Weight Loss in Traditional Chinese Medicine

Understanding different weight loss patterns according to TCM theory

Educational content • Consult qualified practitioners for medical advice

Condition Categories

Body Weight Issues
7
TCM Patterns
7
Formulas
Overview
What causes it 7 TCM patterns documented
How to recognize Symptoms specific to each weight loss pattern
Classical remedies 7 herbal formulas documented

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) interprets weight loss differently from Western medicine. TCM practitioners see it as an imbalance in the body's energy system or Qi. Rather than focusing solely on calorie intake and physical activity, TCM considers weight loss a symptom of underlying disharmonies within the body, such as Qi deficiency, Phlegm accumulation, or the presence of internal Wind.

Treatment in TCM is tailored to rebalance these disharmonies, primarily through herbal formulas, acupuncture, and dietary modifications.

TCM Patterns for Weight Loss

Wind

Causes: Weight loss

2 variations documented
Empty-Wind agitating in the Interior
How it presents with weight loss

Weight loss

Along with: Low grade fever, Hand tremor, Flushed cheekbones, Apathy, Limb twitching

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Painful Obstruction with Wind-Cold-Damp
How it presents with weight loss

Weight loss

Along with: Swollen and painful joints worsening at night, Joint stiffness, Chills without sweating, Headaches, Dizziness, Shortness of breath,

Traditional Herbal Formulas

Yin Deficiency

Causes: Weight loss

1 variation documented
Empty-Wind agitating in the Interior
How it presents with weight loss

Weight loss

Along with: Low grade fever, Hand tremor, Flushed cheekbones, Apathy, Limb twitching

Traditional Herbal Formulas

Phlegm

Causes: Weight loss

1 variation documented
Phlegm-Fluids in the Stomach and Small intestine
How it presents with weight loss

Weight loss

Along with: Abdominal distention, Vomiting clear liquid, Dry tongue, Dry mouth without desire to drink, Stomach splashing sound, Chest distension,

Qi Deficiency

Causes: Weight loss

1 variation documented
Heart and Spleen Qi and Blood Deficiency
How it presents with weight loss

Weight loss

Along with: Palpitations, Poor memory, Restless sleeplessness, Fever, Loss of appetite, Generalized fatigue,

Traditional Herbal Formulas

Blood Deficiency

Causes: Weight loss

1 variation documented
Heart and Spleen Qi and Blood Deficiency
How it presents with weight loss

Weight loss

Along with: Palpitations, Poor memory, Restless sleeplessness, Fever, Loss of appetite, Generalized fatigue,

Traditional Herbal Formulas

Cold

Causes: Weight loss

1 variation documented
Painful Obstruction with Wind-Cold-Damp
How it presents with weight loss

Weight loss

Along with: Swollen and painful joints worsening at night, Joint stiffness, Chills without sweating, Headaches, Dizziness, Shortness of breath,

Traditional Herbal Formulas

Dampness

Causes: Weight loss

1 variation documented
Painful Obstruction with Wind-Cold-Damp
How it presents with weight loss

Weight loss

Along with: Swollen and painful joints worsening at night, Joint stiffness, Chills without sweating, Headaches, Dizziness, Shortness of breath,

Traditional Herbal Formulas

Herbal Formulas for Weight Loss

Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas used to address weight loss

Gui Zhi Shao Yao Zhi Mu Tang

Addresses these weight loss patterns:

Wind Cold Dampness

Zhen Gan Xi Feng Tang

Addresses these weight loss patterns:

Wind Yin Deficiency

Ren Shen Yang Rong Tang

Addresses these weight loss patterns:

Qi Deficiency Blood Deficiency

Xiao Chai Hu Tang

Addresses these weight loss patterns:

Phlegm

Ban Xia Xie Xin Tang

Addresses these weight loss patterns:

Phlegm

Xuan Fu Dai Zhe Tang

Addresses these weight loss patterns:

Phlegm

Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang

Addresses these weight loss patterns:

Phlegm