Obesity in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Understanding different obesity patterns according to TCM theory
Educational content • Consult qualified practitioners for medical advice
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 Qi of the Spleen and Stomach (Middle Burner)
- Raises the Yang
- Detoxifies
- Lifts what has sunken
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 Jun Zi Tang
Addresses these obesity patterns:
Main Actions
- Tonifies Qi
- Strengthens the Spleen and Stomach
- Clears Phlegm and mucus
- Promotes appetite
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
- Resolves Dampness and Phlegm
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 Damp and dispels Phlegm
- Regulates Qi and harmonizes the Middle Burner (Stomach and Spleen)
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 Jun Zi Tang
Addresses these obesity patterns:
Main Actions
- Tonifies Qi
- Strengthens the Spleen and Stomach
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 Jun Zi Tang
Addresses these obesity patterns:
Main Actions
- Tonifies Spleen and Stomach Qi
- Removes Dampness
- Moves Qi
- Alleviates pain
- Strengthens the Spleen and Harmonizes the Stomach,
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...
Ban Xia Bai Zhu Tian Ma Tang
Addresses these obesity patterns:
Main Actions
- Dries and dissolves Phlegm
- Strengthens the Spleen
- Soothes the Liver and calms Liver Wind (antispasmodic)
- Clear Dampness
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
- Regulates the flow of Qi,
- Clears Phlegm
- Treats esophageal spasm
- Descends Rebellious Qi
- Dissipates clumps
- Relieves Stagnation
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
- Kills parasites
- Reduces accumulation
- Strengthens the Spleen
- Clears Heat
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 Heat and relieves acute conditions of the Gallbladder
- Relieves acute Damp-Heat syndromes
- Resolves Phlegm
- Harmonizes the Stomach
Addresses These Obesity Pattern Variations
Phlegm
How it manifests:
Obesity, Overweight
Accompanying symptoms:
Stifling sensation in the chest, Head fog, Dizziness
Shen Ling Bai Zhu San
Addresses these obesity patterns:
Main Actions
- Augments the Qi
- Strengthens the Spleen
- Drains Dampness
- Stops diarrhea
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
- Tonifies the Middle Burner
- Removes Dampness
- Stops vaginal discharge
- Strengthens the Spleen
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
- Promotes urination
- Warms the Yang
- Strengthens the Spleen
- Drains Dampness
- Promotes the movement of Qi
- Harmonizes the Stomach
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
- Clears Phlegm
- Clears Gallbladder
- Regulates Qi
- Harmonizes the Stomach
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
- Clears Dry-Cold
- Disseminates the Lung Qi and relieves cough
- Transforms thin mucus
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
- Resolves Damp-Phlegm
- Nourishes Blood
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
- Promotes the movement of Qi
- Releases all types of Stagnation (Qi, Blood, Phlegm, Fire, Food and Dampness)
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 and releases the Lesser Yang
- Drains internal clumping due to Heat
Fang Feng Tong Sheng San
Traditional formula for obesity
Main Actions
- Disperses Wind
- Releases the Exterior
- Drains Heat
- Unblocks the bowels
Huan Shao Dan
Traditional formula for obesity
Main Actions
- Tonifies the Spleen, Heart and Kidneys
- Nourishes Yin and Blood
- Augments Qi
- Tonifies Yang
- Promotes Longevity
Huang Qi Gui Zhi Wu Wu Tang
Traditional formula for obesity
Main Actions
- Augments the Qi
- Warms and harmonizes the channels
- Unblocks painful obstruction
Xiao Cheng Qi Tang
Traditional formula for obesity
Main Actions
- Moderately purges Heat accumulation
- Circulates Qi in the Middle