Chinese medicine has been used for centuries to prevent obesity and to aid rapid weight loss. The basis of Chinese medicine is to maintain health from the inside out. The Chinese use herbal remedies such as tea and herbal pills, as well as the ancient practice of acupuncture, which involves puncturing the skin with specially designed needles to access various acupressure points. These points are purportedly connected to every vital organ in the body. Chinese medicine practitioners believe acupuncture can cure various ailments as well as help with weight loss.
Herbal Teas
Tea remains one of the most widely used remedies in Chinese medicine. It normally consists of a mixture of Chinese medicinal herbs. Green tea is an example of a Chinese herbal tea which may have weight-loss properties. Green tea is rich in polyphenol antioxidants; these antioxidants aid digestion and may speed up the metabolism. Proponents advise consuming at least three cups of hot green tea a day. Another example of a Chinese herbal tea is bitter orange tea, or Zhi shi; bitter orange contains a substance called synephrine, which may speed up the metabolism and aid weight loss.
Herbal Supplements
Herbal supplements have become very popular in Chinese medicine. However, most of the popular weight loss pills have been banned by the Federal Drug Administration because some of them contain a chemical called ephedra, which has been known to have dangerous side effects which could increase the risk of heart disease and strokes. Some of the pills that have been banned are Seven Dragon Brand and Lida pills. These pills are thought to contain herbs such as senna and peppermint. However, the FDA discovered that they also contain ephedra, methyl testosterone, prednisolone, diazepam, chlorzoxazone, and acetaminophen. These chemicals are potentially life-threatening and, therefore, should be avoided.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is widely used in China, other parts of Asia and in Western civilization. It is an ancient practice of puncturing the skin with a multitude of tiny needles. Practitioners believe it aids in the stimulation of the thyroid gland, which regulates the metabolism. Therefore, if you have an underactive thyroid gland, it may help to kick start your metabolism, which could lead to weight loss. However, acupuncture should not be used as a substitute for a healthy diet and exercise.
Caution
It is always best to air on the side of caution when purchasing a product that claims to aid in rapid weight loss. Always consult your doctor before embarking on any weight loss regimen or before consuming weight loss supplements. The safest way to lose weight is through a healthy diet and regular exercise. Aim to lose a maximum of 2 lbs. a week, suggests the Mayo Clinic.
References
- The London Acupuncture Clinic: Acupuncture for Weight Loss
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Green Tea; September 2010
- National Center of Alternative and Complementary Medicine: Bitter Orange
- Access FDA; Chinese Herbal Medicines; March 2011
- Mayo Clinic; Weight Loss: 6 Strategies for Success; Dec. 18, 2010
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