Can TCM boost metabolism and help with weight loss?
Herbs, acupuncture and cupping helps with overall wellbeing including shedding a few pounds
Text: Shannon T
TCM, short for traditional Chinese medicine, can apparently help us lose weight safely and healthily besides having a balanced diet and working out. We speak to Senior Physician Julie Low, at Oriental Remedies Group who has accompanied numerous patients throughout their weight loss journey and shares with us how this traditional medicinal treatment method works to improve our weight management and metabolism.
TCM treatments for Weight Loss
Herbs
TCM practitioners formulate combinations of different herbs to treat different ailments on a case-by-case basis. These formulas may be consumed in the form of teas, capsules, tinctures, or grounded into powders.
In a TCM weight loss program, the physician will prescribe herbs that increase blood circulation to boost metabolism and reduce stagnation of qi and blood. Herbs that boosts the digestive system are also used. For example, hawthorn berries can help to digest lipids in food, reduce constipation and alleviate indigestion. Other herbs may be used to correct body imbalances which may lead to slow metabolism or difficulty in weight loss eg. removing dampness from the body or correcting sleep cycle.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture, a TCM practice that originated thousands of years ago, can help increase blood circulation in general and target areas to boost metabolism. Acupuncturists insert needles to specific acupuncture points throughout the body to restore the flow of qi that has been blocked and causing health concerns. This helps in correcting body imbalances which may lead to slow metabolism and the body feeling lethargic.
For example, dampness in the body may lead to lethargy and a heavy sensation in the body, weight gain or make it difficult to lose weight. Targeting acupoints like Yin Ling Quan can help to remove dampness in the body and help with weight loss.
Cupping
Similar to its use in treating mental health concerns, cupping therapy promotes weight loss by promoting blood circulation in target areas of the body, which increases the metabolism of fats. The process involves briefly applying rounded inverted cups to certain parts of the body using a vacuum effect. The theory is that the drawing of the skin inside the cups increases blood flow to the area.
Where to go
Physician Julie Low is a Senior Physician at Oriental Remedies. She graduated from the double degree programme of Biomedical Sciences and Traditional Chinese Medicine at NTU in 2014 and was awarded with the Chinese Government Scholarship for outstanding academic achievements during her time in Beijing. She has been in active practice since graduation, and in her years of experience, she has accompanied numerous patients throughout their weight loss journey. Through combined analysis of western test reports and understanding each patients’ own body constitution, she is able to provide a detailed diagnosis and treatment plan for each patient’s weight-loss process. Under her care, her patients are able to see gradual but consistent improvement in their weight and metabolism.
Eu Yang Sang’s TCM Weight Management programme has two main approaches — Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medication. The acupuncture procedure and customized Chinese herbal medication work in tandem to help patients attain their weight loss goals and prevent weight rebound.
For more information, visit https://sg.euyansangclinic.com/en/.
Kin Teck Tong is a one-stop TCM clinic providing a wide range of treatments such as pain management, gynaecology, internal medicine and beauty since 2005. They offer a slimming massage (also known as tui na), which stimulates fat burning through massaging the abdomen and relevant acupoints, which helps to remove lipid substances in the blood vessel wall, expand capillaries, increase blood flow, and improve circulation.
For more information, visit https://www.kintecktong.com.sg.
Over here, you will find a 100% natural and safe weight management programme that combines three treatment methods — acupuncture to stimulate one’s meridian points to promote fat metabolism, Tui Na massage to dissipate fat cells and water retention, and cupping therapy to melt fat cells. Besides that, you may also try their sculpting programme where your skin’s surface level is tightened using herbal oil and patches.
For more information, visit https://sinkangtcm.com.sg/.
Established in 1997, the Chinese Medical Centre is a TCM healthcare centre offering quality treatments and medical services. They are extremely accessible, with 11 outlets peppered across Singapore. Manage your weight healthily with three different treatment options here, which includes Slimming Acupuncture, Full Body Slimming Massage (full body) and Slim Sculpting Massage (targeted areas).
For more information, visit https://www.cmc.sg/.
Established in 2010, Slim Couture’s signature weight-loss programme, Divine SlimTM, provides a healthy slimming solution with zero harmful side effects and sustainable results. The two-part treatment uses scrapping therapy to stimulate blood circulation and in-house specialised suction tools to circulate the qi in our bodies, remove body toxins, eliminate water tension, and stimulate the digestive system for overall increased metabolism. Post-treatment, you’ll also get a dietary plan to supplement your weight-loss programme.
For more information, visit https://slim-couture.com.
