herbal teaPeople who are overweight have increased chance of heart disease, hypertension, stroke, diabetics, infertility, and other illnesses. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) holds that being over weight is due to accumulation of dampness and phlegm. Acupuncture, herbs, and dietary therapy are methods to manage weight.

Acupuncture treatment can help people reduce their carvings for sweet and rich foods but at the same time maintain a healthy appetite. Unlike other diet plans that leave patients feeling anxious and unsatisfied, patients undergoing acupuncture treatment feel at ease and comfortable. TCM emphasizes a balanced appetite so patients have energy to go about their daily activities. This makes the weight loss program tolerable and helps patients keep the weight off. In addition to receiving regular treatment at the clinic, patients can massage or do acupressure their body themselves. This self-treatment keeps patients enthusiastic about weight loss.

Another treatment type is eating Chinese herbs. Because the herbs are often food in the Chinese diet, they can be easily incorporated into meals in various forms such as herbal tea, soup, salad, and cake. For example, tea made from lotus leaves, rose petals, and hawthorn fruits has no strong taste or smell, yet is highly effective. Most Chinese herbs are all easy to get, convenient to use, and definitely effective.

Regular exercise with careful diet is recommended. TCM emphasizes Oriental-type exercises which aim at developing qi rather than just getting rid of excess fat. Qigong and tai chi not only strengths the body, but also the mind and spirit. Qigong integrates physical postures, breathing techniques, and focused intention. Tai chi is Chinese martial arts practiced for health benefits and defense training. These exercises are gentle and easy, so are beneficial for patients who cannot perform straining exercises.

Dr. Li is a trusted doctor who will listen to patients’ concerns, and prescribe a holistic treatment. Depending on each patient’s unique situation, she will recommend diet, exercise plan, acupuncture, and herbal medicines. TCM treatment can help patients attain their ideal weight, avoid illnesses associated with being overweight, and feel confident about their bodies.