify waste to melt away excess weight.
- Meditation is effective in treating depression, stress and food cravings.
- Breathing Regulation Exercise is one of the most effective exercises to specifically reduce belly fat through deep abdominal inhalation and exhalation guided by meditation.[/expander_maker]
TCM Weight Loss Diets
Eating habits and cooking practices are a contributing factor in the development of many of the diseases we see today. All too often, taste is our sole consideration and we consume foods that are too rich or nutritionally imbalanced. This can lead to medical problems and obesity. Food Nutrition Therapy is the use of food to naturally aid in digestion, enhance physical strength and balance body system function. Cooking foods mixed with herbs, in order to improve the therapeutic efficacy and increase the healing property of the foods, and in accordance with the individual health condition, is referred to as Herbal Dietary Therapy. Certain foods and herbs have the function of increasing the metabolism, dissolving fat, and aiding in weight loss. Adding certain anti-obesity foods and herbs to the diet is referred to as TCM Weight Loss Diet Therapy.
TCM Weight Loss Diet Therapy is the safest and most effective way to control weight because it supplies the body with necessary natural nutrition on a daily basis. Foods that have a slimming effect are: melon, watermelon, cucumber, apple, guava, radishes, garland chrysanthemum, spinach, celery, cabbage, lettuce, lotus leaf, black fungus, white fungus, bitter gourd, tomatoes, tea, oatmeal, pearl barley (Yi Yi Ren) , chrysanthemum, carp, yam cake (konjac), agar, seaweed, tofu and bamboo shoots.
Chinese Weight Loss Foods
- Damp obstruction and Spleen Qi deficiency - main characteristics include drowsiness. Commonly used foods are: lentils, broad beans, peas, red bean, mung bean, bean sprouts, mung bean sprouts, corn, melon, melon skin, cucumber, cucumber peel, watermelon, cabbage and carp.
- Spleen and Kidney Yang Deficiency - characterized by bloated stomach and cold waist. Commonly used foods are: cowpeas, beans, medlar, goat milk, lean lamb or mutton and walnuts.
- Damp/Heat obstructing the Stomach - characterized by bad breath and constipation. Commonly used foods are: cabbage, round cabbage, celery, lettuce, bamboo shoots, water shield, lotus root, bitter gourd, purslane, Malay grass, water chestnuts and pear.
- Qi and Blood Stagnation - characterized by flank pain, distention/bloating and petechiae on the sides of the tongue. Commonly used foods are: lemon, oranges, orange peel, mandarin oranges, wheat, sorghum, rice, beans, radishes, fennel, jasmine, hawthorn, eggplant , wine and vinegar.
- Deficiency of Kidney Yin - characterized by Yin deficiency heat signs such as thirst, skin dryness, facial flushing, nightsweats, and low back pain. Commonly used foods are: white fungus, black fungus, black beans, mulberry, turtle, pork, duck, sea cucumber, jellyfish, black sesame seeds and pig’s kidney.
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Typical Diet Menus
- Sour Celery
Ingredients: Cassia, Eucommia, Celery, Konjac block, jellyfish head, garlic, ginger and olive oil.
Functions: Lowers blood temperature and soothes the liver. It also eliminates fat and stagnation. Lowers blood pressure and blood lipids. Also helps to ease constipation.
- Tofu Skin and Bean Sprouts Roll
Ingredients: Poria, barley, bean curd sheet, bean sprouts and sesame paste.
Functions: Benefits the spleen Qi, eliminate, promote diuresis and urination. For patients who have difficulty in urinating. Also for those with dermotophytosis (ringworm), edema and water retention.
- Carp Soup
Ingredients: Waterchestnut, fresh carp, Sichuan pepper, ginger, parsley, wine, onion, monosodium glutamate, vinegar.
Functions: Beneficial in eliminating edema in order to lose weight.
- Braised Radish Kelp
Ingredients: kelp, white radish, cloves, anise, cinnamon, pepper, walnut, vegetable oil and soy sauce.
Functions: Beneficial for diuresis and moving Qi; helps reduce water retention in order to lose weight.
- Barley Porridge
Ingredients: barley and sugar.
Functions: Beneficial for diuresis and moving Qi; helps reduce water retention in order to lose weight.
- Winter Melon Congee Porridge
Ingredients: fresh melon with skin, sticky rice.
Functions: Promotes urination and reduces swelling. Also lowers cholesterol.
- Lotus Leaf Porridge
Ingredients: Fresh lotus leaves, sticky rice, sugar.
Functions: Reduces heat. Promotes the production of body fluids, quenches thirst and also lowers cholesterol promoting weight loss.
Other Common Weight Loss Diets
- Very Low-Calorie Diets (VLCD) allow between 800 to 1,500 calories/day and encourage regular exercise. A severely to moderately obese person may lose about 3 to 5 pounds per week, for an average total weight loss of 44 pounds over 12 weeks. Some minor side effects such as fatigue, constipation, nausea and diarrhea have been reported. The most commonly reported serious side effect has been gallstone formation, which frequently develops during rapid weight loss.
- High Protein, Low Carbohydrate Diets have been widely promoted in recent years as an effective approach to losing weight. These diets generally recommend dieters obtain 30% to 50% of their total calories from protein. With this type of diet, the body goes into a metabolic state known as ketosis, whereby it burns its own fat for fuel, and fat stores become a primary energy source. Patients tend to feel less hungry, and thus are less likely to feel the urge to overeat as they might otherwise, however, ketosis can also lead to serious health complications such as kidney failure, high cholesterol, osteoporosis, kidney stones and
Ming Qi Natural Health Care Center Weight Loss Program: Patients benefit more from a slow, steady weight loss program. Ming Qi weight loss therapy is recommended at least twice weekly for three weeks, then once a week until desired weight loss is achieved. The treatment will concentrate on speeding the metabolism, balancing hormones and relieving stress. Patients should feel less stressed and more energetic following treatment. A reduction in puffiness and water retention should occur shortly after beginning treatment. Monthly maintenance visits are recommended once desired weight loss goal is obtained.[/expander_maker]