Obesity in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Understanding different obesity patterns according to TCM theory
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Condition Categories
Condition Categories
Obesity is a medical condition characterized by an excess accumulation of body fat to the extent that it may have a negative impact on health. It is typically defined using the body mass index (BMI), where a BMI of 30 or above is classified as obese.
Obesity is more than just an issue of physical appearance; it is associated with various health risks, including heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure. It encompasses various forms of weight gain, including abdominal fat, and is a growing health concern worldwide.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approaches obesity as a complex condition resulting from imbalances within the body. Unlike Western medicine, which often focuses on calorie intake and physical activity, TCM considers obesity a manifestation of disharmony in the body's natural energy flow or Qi.
TCM identifies different patterns of disharmony causing obesity and emphasizes the importance of individualized treatment to restore balance. This holistic approach encompasses diet, lifestyle, herbal remedies, and acupuncture.
TCM Patterns for Obesity
Phlegm
Thick, sticky pathological fluid that obstructs body functions and can manifest anywhere in the body
Causes: Obesity, Overweight, Fat belly
Phlegm is both a pathological product and a pathogenic factor in Traditional Chinese Medicine. It results from impaired fluid metabolism when the body's transformative functions fail, particularly affecting the Spleen, Lungs, and Kidneys. Classical texts emphasize that "the Spleen is the source of phlegm production, while the Lungs are the storage vessel for phlegm."
Damp-Phlegm
Obesity, Overweight, Fat belly
Along with: Profuse white sputum, Focal distention of the chest, Upper abdominal focal distention, Nausea, Sticky taste in the mouth, Absence of thirst, Swollen limbs, Abdominal fat
Damp-Phlegm in the Uterus
Overweight, Obesity
Along with: Late menstruation, Amenorrhea, Scanty menstruation, Lower abdominal pain, Abdominal heaviness, Stifling sensation in the chest, Generalized fatigue, Diarrhea, Dull pale complexion, Infertility, Ovarian cysts, Ovarian fibroids, Polycystic ovary syndrome, Pseudocyesis, Sputum, Feeling of heaviness
Phlegm
Obesity, Overweight
Along with: Stifling sensation in the chest, Head fog, Dizziness
Qi Deficiency
Insufficient vital energy causing fatigue, weakness, poor digestion, and reduced function of organs and protective systems
Causes: Obesity, Overweight
Qi Deficiency is a fundamental pattern in Traditional Chinese Medicine where the body's vital energy is insufficient to maintain normal physiological functions, leading to weakness, fatigue, and various organ dysfunctions.
Spleen and Lung Qi Deficiency
Obesity
Along with: Loss of appetite, Slight abdominal distension after eating, Generalized fatigue, General weakness, Pale face, Weak limbs, Diarrhea, Shortness of breath, Coughing, Weak voice, Spontaneous sweat, Dislike of speaking, Frequent colds or flu, Aversion to cold
Spleen Qi Deficiency
Obesity, Overweight
Along with: Slight abdominal distension after eating, General weakness, Desire to lie down, Slight abdominal pain, Excessive gas and flatulence, Bloated abdomen, Dyspepsia, Swollen complexion
Dampness
Heavy, sticky moisture that obstructs body functions and creates sluggishness
Causes: Obesity, Overweight, Fat belly
Dampness manifests as swelling, bloating, a feeling of heaviness in the head and limbs, and digestive issues. It's like having waterlogged tissues that make everything feel heavy and slow. Common signs include a thick, greasy tongue coating, sticky mouth sensation, and stools that are difficult to flush.
Damp-Phlegm
Obesity, Overweight, Fat belly
Along with: Profuse white sputum, Focal distention of the chest, Upper abdominal focal distention, Nausea, Sticky taste in the mouth, Absence of thirst, Swollen limbs, Abdominal fat
Damp-Phlegm in the Uterus
Overweight, Obesity
Along with: Late menstruation, Amenorrhea, Scanty menstruation, Lower abdominal pain, Abdominal heaviness, Stifling sensation in the chest, Generalized fatigue, Diarrhea, Dull pale complexion, Infertility, Ovarian cysts, Ovarian fibroids, Polycystic ovary syndrome, Pseudocyesis, Sputum, Feeling of heaviness
Qi Sinking
Weakened lifting force causing downward bearing sensations, organ prolapse, and inability to hold things in their proper position
Causes: Obesity, Overweight
Qi Sinking represents a progression from Spleen Qi deficiency in Traditional Chinese Medicine, where the spleen's essential lifting function fails, causing various downward symptoms and organ displacement.
