The Asian approach emphasizes restoring mental balance and nutrition based on yin and yang foods.
What’s the Difference?
Weight loss strategies differ significantly between the West and the East. A European dietitian will assess a patient’s body type and excess weight, recommend hormonal and metabolic testing, distinguish between allowed and forbidden foods, teach calorie counting, prescribe appetite-suppressing pills, and suggest exercises for burning fat.
In contrast, Chinese medicine relies on a philosophical framework that considers the unity of opposing forces: the feminine yin and the masculine yang. The essence of yin energy is passivity, while yang embodies activity. If yin represents cold, then yang signifies heat. In terms of bodily states, yin is associated with low blood pressure, lethargy, paleness, and depression, whereas yang is linked to vitality, high blood pressure, excitement, aggression, flushed skin, and sweating. When it comes to excess weight, the issue typically boils down to an excess of yin and a deficiency of yang, so to shed extra pounds, one must enhance masculine energy and diminish feminine energy.
Protective Barrier
According to Chinese medicine, individuals with fuller figures often have a deficiency of vital energy, known as “qi” (or “chi”), in their spleen and pancreas systems—this energy is the source of strength for both living and non-living matter. This deficiency leads to fluid retention in the body, which the Chinese refer to as phlegm or mucus.
From the perspective of Chinese medicine, issues with any organ are linked to strong and prolonged emotions. The spleen reacts to heightened anxiety: anxious individuals subconsciously gain weight as a protective measure, creating a barrier between themselves and the outside world. Until that anxiety subsides (until the spleen’s “qi” is restored), losing weight will be challenging. A diet without addressing this syndrome will only exacerbate the energy deficiency in the system, resulting in either rapid weight gain at the first sign of weakness or a nervous breakdown.
Circulation Delay
Another syndrome contributing to weight gain is liver “qi” stagnation (a delay or disruption in the free flow of energy). The liver’s primary function is detoxification. If this organ is compromised, the body becomes “sludged,” poisoning itself with metabolic waste. In such cases, breaking down excess fats becomes impossible, leading to weight gain. Liver “qi” stagnation is provoked by stress, anger, and irritability. Reflect on what needs to be eliminated from your life to facilitate weight loss.
Markers of Disturbance
But how can one determine the type of energy deficiency? The color of the tongue can provide clues. Redness indicates liver “qi” stagnation—it’s essential to restore the corresponding energy in the body. A pale tongue signifies a lack of “qi” in the spleen and pancreas. In this case, a diet alone won’t help—weight loss won’t occur. Before resorting to starvation, one must restore yang and “qi.” Eastern pulse diagnosis allows practitioners of Chinese medicine to assess the balance of yin and yang in the body by analyzing the patient’s pulse. This method reveals both syndromes that contribute to excess weight. The treatment plan involves correcting energy imbalances and normalizing metabolism.
Energy of Foods
In the East, healthy eating is defined by consuming only local products. Additionally, food should align with the seasons: meat is best consumed in winter, while fruits and vegetables are ideal in summer. Since excess weight is often linked to a deficiency of yang in the body, the Chinese include “hot” yang foods in their weight loss diets: cheese, poultry, ginger, peppers, pumpkin, carrots, onions, rice, buckwheat, apples, tea, and whole grains.
Conversely, one should avoid overindulging in “cold” yin foods: ice cream, cold drinks, chocolate, potatoes, legumes, tomatoes, eggplants, milk, coffee, and vegetables (especially root vegetables that grow without sunlight). The more processed a product is, the less yang it retains.
Healing Calm
Unlike the European weight loss tradition—which advocates eating less and exercising more—Chinese practices prescribe calm for an energy-depleted body; otherwise, it will conserve even more energy and completely stop eliminating waste. To prevent waste retention, one should go to bed no later than 11 PM. According to Chinese medicine, losing weight without cleansing the body is impossible.