The Elix Guide to Holistic Weight Loss: A Balanced Approach with TCM

At Elix, we believe our bodies are meant to fluctuate and that health is not defined by size alone, but we also understand that sometimes our bodies hold on to excess weight, impacting our physical, mental and emotional vitality. Quick fixes and crash diets often dominate the conversation around weight loss, but TCM offers a refreshing and holistic approach. Instead of focusing solely on calorie intake or intense workouts, TCM considers the body's internal balance, particularly how our organ systems function in harmony. This time-tested approach provides a sustainable path to managing weight by treating the root causes of imbalance that lead to weight gain.

Exploring Weight Management Through the Principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

Many of us know what it’s like to carry extra weight that doesn’t feel good, and modern medicine is beginning to acknowledge that the “calories in, calories out” model isn’t always the answer, especially for female bodies! The truth is, weight management is complex and deeply individual. That’s why TCM is such a powerful weight management ally—it’s built on the very foundation of addressing the body’s unique needs and imbalances.

In TCM, weight gain is often seen as a symptom of underlying imbalances in specific organ systems. By understanding and treating these patterns, TCM not only helps in maintaining a healthy weight but also addresses conditions like PCOS, estrogen dominance, and hypothyroidism that can contribute to weight gain.

How Organ Systems Impact Weight Management: A Comprehensive Guide

Spleen: The Digestive Powerhouse

The Spleen organ system is central to digestion in TCM. It transforms the food we eat into vital energy (Qi) that powers our body and mind. When the Spleen is weak, it struggles to perform this transformation, leading to the accumulation of "dampness," which manifests as bloating, heaviness, abdominal weight, brain fog and loose stools. Strengthening the Spleen through diet, herbs, and lifestyle changes can help clear dampness and promote healthy digestion.

Quick Tips for Supporting the Spleen:

• Herbs: Incorporate herbs like poria mushroom (Fu Ling) and atractylodes (Bai Zhu) to strengthen the Spleen and aid digestion.
• Nutrition: Focus on warm, cooked foods like soups, stews, and congee. Avoid cold and raw foods that can weaken the Spleen further. Opt for easily digestible grains such as rice, millet, and oats. Oh, and all the ginger, ginger is a Spleen’s best friend. 
• Lifestyle: Eat regular meals at consistent times and avoid overeating. Incorporate moderate exercise, like walking or yoga, to keep the digestive system moving. Weight training is also supportive for the Spleen, as the muscles are associated with the Spleen system.

Kidneys: The Body’s Essential Energy Source

The Kidneys are seen as the body's energy reservoir, responsible for both day-to-day vitality and our overall constitutional strength. Kidney deficiency often presents as deep bone-level exhaustion, water retention, weight gain in the lower body, mineral deficiencies, and dark circles under the eyes. Nourishing the Kidneys is essential for long-term energy and maintaining a healthy weight.

Quick Tips for Supporting the Kidneys:

• Herbs: Use herbs such as prepared rehmannia (Shu Di Huang) and goji berries (Gou Qi Zi) to nourish and support the Kidney energy.
• Nutrition: Include kidney-nourishing foods like black beans, walnuts, and seaweed. Warm foods like soups and stews, especially those with bone broth, are beneficial.
• Lifestyle: Ensure adequate rest and prioritize sleep. Engage in activities that nourish your energy, like meditation or gentle stretching. Avoid excessive physical exertion to protect Kidney energy.

Liver: The Key to Emotional Balance and Health

The Liver governs the smooth flow of Qi and emotions. When the Liver is stagnant due to stress or unresolved emotions, it can disrupt the Spleen and lead to weight gain, particularly in the form of abdominal fat. Supporting the Liver with stress management techniques, exercise, and proper diet can help restore balance and aid in weight loss.

