Obesity in TCM: More Than Just Weight Gain

Obesity is a chronic metabolic condition marked by excess fat buildup that harms health. TCM sees it not just as a number on the scale, but a sign of internal imbalance, especially spleen deficiency and damp dampness.

Common TCM Causes:
• Weak spleen → poor fluid metabolism = fat & phlegm build up
• Liver Qi stagnation → stress, mood imbalance, overeating
• Kidney Yang deficiency → low metabolism, cold body
• Phlegm damp retention → sticky stool, bloating, heavy limbs
• Poor qi & blood flow → stubborn fat, especially belly

Obesity also raises your risk for:
• Diabetes, hypertension, heart disease
• Sleep apnea, joint pain
• Mental health struggles like depression

How TCM Helps:
TCM focuses on restoring qi flow, regulating yin yang, and supporting digestion, not just cutting calories.

Common obesity types in TCM:

1. Spleen Deficiency + Dampness: Puffy body, low appetite, sticky stool
   → Tonify spleen, drain damp

2. Phlegm Damp Obstruction: Belly fat, chest tightness, dizziness
   → Transform phlegm, remove damp

3. Liver Qi Stagnation: Emotional eating, snack cravings
   → Soothe liver, regulate qi

4. Yang Deficiency: Cold limbs, slow weight loss
   → Warm yang, clear damp

Summer Slimming Drink:
Coix seed, Atractylodes, Poria, lotus leaf, hawthorn
• Clears damp, boosts metabolism, blocks fat absorption naturally

Umbilical Moxibustion:
Using warming herbs (like motherwort, fennel, evodia) at the navel (Shenque point) to dispel cold, move qi, and support internal fat metabolism.

Add:
• Light, high fiber diet
• 150 min/week moderate movement
• Personalised herbal formulas + external therapies

Balance the body, not just the weight.