Traditional Chinese medicine may support weight loss by reducing appetite and cravings while enhancing heat-producing metabolic activity.
This narrative review examined literature published between 2005 and 2016, using a medical database and four scholarly texts. It assessed traditional Chinese medicine approaches used alongside weight-loss programmes, including acupuncture, electrical acupuncture, auricular treatments, needle hammer therapy, herbal medicines, and appetite-suppressing functional foods.
The reviewed literature suggested that these approaches may reduce stress-related eating and appetite by influencing neurotransmitters, hormones, and satiety signalling. Acupuncture, electrical acupuncture, and certain herbs were also described as potentially increasing heat production in the body and regulating estrogen, which could further support appetite control and weight management.
