Have you tried many fad diets and been on weight-loss programs but your weight is still the same? Are you interested in aiming for a ‘healthier body’ rather than rapid weight loss? What is a ‘healthier’ body’ in weight-loss subject?
Metabolism is the key
To maintain a ‘healthier body’, metabolism is one of the key factors. Metabolism is a continual chemical process inside your body. 1 You probably have experience checking the packaging and nutrition labels in order to choose ‘healthier’ snacks. For most people, one of the easiest or fastest ways of choosing ‘better’ snacks is often looking at the calories. If your ‘healthy’ nut bar is 500 Cal, what does it mean to you?
Calorie is a unit of energy. If you search ‘how to burn 500 calories’ on the internet, you will find many answers such as ‘13,000 - 16,000’ steps. 2 This does not apply to everyone. Because there are about 14 different factors that affect individual metabolism. 1 To make it simple, let’s say metabolism is like an incinerator. To process reasonably, the incinerator needs desired temperatures, minimized emissions and ash deposits and so on. Without satisfying factors, it will take a longer time to process what goes in and produce byproducts, which affects the efficiency of the process. Therefore the focus should be making the incinerator robust.
How to make the metabolism robust
Ideal core temperature
If your incinerator has ‘lower’ temperature, the process will be slower. In Chinese Medicine, ‘core temperature’ comes from ‘Dan Tian’, located just below the naval. 3 However, hot flush is not because of robust metabolism. It is more likely a weakened incinerator producing emissions which are rising upwards. Having more lean muscle tissue can also contribute to elevating your core temperature. 1 There are particular muscles which are high achievers for fuel efficiency.
Reduce emissions
This can be achieved by ‘clean fuel’ (better choice of food). The Chinese Medicine diet often differs from modern nutritional advice. We consider ‘energetic principles’ of food such as cold natured, hot natured and damp natured foods. 4 Right energetic food for individuals can create good digestion, and a balanced and healthier body. Wholesome food is also important. Your body has to work harder to maintain a homeostasis when food additives are entered in your system. This can overwhelm your system and consequently weakens the system to work efficiently.
Minimize byproducts
As mentioned earlier, ‘right energetic’ food and wholesome food are important but also there are a few important organs that are involved in your metabolism. They are Gall Bladder, Liver, Stomach, Spleen, Large Intestine, and Small Intestine. 3 The functions of the organs aren't exactly the same as the western concept. However, they are all key organs for energy efficiency.
What is the TCM approach in ‘weight loss’?
Acupuncture aims to restore balance by improving circulations to certain areas or organs. Herbs to help with eliminating byproducts and strengthening the organs involved in digestion and elimination. Diet is also very important which should be individualized.
My approach for ‘weight loss’ is small steps that are achievable and aims for a ‘healthier body’ through a better functioning digestive system. I use acupuncture and herb with Chinese Medicine dietary and exercise advice.
If you have any questions about weight loss, please make an online booking, submit an online enquiry or call me on 0402 474 884.
Reference
BetterHealth (2023). Metabolism; [reviewed 2023 Dec 26]. Available from: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/metabolism
Byrdie (2023). How to Burn 500 Calories No Matter How You Like to Work Out; [reviewed 2023 Dec 26]. Available from: https://www.byrdie.com/how-to-burn-500-calories-in-45-minutes
Maciocia G.(2015). The Foundations of Chinese Medicine: A Comprehensive Text. Elsevier.
Wu Q. & Liang X..(2018) Food therapy and medical diet therapy of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Clinical Nutrition Experimental 18: https://www.clinicalnutritionopenscience.com/article/S2352-9393(17)30082-9/fulltext
Image [Internet]. Good Health- Basic Signs of a Healthy Body; [cited 2023 Dec 26]. Available from: https://medchrome.com/better-you/good-health-basic-signs-of-a-healthy-body/
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