Improve Lymphatic Function with TCM for Weight Loss

A healthy lymphatic system is very important for maintaining a healthy weight. It ensures your body detoxifies itself and gets rid of harmful substances. When the lymphatic system isn’t working properly, it accumulates waste. This also results in hormonal imbalance and causes bloating and puffiness.

If the lymphatic drainage is not efficient, a lymphatic massage can help. Traditional Chinese medicine focuses on treatments that improve the lymphatic system. Acupressure and acupuncture are two techniques used in TCM that improve the function of the lymphatic system.

So, do you want to lose weight and improve your health? Read on to discover what Dr. Gene Wei talks about how to optimize lymphatic function. Dr. Gene Wei is an experienced TCM practitioner, and in this post, he has provided valuable insights. 

How Improved Lymphatic Function Supports Weight Loss?

According to Dr. Gene Wei, improved lymphatic flow supports weight loss. A properly working lymphatic system absorbs fat from the small intestine. Then it uses this fat as energy or expels it as a waste product. A poor lymphatic system doesn’t absorb fat or expel waste, which causes weight gain. The following are the main functions of the lymphatic system:

• It promotes the absorption of fats and other nutrients
• It keeps a balance of fluids in the body
• It improves the immune system

A healthy lymphatic system is very important for weight loss. When it doesn’t work properly, it doesn’t remove toxins and waste from the body. Excessive waste and fluid buildup cause weight gain. If you have weight loss issues, you can improve lymphatic function with TCM for weight loss. 

TCM Principles to Optimize Lymphatic Function

Lymphatic systems can be improved by using various techniques. The main aim of all TCM techniques is to promote lymphatic drainage. This way, the body gets rid of the toxins, and the person feels lighter. 

Dr. Gene Wei says that the most effective method to optimize lymphatic function is by improving spleen function. Thus, acupuncture and herbs are the best ways to improve lymphatic function. Here’s how you can improve lymphatic function with TCM for weight loss:

Acupuncture

The best and most effective technique, according to Dr. Gene, is acupuncture. This technique addresses the acupuncture points in the body. Dr. Gene Wei says that acupuncture targets the neurovascular system and improves microcirculation. 

Dr. Gene Wei has treated edema patients using acupuncture techniques. The buildup of fluid is what leads to edema. It is important to note that the increase in weight and swelling is not because of fat but because of excess fluids. 

Acupressure

Acupressure is often used along with acupuncture. According to TCM, the technique involves applying pressure to specific acupoints in the body. By applying pressure to these points, a balance in the flow of Qi is maintained in the body. The technique resolves various issues, including digestion problems and pain. It also promotes lymphatic drainage to improve the lymphatic system. To improve the lymphatic system at home, Dr. Gene recommends these two acupressure points: 

Acupoint: SP-9 (Other Names: Spleen-9/Yin Ling Quan/Yin Mound Spring)

Location of SP-9:

• Feel for the big bone (your shin bone or tibia) in your lower leg.
• Now, slide your fingers down to the inner side (the side that’s towards the other leg) of your shin bone.
• Go down until you find a bumpy area towards the bottom end of the bone. This bump is called the medial condyle.
• The SP-9 point is located just below this bump, in the little dip or depression along the edge of your shin bone.

Acupoint: SP-6 (Other Names: Spleen-6/San Yin Jiao/Three Yin Intersection)

Location of SP-6:

• Sit down comfortably. Bend your knee and look at the inner side of your lower leg, the side that’s closest to your other leg.
• Find the bump on your inner ankle. This is your inner ankle bone.
• Now, place four of your fingers (excluding your thumb) at the top of this bump. Your fingers should be placed vertically, going up towards your knee.
• The top of your uppermost finger (usually your index finger), is roughly where SP-6 is located.

Qi Gong and Tai Chi (TCM Hydration)

Qi Gong and Tai Chi are used as TCM hydration techniques to improve the lymphatic system. The techniques involve stimulating the lymphatic system in different parts of the body. Dr. Gene Wei says the best Qi Gong technique is “brushing the meridians.” There are meridians in our body in the outer and inner arms, outer and inner legs, and torso. Brushing these meridians improves blood circulation.

Tai Chi involves slow movements and controlled breathing. The technique combines martial arts and meditation. It improves upper and lower body strength by enhancing the lymphatic system. 

Herbal Medicines

According to Dr. Gene Wei, using herbal medicines from TCM is very effective in promoting lymphatic drainage. A few herbal formulas he recommends include Si Jun Zi Tang Wan and Li Zhong Tang. These herbal formulas improve the spleen’s function and the lymphatic system. They are very helpful in treating issues like edema and water retention. 

Breathing Exercises and Relaxation Techniques

Breathing exercises and relaxation techniques also help improve the function of the lymphatic system. Dr. Gene Wei recommends breathing techniques for a properly functioning lymphatic system. He suggests you breathe and count to 4, then wait for a second. Then breathe out again, counting to 4, and pause for a second. Rhythmically continue this, and it will calm down your nervous system.

Another effective breathing exercise is yoga. Dr. Gene Wei says that the corpse pose is very effective. This posture requires you to lay down flat on a yoga mat and relax. Now roll your shoulders back so that your shoulders are underneath your chest. Ensure your chest is puffed out and your shoulders aren’t hunched. You are now ready to practice the breathing technique as your body is in a relaxed position. 

Integrating TCM Lymphatic Practices with Other Weight Loss Strategies

As a TCM practitioner, Dr. Gene Wei has treated many patients by improving their lymphatic functions. He personalizes TCM lymphatic practices and uses different weight loss strategies to help people lose weight. Besides these, the doctor also recommends controlling blood sugar. This means we must avoid foods made up of sugar and refined flour. 

Dr. Gene Wei recommends using apple cider vinegar to lose weight. He says taking 1.5 tbsp of apple cider vinegar in 8 oz of water before a meal works wonders. This helps reduce blood sugar spikes. Besides that, he also recommends eating proteins, healthy fats, and fiber-rich foods. 

According to Dr. Gene Wei, we must do smaller amounts of exercise more frequently. If you want to build muscles and improve your metabolism, you must consider weight training. Also, cardiovascular exercises for around 20 to 30 minutes daily are incredibly beneficial. 

Lastly, if someone is considering using TCM methods for weight loss, specifically for improving lymphatic function, Dr. Gene Wei recommends using computer-based, electronic acupuncture such as the Acugraph system. This type of system measures the conductivity of acupuncture points on the body and guides treatment to balance conductivity, which can help alleviate issues such as leg edema. Dr. Gene Wei has seen this technique produce good results and considers it a “go-to” technique for this type of issue.

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