Spleen Qi Sinking
Obesity, Overweight
Along with: Loss of appetite, Slight abdominal distension after eating
Herbal Formulas for Obesity
Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas used to address obesity
Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang
Addresses these obesity patterns:
Main Actions
- Tonifies the Middle and Augments Qi
- Raises sunken Yang
- Lifts Sunken Qi
- Strengthens the Spleen
- Clears Heat from deficiency (sweet-warm method)
Addresses These Obesity Pattern Variations
Spleen and Lung Qi Deficiency
How it manifests:
Obesity
Accompanying symptoms:
Loss of appetite, Slight abdominal distension after eating, Generalized fatigue, General weakness, Pale face, Weak limbs...
Spleen Qi Sinking
How it manifests:
Obesity, Overweight
Accompanying symptoms:
Loss of appetite, Slight abdominal distension after eating
Damp-Phlegm in the Uterus
How it manifests:
Overweight, Obesity
Accompanying symptoms:
Late menstruation, Amenorrhea, Scanty menstruation, Lower abdominal pain, Abdominal heaviness, Stifling sensation in the chest...
Liu Junzi Tang
Addresses these obesity patterns:
Main Actions
- Tonifies Qi
- Strengthens the Spleen
- Harmonizes the Stomach
- Dries Dampness
- Resolves Phlegm
Addresses These Obesity Pattern Variations
Phlegm
How it manifests:
Obesity, Overweight
Accompanying symptoms:
Stifling sensation in the chest, Head fog, Dizziness
Spleen and Lung Qi Deficiency
How it manifests:
Obesity
Accompanying symptoms:
Loss of appetite, Slight abdominal distension after eating, Generalized fatigue, General weakness, Pale face, Weak limbs...
Spleen Qi Deficiency
How it manifests:
Obesity, Overweight
Accompanying symptoms:
Slight abdominal distension after eating, General weakness, Desire to lie down, Slight abdominal pain, Excessive gas and flatulence, Bloated abdomen...
Cang Fu Dao Tan Wan
Addresses these obesity patterns:
Main Actions
- Dries Dampness and Transforms Phlegm
- Moves Qi and Resolves Stagnation
- Strengthens the Spleen
- Regulates menstruation
Addresses These Obesity Pattern Variations
Damp-Phlegm in the Uterus
How it manifests:
Overweight, Obesity
Accompanying symptoms:
Late menstruation, Amenorrhea, Scanty menstruation, Lower abdominal pain, Abdominal heaviness, Stifling sensation in the chest...
Phlegm
How it manifests:
Obesity, Overweight
Accompanying symptoms:
Stifling sensation in the chest, Head fog, Dizziness
Er Chen Tang
Addresses these obesity patterns:
Main Actions
- Dries Dampness and Transforms Phlegm
- Regulates Qi and Harmonizes the Middle Burner
- Directs Rebellious Qi Downward and Stops Vomiting
- Strengthens the Spleen and Resolves Dampness
- Disperses stagnation in the chest and diaphragm
Addresses These Obesity Pattern Variations
Damp-Phlegm
How it manifests:
Obesity, Overweight, Fat belly
Accompanying symptoms:
Profuse white sputum, Focal distention of the chest, Upper abdominal focal distention, Nausea, Sticky taste in the mouth, Absence of thirst...
Phlegm
How it manifests:
Obesity, Overweight
Accompanying symptoms:
Stifling sensation in the chest, Head fog, Dizziness
Si Junzi Tang
Addresses these obesity patterns:
Main Actions
- Tonifies Qi
- Strengthens the Spleen
- Harmonizes the Stomach
- Promotes transportation and transformation
Addresses These Obesity Pattern Variations
Spleen and Lung Qi Deficiency
How it manifests:
Obesity
Accompanying symptoms:
Loss of appetite, Slight abdominal distension after eating, Generalized fatigue, General weakness, Pale face, Weak limbs...
Spleen Qi Deficiency
How it manifests:
Obesity, Overweight
Accompanying symptoms:
Slight abdominal distension after eating, General weakness, Desire to lie down, Slight abdominal pain, Excessive gas and flatulence, Bloated abdomen...
