P. Sze 
Understanding TCM on Obesity: An Overview of Body Types
In TCM, obesity is viewed not merely as an excess of body weight but as a complex interplay of imbalances within the body. In this article, we focus on each TCM body type and its specific symptoms. We also delve into obesity TCM diagnosis and discuss effective approaches to obesity treatment.
Damp Body Type
| Symptoms | How to Manage Obesity Effectively |
|---|---|
| Feeling of heaviness, sluggishness, difficulty waking up, bloating, excess phlegm or mucus | Avoid dairy, refined carbohydrates, raw vegetables, and icy beverages. Prioritize lightly cooked veggies, whole grains, and spices like ginger, black pepper, cinnamon, mustard, nutmeg, thyme, turmeric, basil, parsley, garlic, onions, and shallots. Lower calorie intake and increase calories burned. |
Cold Body Type
| Symptoms | How to Manage Obesity Effectively |
|---|---|
| Cold limbs, pale complexion, frequent urination, loose stools | Minimize cooling foods like raw veggies and excessive amounts of fruit. Prioritize onions, garlic, spices, and lamb. Lower calorie intake and increase calories burned. |
Hot Body Type
| Symptoms | How to Manage Obesity Effectively |
|---|---|
| Red complexion, feeling of heat, thirst, constipation, yellow urine | Minimize warming foods like onions, garlic, spices, and red meat. Prioritize watermelon, bitter leafy greens, lightly cooked veggies, and fruit in general. Lower calorie intake and increase calories burned. |
Phlegm Body Type
| Symptoms | How to Manage Obesity Effectively |
|---|---|
| Overweight, feeling of heaviness, excessive phlegm or mucus, dizziness | Avoid dairy, refined carbohydrates, raw vegetables, and icy beverages. Prioritize lightly cooked veggies, whole grains, and spices like ginger, black pepper, cinnamon, mustard, nutmeg, thyme, turmeric, basil, parsley, garlic, onions, and shallots. Lower calorie intake and increase calories burned. |
Qi Deficient Body Type
| Symptoms | How to Manage Obesity Effectively |
|---|---|
| Fatigue, shortness of breath, spontaneous sweating, weak voice | Avoid raw vegetables, icy beverages, and excessively sweet foods. Prioritize lightly cooked veggies, whole grains, and various types of beans. Lower calorie intake and increase calories burned. |
Blood Deficient Body Type
| Symptoms | How to Manage Obesity Effectively |
|---|---|
| Pale complexion, dizziness, blurred vision, numbness of limbs | Avoid greasy, fatty, and sugary foods. Prioritize gou qi berries, black sesame seeds, seaweed, liver, lamb, beef, and chicken. Lower calorie intake and increase calories burned. |
Yin Deficient Body Type
| Symptoms | How to Manage Obesity Effectively |
|---|---|
| Dry mouth, night sweats, hot palms and soles, insomnia | Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and herbs and spices in your food, including garlic, ginger, cloves, etc. Prioritize apples, asparagus, barley, eggs, honey, and mango. Lower calorie intake and increase calories burned. |
Yang Deficient Body Type
| Symptoms | How to Manage Obesity Effectively |
|---|---|
| Cold limbs, pale complexion, frequent urination, loose stools | Avoid cooling foods like watermelon, mung beans, cucumber, and lettuce. Prioritize herbs and spices like basil, garlic, thyme, and cinnamon. Lower calorie intake and increase calories burned. |
Spleen Deficient Body Type
| Symptoms | How to Manage Obesity Effectively |
|---|---|
| Fatigue, poor appetite, bloating after eating, loose stools | This body type tends to have a more challenging time losing weight. However, lowering calorie intake and increasing burned calories is still essential. Specific dietary and lifestyle recommendations should be personalized and discussed with a TCM practitioner. |
Remember, these are general guidelines, and individual needs may vary. Always consult with a TCM practitioner for personalized advice.
Related Articles
- Understanding spleen qi deficiency and weight gain – Having delved into the TCM diagnosis of obesity and the different body types, you might be intrigued about the specific conditions that can lead to weight gain. Our article on spleen qi deficiency offers a thorough examination of this common condition that can contribute to weight gain. It provides actionable advice on managing weight through lifestyle changes, diet, and specific TCM treatments. This knowledge will empower you to take a more holistic approach to your weight management journey, aligning with your body’s natural rhythms for optimal health. Furthermore, it will help you understand the role of spleen qi in weight gain, enabling you to address the root cause of the issue rather than just the symptoms. This will not only aid in weight loss but also contribute to overall well-being.
