by Dr Qian

Share

by Dr Qian

Share

“When your diet is wrong, medicine is of no use. When your diet is correct, medicine is of no need”
― -Ayurvedic Proverb

Eating disorders come in all sorts of guises and affect people in different ways – none of them good. However from our perspective at The London Chinese Medicine Centre as well as any TCM practitioner we see eating disorders as creating an imbalance in a body’s Yin-Yang state.

Here is a great post by Marcie from her blog that explains this.

Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine focus on bringing the body back into balance and reconnecting the mind, body, and spirit to their right relationships with one another. In TCM, each energetic system in the body has physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual effects. This means that imbalance in a certain system can have manifestations in any or all of these areas. By treating the physical body, an acupuncturist can help heal emotional or spiritual trauma. And by focusing treatment on an emotional imbalance, we can right physical symptoms of imbalance and dis-ease.

Because this inherent mind-body connection is at the very heart of acupuncture theory and practice, it can be a very effective therapy in supporting patients with eating disorders on their road to recovery. Eating Disorders are complex pathologies that affect all levels of being, with physical manifestations, emotional imbalances, mental insecurities, and spiritual challenges.  Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine can work alongside nutritional counseling and psychotherapy to empower patients with Eating Disorders to heal themselves.

From a TCM perspective, Eating Disorders are usually caused by an imbalance in multiple energy systems. In fact, an imbalance in almost every system in TCM can be a cause or an effect of an Eating Disorder. Because of this, an acupuncturist works closely with the patient to understand the unique nature of their experience and understand what energy centres to treat.

One of the most common energy systems that is out of balance in an Eating Disorder is that of the Spleen and Stomach. The Spleen and Stomach represent the Earth element, and energy of groundedness and being centred. Overanalyzing oneself, obsessive thinking, and worrying about body image are often indicative of an Earth energy weakness.  The Spleen and Stomach are also our first line of processing nourishment – both in the physical form of food and in a myriad of emotional and spiritual forms. When the Spleen/Stomach energies are weak, we are not able to receive nourishment in any of its many forms. For a patient with an Eating Disorder, this is obviously a vicious cycle, as depriving the body of physical nutrition makes the Spleen/Stomach energy that much weaker, and that much less able to accept emotional nourishment. Treatment with acupuncture and herbs can help strengthen this Earth energy – our centre and our core – to make the body and mind ready to accept the nourishment we deserve.

On a physical level, imbalance in the Spleen/Stomach can manifest as bloating, nausea, constipation, diarrhoea, reflux, diarrhoea, irregular menstruation in women, and unyielding fatigue – all common physical symptoms that patients with Eating Disorders experience.

Another energy centre that I frequently see problems in with Eating Disorder cases is the Liver energy system. The Liver/Gall Bladder systems represent the Wood element, and are an embodiment of expansion, growth, planning, and outward movement. The Liver controls the eyes and how we see ourselves. Body dysmorphia and distorted body image are both symptoms of an imbalance in the Liver system. Wood energy – like the growth of trees and plants – is one of upward and outward movement. It is what allows us to plan for the future, to set goals, to forge relationships, to find the courage to step out of our comfort zones. When out of balance, patients experience difficultly visualizing change and setting goals, symptoms of social anxiety, and can experience symptoms such as depression and frustration with themselves or others. Physical symptoms of a Liver imbalance include muscle tightness and tension, headaches, and painful periods.

Treatment with acupuncture and herbs, therefore, works to soothe the Liver/Gall Bladder energies and put the patient in a position where they are ready to take the next step in their healing.
Because the nature of eating disorders necessitates that multiple levels of our beings are affected, more often than not, additional energy centres are also out of balance. TCM works at painting a picture of where the patient is – in mind, body, and spirit – at that particular moment in time. And then we as acupuncturists look at the picture to see what is too strong, what is too weak. And then we use acupuncture and herbs to right that wrong.

By its very nature, acupuncture helps to bring the patient more into their physical body. I notice again and again in treating patients with Eating Disorders that the physical nature of the medicine helps them to connect with their bodies in a positive and meaningful way. It introduces positive body sensations, promotes a sense of calm and well-being, and helps set them on a path to health – in all the dimensions in which we exist.

Overcoming an Eating Disorder is incredibly hard work for a patient.  And unlike some other health conditions and treatment – such as taking a pill for high blood pressure, or getting acupuncture to release a muscle knot – it requires an immense amount of dedication, introspection, desire, and effort on the patient’s part. Healing is an active process, and that is perhaps more clear than ever in patients struggling to overcome an Eating Disorder. Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine don’t heal a patient – the patient does that. Rather, this medicine works with the patient’s own resources to remind the mind and body how to exist in harmony with each other, and position the patient in a better place from which to travel the road to recovery.

About:Marcie Griffith, Lic.Ac., MAOM, Dipl. OM
Owner, Stepping Stone Acupuncture & Wellness LLC
Licensed Acupuncturist
To Read More

I really like this article as Marcie is not only a working TCM practitioner but perfectly outlines some of the difficulties, as well as solutions for treating eating disorders with TCM and acupuncture. Over the years I have seen an increase in the number of eating disorders (no all due to Junk Food), and so I felt this article was particularly relevant. As Marcie points out it is often possible to treat such disorders with a combination of acupuncture and Chinese Herbal remedies, but in some cases it can help to work in conjunction with existing medical therapies and counselling a patient is undergoing.

Looking for Professional Advice? We’re here to Help. Call us at 020 8341 7882

Rate this post

STAY IN THE LOOP

Subscribe to our free newsletter.

Don’t have an account yet? Get started with a 12-day free trial

Related Posts

  • 10 Natural Solutions for Joint Pain Relief Natural Relief for Arthritis Pain – Dive into the ancient wisdom of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) with our focused exploration of ten authentic TCM remedies for arthritis. At Bien Jn Chinese Medicine, we are happy to have Dr Qian, a physician who is adept in both Western and […]

  • Rate this post

    Last updated on May 13th, 2023 at 03:11 am

  • Last updated on May 13th, 2023 at 03:11 am Treat Side Effects of Chemotherapy with Chinese Herbal Medicine. Chinese herbal medicine has been used for centuries to treat a variety of ailments and has been proven to be an effective form of treatment for many conditions. Recently, Chinese herbal medicine has been studied for its […]

  • Rate this post

    Last updated on May 13th, 2023 at 03:11 am

  • Last updated on May 13th, 2023 at 03:11 amIt is important to note that there are several elements that makeup TCM. Two of these, Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine are used in treating arthritis. Traditional Chinese Medicine for Arthritis – Acupuncture Chinese acupuncture is an ancient form of medicine that has been used for centuries […]

  • Rate this post

    Last updated on May 12th, 2023 at 01:16 pm

  • Being able to accomplish everything that is included in your new year's resolution is somehow not attainable as the year goes on. We have returned to our unhealthy fast food menu while the treadmill has already been dumped in one corner. Furthermore, most people are becoming so busy with their work that they don't have time for themselves. As a matter of fact, stress is the number one reason why a person is inefficient. Any kind of stress that we regular deal with such as at work, finances, family and even health issues can still have a negative effect on a person's health.

  • Rate this post
Rate this post