If you’ve experienced the frustration of the “Yo-Yo” dieting effect—rapid weight loss followed by an even quicker regain—it may be time to understand why one-size-fits-all solutions rarely work. As I discussed in the first part of this series, recognizing and mitigating various lifestyle and health factors that impede weight loss is essential. But there’s more to the story.
The Holistic Approach to Weight Loss
Holistic medicine stresses the significance of individualized plans for effective weight loss. Practices like Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Ayurveda have long upheld the principle of personalizing treatment to one’s unique body type and environmental influences. According to TCM, which boasts millennia of application, obesity often stems from an excess of “dampness” and “phlegm” within the body, with genetics, diet, underlying health conditions, and even the environment playing contributing roles.
Five Body Types Defined by TCM:
Here, combing TCM practices and modern medical research in microbiome, hormonal balance and metabolism, we outline the five body types based on the specific characteristics of one’s organs, blood, and Qi (energy) flow, and the tailored strategies for each:
- Overaccumulation of Fat and Fluid due to Weakened Digestive System: This might occur in someone with an unbalanced microbiome due to a diet lacking in prebiotic fibers and minerals. Solutions should include a diet rich in whole plant foods, herbs to strengthen digestive energy, and an exercise plan tailored to the individual’s overall health.
- Overaccumulation of Fat and Fluid due to Inflamed Digestive System: Common in individuals with frequent acid reflux or other digestive tract issues. The approach should involve a diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods, herbs to repair the digestive system, and an exercise regimen suited to the person’s age and health condition.
- Slow Metabolism due to ‘Liver Qi’ Blockage or Stress: For example, a person under chronic stress or a woman with bothersome premenstrual symptoms. Solutions include a diet rich in plant polyphenols and herbs to stimulate energy circulation, and relaxation practices.
- Weakened Metabolism due to Lack of ‘Blood’ and ‘Qi’: This is typical in someone who consumes too much processed foods. The remedy should include a diet with nutrient-dense whole foods and exercises of low to medium intensity.
- Weakened Metabolism due to ‘Kidney Qi’ Blockage or Hormonal Imbalance: For instance, a woman during premenopausal and menopausal periods. Solutions should comprise a diet and herbs to restore hormonal balance, along with exercises that mix intensity and relaxation practices.
Customization for Lasting Results
Customized diet and exercise plans not only pave the way for enduring weight loss but also enhance overall health and well-being. We are designing a simple quiz for you to assess your body type or types (yes, you can belong to more than one category) so that you can come up with practical plan tailored to your body. Stay tuned to take the first step towards a weight loss strategy that’s as unique as you are.
