Posted by Hombre on August 5, 2010, at 20:42:53
In reply to Weight loss meds, posted by Maxime on July 31, 2010, at 19:53:13
Maxine,
Please don't use ephedra/ma huang for weight loss. It is never indicated for this purpose and could cause further imbalance when used in isolation. Even as a cold remedy, it is only indicated for certain conditions and is always balanced with other herbs.
I've taken lithium and experienced weight gain and water retention. I even had the gross symptom of getting pimples on my arms! Ick. I currently take seroquel and have to constantly battle the metabolism-slowing side-effects of this drug. I do that with herbal formulas that strengthen the body and allow it to function properly. When given the proper conditions to function, the body knows how to take care of itself for the most part.
Edema and improper digestion probably indicate a Spleen (according to Chinese medicine) deficiency. Other symptoms of Spleen deficiency include headache, a bloated abdomen, gas, muscle weakness/poor muscle tone, diarrhea, or constipation alternating with diarrhea, fatigue, poor appetite, anorexia, overthinking, poor memory and excessive worrying. It may seem strange to think that thinking and memory are associated with digestion, but at a very basic level there is no way one's brain is going to function optimally when the body is not properly extracting and transforming nutrients into fuel the body can use. Metaphorically, learning is process of taking in information (eating) and processing it (digesting).
The most common causes for Spleen deficiency include under/overeating, overconsumption of cold, iced food and drinks, too many raw fruits and vegetables (it takes a lot of energy to break down the cellulose and heat up the stomach contents to a temperature where the digestive chemical reactions can occur), overexertion and excessive worrying. I've personally experienced a vicious cycle where I was starving myself (as a jolly, somewhat plump American I moved to a country where everyone was much thinner and ate much less). As my body weakened I had less and less appetite. I didn't want to bother eating. I could barely exercise and although I lost some weight I had a bloated belly and stubborn fat that came from seemingly nowhere.
Spleen tonifying herbs improve digestion and metabolism (proper handling of blood sugar, insulin and digestive enzymes may actually lead to weight loss) and help drain excess fluid.
The most basic formula for tonifying the Spleen system is called The Four Gentlemen (Si Jun Zi Wan). It is available as a patent formula in pill form. It contains four herbs to drain excessive dampness (edema) and strengthen digestion. Overall energy increases when digestion is optimized.
But if only it were as simple as "take formula X" for all Spleen problems. In one sense, a relatively simple formula like Four Gentlemen will probably help most cases of Spleen deficiency to an extent, but the number of variations on the formula or formulas that contain Four Gentlemen points to the individualized nature of taking herbs. Herbal formulas usually have a few herbs to treat the main problems, herbs to augment the main herbs, herbs to buffer the main herbs to prevent side effects, and herbs to harmonize the formula and even make it taste a little better. A true herbalist is a master chef that prepares the formula that you need. Just as you wouldn't eat just spinach as a meal, herbal prescriptions rarely contain just one herb.
Alas, where to find these people. Word of mouth is usually good. Massage therapists, martial artists, and other alternative health practitioners will usually know of someone that really knows their stuff. She may or may not be Chinese; what matters is that she listens to you and has the sensitivity to coax your body back to health.
If it isn't possible to find/afford a professional herbalist, you might proceed cautiously with patent formulas such as Four Gentlemen to coax your body back to a healthier balance.
Take care,
Hombre
poster:Hombre
thread:956610
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20100731/msgs/957396.html