Weight Loss

The holistic approach to weight loss

Chinese medicine has a sober and direct approach to treating excessive weight gain; it happens for one of several reasons.

1. Inflammation - Heat affecting the organs, particularly the liver and heart, leads to the accumulation of fat. This happens because fat is an excellent insulator against the caustic and acidic irritation an organ experiences in chronically inflamed states. The typical example of this type of weight gain is the beer belly and accumulation of visceral fat.

2. Metabolic Deficiency - Because certain organs in the body are responsible for maintaining proper metabolic function, if these organs become weak or underperforming in some way they will lead to states of metabolic deficiency and consequent weight gain. The most important organs for maintaining metabolic health are the kidneys (adrenals), pancreas, and lungs (thyroid); these three organs ensure proper fluid transformation and energy regulation throughout the body. Weakness in these organs causes the accumulation of peripheral fat which tends to gather around the belly and breast.

3. Hormonal Imbalances - Estrogen dominance, in men or women, can lead to the accumulation of fat around the thighs and upper arms.

Generally one of these three issues are addressed as a primary strategy in weight loss. Calorie restriction has a place as well but it isn’t the primary approach I take. I prefer diet planning around including large amounts of strategically healthy foods in order to promote healthy body recomposition. Schedule an appointment and ask about putting together a strategy for weight loss!