There is an undeniable mystique that accompanies Traditional Chinese Medicine or TCM, a range of traditional medical and therapeutic practices developed in China over thousands of years. In fact, one of the earliest known compilations on Chinese medical practices dates back to 2698 B.C. To the uninformed, it is assumed that TCM is all about the use of exotic products such as bat excrement and cow urine as medicine. Many also wrongly assume that the diagnosis and treatment offered by TCM practitioners is nothing more than just guesswork; and that these practitioners do not really have actual abilities to discern the patient’s symptoms.

Modern TCM practitioners in China, however, do acknowledge that there are situations when the traditional remedies can no longer put the body back in proper balance. In most cases, when such situations are encountered, the patient is advised to consult a doctor who practices Western medicine. However, this does not create a conflict between the two schools since most Chinese patients and doctors actually appreciate the “balance” between Eastern and Western medical theory and practice. For example, Chinese people will have no problems with surgery for appendicitis. At the same time, they will see no conflict in using traditional herbal formulas to help recover after the surgery, or to prevent the appendicitis in the first place. This is often in sharp contrast to the attitude of some practitioners of traditional Western medicine who tends to dismiss other medical philosophies, theories or schools as mere quackery.

“Chinese herbal medicine is one of the great herbal systems of the world, with an unbroken tradition going back to the 3rd century BC. Yet throughout its history it has continually developed in response to changing clinical conditions, and has been sustained by research into every aspect of its use. This process continues today with the development of modern medical diagnostic techniques and knowledge. Because of its systematic approach and clinical effectiveness it has for centuries had a very great influence on the theory and practice of medicine in the East, and more recently has grown rapidly in popularity in the West. It still forms a major part of healthcare provision in China, and is provided in state hospitals alongside western medicine.

Some Chinese medicines are promoted as having the ability to help people loose weight by primarily causing peoples’ metabolisms to act more efficiently. Other types of Chinese medicines for weight loss are thought to assist the human body in processing fat substances in a more effective manner as well as stopping the accumulation in the body of unhealthy fats. Another variety of Chinese medicines for weight loss act to provide a boost to the metabolism.

Herbs that can help the body from developing fatty deposits are immature citrus peel, magnolia bark and citrus aurantium. Herbs that are thought to have the ability to improve the functioning of your metabolism and increase your energy are astragalus, atractylodes and ginseng. Some herbalists also recommend cinnamon, ginger, eucommia bark and epimedium. With the increase in your level of energy it will be easier to partake in workouts and this will assist you in losing undesirable weight. These herbs can be helpful for people who seem to gather unwanted weight in the stomach area.

Some Chinese medicines for weight loss are affective by supposedly reducing stress, depression, anxiety and other types of emotional conditions that can cause people to over eat. This category of herbs includes mint, magnolia bark and biota seeds. Some herbalists recommend bitter herbs such as coptis and Chinese rhubarb that are considered useful in detoxification and they supposedly lower inflammatory and acidic situations in your body which seem to cause people to desire large amounts of food. These herbs might not be found in your basic grocery store so you will probably have to do some research in order to find out where you can purchase them in your area or perhaps you would prefer the convenience of buying them on the internet.

Bao He Wan is a Chinese medicine for weight loss which some people suggest might help you loose weight by reportedly improving your digestion system. It is sold as a wafer. It includes Shan Zha which helps the body digest meats and fatty substances, Shen Ou to increase you digestive systems’ ability to digest alcohol and rice, it also contains an herb named Lai Fu Zi which improves the digestion of starchy items and a couple other helpful herbs. This product does have some unwanted side affects.

A lot of the Chinese medicines for weight loss have not been scientifically proven in independent laboratories to be effective in helping people loose weight so use your judgment before you try these products and consult with your doctor. Chinese medicines taken for weight loss will not solve your weight problem unless you stick to a healthy diet and exercise because they are not going to perform miracles for you.”