Xiang Sha Liu Junzi Tang
Addresses these obesity patterns:
Main Actions
- Tonifies Qi and Strengthens the Spleen
- Harmonizes the Stomach
- Moves Qi and Resolves Stagnation
- Dries Dampness and Transforms Phlegm
- Warms the Middle Burner
Addresses These Obesity Pattern Variations
Damp-Phlegm
How it manifests:
Obesity, Overweight, Fat belly
Accompanying symptoms:
Profuse white sputum, Focal distention of the chest, Upper abdominal focal distention, Nausea, Sticky taste in the mouth, Absence of thirst...
Damp-Phlegm in the Uterus
How it manifests:
Overweight, Obesity
Accompanying symptoms:
Late menstruation, Amenorrhea, Scanty menstruation, Lower abdominal pain, Abdominal heaviness, Stifling sensation in the chest...
Banxia Baizhu Tianma Tang
Addresses these obesity patterns:
Main Actions
- Transforms Wind-Phlegm and Stops Spasms
- Strengthens the Spleen and Resolves Dampness
- Calms the Liver and stops dizziness
- Directs Rebellious Qi Downward and Stops Vomiting
- Regulates Qi and Transforms Phlegm
Addresses These Obesity Pattern Variations
Phlegm
How it manifests:
Obesity, Overweight
Accompanying symptoms:
Stifling sensation in the chest, Head fog, Dizziness
Ban Xia Hou Pu Tang
Addresses these obesity patterns:
Main Actions
- Moves Qi and Dissipates Nodules
- Descends Qi
- Resolves Phlegm
- Dries Dampness
- Harmonizes the Stomach
Addresses These Obesity Pattern Variations
Phlegm
How it manifests:
Obesity, Overweight
Accompanying symptoms:
Stifling sensation in the chest, Head fog, Dizziness
Fei Er Wan
Addresses these obesity patterns:
Main Actions
- Expels Parasites
- Promotes Digestion and Resolves Food Stagnation
- Strengthens the Spleen
- Clears Stomach Heat
- Moves Qi
Addresses These Obesity Pattern Variations
Spleen Qi Deficiency
How it manifests:
Obesity, Overweight
Accompanying symptoms:
Slight abdominal distension after eating, General weakness, Desire to lie down, Slight abdominal pain, Excessive gas and flatulence, Bloated abdomen...
Hao Qin Qing Dan Tang
Addresses these obesity patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Liver and Gallbladder Heat
- Harmonizes the Shaoyang
- Clears Damp-Heat
- Harmonizes the Stomach
- Resolves Phlegm
- Moves Qi
Addresses These Obesity Pattern Variations
Phlegm
How it manifests:
Obesity, Overweight
Accompanying symptoms:
Stifling sensation in the chest, Head fog, Dizziness
Jin Gui Shen Qi Wan
Addresses these obesity patterns:
Main Actions
- Tonifies Kidney Yang
- Warms Yang and Transforms Qi
- Warms the Ming Men Fire
- Promotes Urination
- Supplements Yin and Benefits Yang
Addresses These Obesity Pattern Variations
Damp-Phlegm
How it manifests:
Obesity, Overweight, Fat belly
Accompanying symptoms:
Profuse white sputum, Focal distention of the chest, Upper abdominal focal distention, Nausea, Sticky taste in the mouth, Absence of thirst...
Shen Ling Bai Zhu San
Addresses these obesity patterns:
Main Actions
- Tonifies Qi
- Strengthens the Spleen
- Drains Dampness
- Stops Diarrhea
- Tonifies Lung Qi
- Harmonizes the Stomach
Addresses These Obesity Pattern Variations
Spleen Qi Deficiency
How it manifests:
Obesity, Overweight
Accompanying symptoms:
Slight abdominal distension after eating, General weakness, Desire to lie down, Slight abdominal pain, Excessive gas and flatulence, Bloated abdomen...
Wan Dai Tang
Addresses these obesity patterns:
Main Actions
- Strengthens the Spleen
- Drains Dampness
- Soothes the Liver and Regulates Qi
- Astringes to Stop Vaginal Discharge
- Raises Clear Yang
- Moves Qi
Addresses These Obesity Pattern Variations
Damp-Phlegm in the Uterus
How it manifests:
Overweight, Obesity
Accompanying symptoms:
Late menstruation, Amenorrhea, Scanty menstruation, Lower abdominal pain, Abdominal heaviness, Stifling sensation in the chest...
