As living standards continue to rise, obesity has become increasingly prevalent. It is widely understood that obesity primarily results from nutritional excess. This condition represents a state of excessive fat accumulation, significantly impacting the patient's physical health. What are the manifestations of obesity? Below we introduce Traditional Chinese Medicine approaches to treating obesity.
I. Phlegm-Dampness Obesity
[Symptoms]: Obesity with excessive appetite, shortness of breath upon exertion, and easy fatigue.
[Prescription]: Excessive consumption of rich, sweet foods leads to stagnation and dampness accumulation. Impaired spleen function allows dampness to soak into muscles and connective tissue, forming phlegm. Treatment focuses on strengthening the spleen, resolving phlegm, and drying dampness: Pinellia rhizome, Poria, Zhi Shi, Atractylodes rhizome (9g each), Magnolia bark (5g),10g each of Areca Seed Peel, Malt, and Fried Hawthorn Fruit, 3g of Tangerine Peel. Decoct in water and take orally.
If severe dampness causes loose stools, add 6g each of Poria and Alisma. Decoct together. This formula dries dampness and transforms phlegm. Take one dose daily for two consecutive courses.
II. Qi Deficiency with Obesity
[Symptoms]: Despite a corpulent physique, there is insufficient qi transformation, sluggish movement, pale complexion, and soft, spongy muscles upon palpation.
[Formula]: Due to spleen-stomach qi deficiency, treatment focuses on strengthening the spleen and tonifying qi using Modified Xiang Sha Liu Jun Decoction: 5g each of Aquilaria agallocha, Amomum villosum, Pinellia ternata, and Shenqu;Codonopsis, Atractylodes, Poria 9g each, Tangerine Peel, Fried Licorice 3g each, Ginger 3 slices, Jujube 3 pieces. Decoct in water, take one dose daily for two consecutive weeks. Discontinue when physique becomes firm and fatigue resolves.
For qi deficiency with obesity manifesting as postprandial fatigue and frequent urination—indicating sinking of central qi—use Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang: Astragalus, Atractylodes, Codonopsis each 9g; Tangerine Peel, Cimicifuga each 4g; Bupleurum 6g; Angelica 3g; Fried Licorice 3g. Decoct in water.
III. Liver Qi Stagnation
Characterized by obesity, fullness and discomfort in the chest and flanks, epigastric distension, occasional hiccups, irregular or absent menstruation, insomnia with vivid dreams, dark red tongue with white coating, and a wiry-fine pulse.
「Treatment Principle」Promote qi circulation to resolve depression; activate blood to resolve stasis.
Formula: Modified Yueju Pill combined with Taohong Siwu Decoction. Chuanxiong 10g, Cangzhu 12g, Shenqu 15g, Fried Gardenia 10g, Chaihu 10g,6g Persimmon Pedicle, 10g Prepared Pinellia, 12g Angelica, 12g Raw Rehmannia, 10g Red Peony, 6g Safflower, 10g Artemisia. 10g Alisma, 10g Lotus Leaf, 6g Jujube Leaf, 10g Cattail Pollen.
IV. Stomach Heat with Dampness Obstruction
Obese physique, robust constitution, excessive appetite with frequent hunger, epigastric fullness and distension, dry mouth and tongue, thirst with preference for drinks, constipation, red tongue with yellow coating, slippery and rapid pulse.
"Treatment Principle" Clear heat, unblock the bowels, drain dampness, and transform turbidity.
"Formula" Liangge San combined with Sanren Tang with modifications.
Gardenia fruit 10g, Scutellaria root 10g, Mint 6g (added later), Apricot kernel 10g, White cardamom seed 10g, Coix seed 15g, Magnolia bark 15g, Atractylodes rhizome 12g, Talcum 15g, Alisma rhizome 10g, Cassia seed 12g, Rhubarb 6g.