Obesity
AliasObesity
Traditional Chinese Medicine Definition
In traditional Chinese medicine, obesity is referred to as "fat person" or "obesity syndrome," which falls under the category of diseases related to Qi, blood, and body fluids. According to the classical text "Internal Medicine of Traditional Chinese Medicine," obesity is often caused by excessive consumption of rich and sweet foods, leading to dysfunction of the spleen and stomach, internal accumulation of phlegm and dampness, and obstruction of Qi flow, thereby forming a syndrome characterized by excessive internal accumulation of phlegm and dampness. Patients with obesity commonly exhibit a corpulent physique, rosy complexion, and may also have symptoms such as chest stuffiness, excessive phlegm, and heavy limbs.
In clinical practice of traditional Chinese medicine, the core pathogenesis of obesity is the dysfunction of the spleen and stomach, with internal accumulation of phlegm and dampness. Common precipitating factors include irregular diet, emotional disorders, and sedentary lifestyle. During the process of differentiation, attention should be paid to distinguishing between cold and heat, and deficiency and excess. Patients with the syndrome of stomach heat and spleen stagnation often have a voracious appetite, obesity, and a rosy complexion; while patients with the syndrome of internal accumulation of phlegm and dampness present with obesity, chest stuffiness, excessive phlegm, and heavy limbs. The overall direction of treatment suggests that for the syndrome of stomach heat and spleen stagnation, traditional Chinese medicine often adopts methods of clearing the stomach and reducing fire, supplemented with digestion-promoting techniques; for the syndrome of internal accumulation of phlegm and dampness, it is advocated to dry dampness and resolve phlegm, and regulate Qi to reduce fat. During the treatment process, it is also necessary to adjust the treatment plan according to individual differences of patients, focusing on dietary adjustments and lifestyle improvements.
Common Syndrome Types and Key Points of Differentiation
Stagnation of Heat in the Stomach affecting the Spleen
Main Manifestations: Polyphagia, obesity, rosy complexion
Management Approach: Clear the stomach and reduce fire, assist with digestion and elimination
Exuberance of Phlegm-Dampness
Main Manifestations: Obesity, chest oppression with abundant phlegm, heavy limbs
Management Approach: Dry dampness and resolve phlegm, regulate Qi and reduce fat
The above syndrome information is based on traditional Chinese medicine textbooks and clinical standards. Specific differentiation should be completed by a practicing traditional Chinese medicine physician in person.
Physician's Clinical Insights
In clinical practice, obesity patients often suffer from overeating and insufficient exercise. Treatment should emphasize the regulation of the liver and Qi, and the restoration of spleen and stomach function.
— Li Mingjiu Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner
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This page is for the popular science of traditional Chinese medicine knowledge and does not constitute medical advice. Specific diagnosis should be completed by a licensed traditional Chinese medicine practitioner in person.
This article has been reviewed by licensed TCM physicians at Hangzhou Kezhentang TCM Clinic. It is for TCM popular science reference only and does not involve specific treatment plan recommendations.
References: Internal Medicine of TCM (13th Five-Year Plan Textbook), Diagnostic and Therapeutic Effectiveness Standards for TCM Diseases and Syndromes (ZY/T001.1-94), Classification and Codes of TCM Diseases and Syndromes (GB/T 15657-2021)