Wei Ling Tang
Addresses these obesity patterns:
Main Actions
- Dries Dampness and strengthens the Spleen
- Promotes Urination and Drains Dampness
- Regulates Qi and Harmonizes the Middle Burner
- Warms Yang and Transforms Qi
- Transforms Water-Dampness
Addresses These Obesity Pattern Variations
Damp-Phlegm in the Uterus
How it manifests:
Overweight, Obesity
Accompanying symptoms:
Late menstruation, Amenorrhea, Scanty menstruation, Lower abdominal pain, Abdominal heaviness, Stifling sensation in the chest...
Wen Dan Tang
Addresses these obesity patterns:
Main Actions
- Regulates Qi and Transforms Phlegm
- Clears Gallbladder and Stomach Heat
- Dries Dampness
- Stops vomiting and eliminates irritability
Addresses These Obesity Pattern Variations
Phlegm
How it manifests:
Obesity, Overweight
Accompanying symptoms:
Stifling sensation in the chest, Head fog, Dizziness
Xing Su San
Addresses these obesity patterns:
Main Actions
- Gently disperses Cool Dryness
- Diffuses Lung Qi
- Resolves Phlegm
- Stops Cough
- Releases the Exterior
- Resolves Phlegm-Fluid Retention
Addresses These Obesity Pattern Variations
Phlegm
How it manifests:
Obesity, Overweight
Accompanying symptoms:
Stifling sensation in the chest, Head fog, Dizziness
Xiong Gui Er Chen Tang
Addresses these obesity patterns:
Main Actions
- Dries Dampness and Transforms Phlegm
- Nourishes and invigorates Blood
- Regulates Qi and Harmonizes the Middle Burner
- Promotes Menstruation
Addresses These Obesity Pattern Variations
Damp-Phlegm in the Uterus
How it manifests:
Overweight, Obesity
Accompanying symptoms:
Late menstruation, Amenorrhea, Scanty menstruation, Lower abdominal pain, Abdominal heaviness, Stifling sensation in the chest...
Yue Ju Wan
Addresses these obesity patterns:
Main Actions
- Moves Qi and Resolves Stagnation
- Resolves the Six Stagnations (Liu Yu)
- Invigorates Blood and Dispels Stasis
- Clears Heat and Drains Fire
- Dries Dampness and strengthens the Spleen
- Promotes Digestion and Resolves Food Stagnation
Addresses These Obesity Pattern Variations
Phlegm
How it manifests:
Obesity, Overweight
Accompanying symptoms:
Stifling sensation in the chest, Head fog, Dizziness
Da Chai Hu Tang
Traditional formula for obesity
Main Actions
- Harmonizes the Shaoyang
- Clears Interior Heat
- Clears Gallbladder and Stomach Heat
- Directs Rebellious Qi Downward and Stops Vomiting
- Moves Qi and Resolves Stagnation
- Eliminates Focal Distention and Fullness
Fang Feng Tong Sheng San
Traditional formula for obesity
Main Actions
- Releases the Exterior and Disperses Wind-Cold
- Clears Interior Heat
- Purges Heat and Unblocks the Bowels
- Clears Heat and Resolves Toxicity
- Promotes Urination and Drains Dampness
- Nourishes Blood and Alleviates Pain
Huan Shao Dan
Traditional formula for obesity
Main Actions
- Tonifies Kidney Yang
- Strengthens the Spleen
- Nourishes the Heart and Calms the Spirit
- Nourishes Yin and Blood
- Benefits Essence and Fills the Marrow
- Tonifies Qi
Huang Qi Gui Zhi Wu Wu Tang
Traditional formula for obesity
Main Actions
- Tonifies Qi and warms the channels
- Harmonizes the Nutritive and Defensive Qi
- Nourishes Blood and dispels obstruction (Bi)
- Warms the Channels and Disperses Cold
- Warms and Unblocks Yang
Xiao Cheng Qi Tang
Traditional formula for obesity
Main Actions
- Mildly Purges Heat Accumulation
- Promotes Bowel Movement
- Moves Qi and Relieves Distension
- Eliminates distention and disperses clumping