Quick Tips for Supporting the Liver:

• Herbs: Consider herbs like bupleurum (Chai Hu) and white peony root (Bai Shao) to soothe the Liver and promote the smooth flow of Qi.
• Nutrition: Incorporate green, leafy vegetables and sour foods like lemon and vinegar to support Liver function. Avoid excessive consumption of greasy, heavy foods.
• Lifestyle: Practice stress management techniques, such as deep breathing exercises or Tai Chi, to release tension. Exercises like pilates or barre can support the Liver and its association with the tendons and accessory muscles. Engage in creative activities that allow for emotional expression and movement.

Heart: The Central Hub of Emotional Well-Being

“All disease comes from the heart,” is a common TCM saying, emphasizing the emotional roots of physical conditions. Addressing the emotional aspects of weight gain, such as stress or anxiety, is crucial for sustainable health. Techniques like Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) and heart-nourishing herbs can support emotional well-being and aid in weight management.

Quick Tips for Supporting the Heart:

• Herbs: Use herbs like jujube (Da Zao) and reishi (Ling Zhi) to calm the Heart and support emotional well-being.
• Nutrition: Incorporate foods that nourish the Heart, like red dates, berries, and cacao. Avoid overly stimulating foods and beverages like caffeine and alcohol.
• Lifestyle: Focus on activities that bring joy and calm to the mind, such as connecting with loved ones, journaling, or spending time in nature. Expressive exercise like dancing and cardio exercise are supportive to the Heart, helping to exercise the physical muscle and express emotion through movement. Cultivate a regular sleep routine to support Heart health. The Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) also known as tapping, is a practice of tapping on specific acupuncture points while exploring fears and affirmations to work through stuck or heavy emotions with greater ease. 

Lungs: The Organ of Release and Renewal

The Lungs are associated with grief and the ability to let go. When emotional or physical baggage lingers, it can manifest as respiratory issues, constipation, and weight gain. Strengthening the Lungs and practicing mindfulness can help release these burdens, promoting overall well-being.

Quick Tips for Supporting the Lungs:

• Herbs: Try herbs like astragalus (Huang Qi) and chaga (Bai Hu Rong) to strengthen the Lungs and promote the release of grief.
• Nutrition: Include foods that moisten the Lungs, such as pears, white mushrooms, and almonds. Avoid overly dry or spicy foods that can irritate the Lungs.
• Lifestyle: Practice deep breathing exercises and engage in gentle physical activity like Qi Gong to strengthen the Lungs. Work through emotions like grief with mindfulness practices like EFT (mentioned above) or therapy, allowing yourself to let go of what no longer serves you.

Understanding Post-Birth Control Weight Changes: Causes and Solutions

Why TCM Weight Loss Is More Effective Than Crash Diets

Unlike crash diets or medications like GLP-1 agonists, which focus on quick results, TCM offers a holistic and sustainable approach to weight loss. By addressing the root causes of imbalances rather than just the symptoms, TCM supports long-term health and well-being. This approach also minimizes the risk of weight gain after stopping interventions like birth control, as it focuses on restoring hormonal balance naturally.

Hormone Balance for Effective Weight Loss: A TCM Approach

Elix offers a range of TCM-based formulas designed to support weight management by addressing the underlying imbalances in your body. Our Health Coaching services, by licensed TCM practitioners, can also provide personalized tips based on your unique imbalances to help you achieve and maintain a weight that feels right for you. Whether you’re dealing with hormonal imbalances, stress, or digestive issues, Elix can help you find a balanced, sustainable approach to weight loss.

Explore Elix's TCM Solutions

This article was reviewed by Dr. Liem Le.

Dr. Liem Le is a Doctor of Chinese Medicine, Functional Medicine Practitioner, and Nutritionist Integrative Medicine Department at H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center. He is a part of the teaching staff for the Masters program for the Functional Medicine and Human Nutrition program at University of Western States. Dr. Le is currently working on his fellowship in Integrative Medicine with the Academy of Integrative Health and Medicine via a scholarship from the White House to complete the