We all know that losing weight is good for your health and well-being, but it can also be very difficult in practice. Everyone hopes to have a healthy body so that they can enjoy life more. But many people are overweight which affects their quality of life and increases the risks of diabetes, high blood pressure, heart problems as well as circulation problems.

1. Edema type (Spleen Deficiency)
An ancient Chinese book called "Su wen zhi zhen yao da lun" records edema associated with deficiency of Spleen functioning. This means that those people overweight with edema are associated with water metabolism being sluggish. Chinese medicine considers the Spleen being important to transport fluid thus if the Spleen is deficient the fluid from drinking or eating will be stagnant in the body. Especially in the abdomen, arms and leg muscle to cause the limbs to be very heavy, as these areas are dominated by the Spleen. People who gain weight will also have bloating, tiredness or bowel problems. Their tongue will appear very puffy, very dark and pale, with teeth marks seen on each side of the edge of the tongue. Some of these people have an under-reactive thyroid problem.

2. Kidney Deficiency type
Chinese medicine also considers the Kidney to be a very important organ in water metabolism. Those who suffer from Kidney problems will acquire more fluid within the body, which can also lead to lower back and knee pain, puffiness around the knee and ankle, lack of energy, sexual function or reduced libido and sleeping problems, waking early or frequent urination at night.

If someone is deficient in Kidney and Spleen functions, acupuncture is used, using certain points and channels and certain parts of the body which help to strengthen the Spleen and Kidney. To help improve their function and thus increase the removal of fluid from the body. During treatment patients not only reduce weight but also the associated symptoms subside.

3. Stress type
Stress can also cause weight gain. Chinese medicine considers that long-term pressure from work, family, friends or sudden shock from certain issues can cause Liver problems. As Chinese medicine believes the Liver is one of the vital organs which dominates emotional aspects of the body, if there is too much stress or pressure placed on the Liver, dysfunction of the Liver can occur. People will have headaches, be emotional, with symptoms of anxiety, insomnia, stiff shoulders and neck, irregular bowl movements. Since the Liver is one of the organs which is involved in digestion it will affect the body's metabolism, thus people who are suffering from Liver deficiency will acquire a lot of undigested food, and thus have more toxins within the digestive tract causing slow but steady weight gain.

Diet & Lifestyle Suggestions
-- Drink a reasonable amount of fluids based on your body's constitution, activities and the weather.

-- Avoid drinking and eating frozen and very cold drinks or food. Coldness in the stomach can cause sluggishness in the digestion system, especially on cold days.

-- Take in a certain amount of ginger with your drinks or in your cooking. This can bring more Qi and Yang to your digestive system supporting its function and mobility.

-- Every week arrange a certain amount of gentle and relaxing exercises, such as walking, swimming, yoga, tai chi and meditation, or some of your own favourite exercises and activities, avoiding strenuous activities.

-- Arrange your work schedule to avoid over-stress and emotional issues. You can eat some of the following foods to help release the tension and clear the toxins in the digestive system: banana, green tea, peppermint tea, lemon, celery, orange, coriander and spinach (for more details on diet please check my articles). Also soaking your feet in 40 degree (Celsius) water before going to bed will relieve pressure and tranquilise your head, improve circulation, and balance your body and Liver.