Recently, an article about successfully losing weight after "removing dampness" has attracted attention. So, does "excessive dampness" lead to obesity? Can "removing dampness" help with weight loss? In this episode of "1-Minute Health Lesson," Fang Zhihui, Deputy Chief Physician of the Department of Endocrinology at the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, explains these questions to our viewers.
Fang Zhihui explained that "excessive dampness" is a concept in traditional Chinese medicine. If there is too much dampness, it will turn into "dampness evil," which is "phlegm-dampness-fluid-dampness evil."
"Traditional Chinese medicine believes that obesity is related to both congenital genes and uncontrolled eating habits," Fang Zhihui explained. He added that uncontrolled eating can lead to dysfunction of the spleen, stomach, liver, gallbladder, and kidneys, with the core pathological product being "dampness," hence the saying "obese people often have phlegm and dampness." Therefore, "removing dampness" is a very important method in the treatment of obesity.
So, what are the symptoms of "excessive dampness"? Fang Zhihui gave an example: people with "excessive dampness" generally experience heaviness in their limbs, such as weakness, dizziness, and a heavy head. They may also experience stomach discomfort, chest tightness, and loss of appetite. In addition, their stools are often loose and sticky, and they urinate frequently.
According to Fang Zhihui's advice, the following points should be noted when using "dampness removal" for weight loss:
First, reduce the intake of rich, fatty, oily, and salty foods.
Secondly, maintain regular exercise, using moderate to high-intensity aerobic exercise to improve metabolism and enhance the excretion of "phlegm and dampness evils," while also replenishing fluids appropriately.
Thirdly, traditional Chinese medicine therapies are recommended, such as applying plasters to acupoints, fumigation, and oral administration of Chinese medicine, as well as the use of food in combination with medicine. Among these, medicinal diets can include ingredients such as Job's tears, winter melon, and lentils, as well as herbs with moisturizing effects such as sand ginseng and Solomon's seal, combining the removal of dampness and the moisturization of dryness.
Finally, Fang Zhihui reminded everyone that "removing dampness" should be tailored to individual constitution, and may involve methods such as strengthening the spleen to remove dampness, clearing damp-heat, soothing the liver to regulate qi and resolve dampness, or warming the kidneys to promote diuresis and resolve dampness. Based on traditional Chinese medicine's diagnostic and treatment principles, combined with dietary control and regular exercise, a more effective weight loss result can be achieved.
