Obesity is typically not a major problem among the Chinese because of the culture's primary focus on general well-being, disease prevention and healthy eating, according to Weight Watchers. But as Eastern cultures begin to adopt more aspects of Western living, excessive weight gain is increasingly becoming more of an issue. While most Chinese remedies for obesity still rely on prevention and general healthy living, there are a number of techniques popular in the culture that can help in a weight-loss program.
Acupuncture
According to the Weight Watchers Research Center, acupuncture is a mainstay of Chinese medicine that can help control weight gain. When used in conjunction with dietary changes, acupuncture provides additional assistance by helping control appetite and improve mental issues that may lead to overeating. Traditional Chinese philosophy holds that acupuncture, which involves inserting tiny needles into various points on the body, can increase the metabolism and enhance digestion.
Bitter Orange
Since the Food and Drug Administration banned the use of ephedra, bitter orange has taken its place in many weight-loss supplements. According to the National Center on Complementary and Alternative Medicine, bitter orange contains synephrine, a chemical with properties similar to the dangerous herb. The bitter orange tree is native to tropical areas in Asia. Its leaves are called petitgrain and its flowers are called neroli. There is little scientific evidence to support its use as a weight-loss technique.
Bitter orange, also referred to as Zhi chi, is made into tablets, extracts and capsules. It also is used in aromatherapy products and applied to the skin to promote weight loss.
Qi Gong
In traditional Chinese medicine, the whole person is taken into consideration. When the qi, or body's energy, is misaligned, it affects digestion, mental harmony and metabolism. Qi gong is a form of exercise meant to bring the mind and body into alignment, resulting in more self-control, better posture and additional energy. According to Shen Nong, the spleen and kidneys are at the epicenter of weight control.
Qi gong exercises are designed to increase circulation, aid the removal of waste products in the body and promote maximum metabolic functioning. Proper posture, gentle movements and deep breathing help to improve those bodily functions that process food. The mental focus taught in qi gong helps to quiet the mind and develop harmony so that you will eat only when your body needs food and stop when you've had enough.
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