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TCM for Weight Loss

Have you been exercising and trying various diets but your weight refuses to budge?

PULSE offers a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) consultation and asessment to diagnose  bodily conditions that can contribute to excess weight, followed by TCM slimming treatments (cupping, acupuncture) tailored to your needs. For more holistic, effective results, you also have the option to integrate a dietary intervention by our in-house certified dietitian. 

TCM:

  • Boosts metabolism
  • Suppresses appetite, reduces urge to overeat
  • Readjust bodily imbalances
  • Improves digestion & reduces bloating
  • Safe & natural

DIETITIAN:

  • Dietary assessment & calorie needs calculation
  • Personalised meal plans
  • Evidence-based, scientific approach
  • No restrictive diets or expensive supplements
First TCM Session Trial at $78* | Book an Appointment

Case Study

Client O (female, 20s) regularly exercises but still struggled to lose weight. After unsuccessfully trying out different caloric-deficit diets and cutting back on carbohydrates, she sought help with managing her weight with the integrated PULSE Dietitian + TCM weight loss program.

After a consultation with the TCM physician, she was found to have spleen deficiency, and blood/qi deficiency. She also revealed during her consultations that she commonly experiences bloating after meals, and in the morning after she wakes up. 

Results after 3 months of TCM treatments & monthly dietitian consultations:

  • Improved metabolism (measured by TCM pulse reading)
  • 3kg weight loss (no rebound during the 3 months)
  • Experienced reduced/little bloating now, as compared to before
  • Healthier relationship with food; stopped avoiding carbohydrates, improved eating consistency and habits, and eating for her body’s nutritional requirements

What Causes Excess Weight? A TCM Perspective

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) views a healthy circulation of Qi  (vital life energy) and blood, and smooth functioning of organ systems as essential to health and vitality. 

Weight gain as due to imbalances in the bodily energy and organ systems. Stress, lack of physical activity or a poor diet are common contributing factors. 

The following are some common bodily imbalances; or body constitutions; that are most commonly associated with excess weight. 

Body Constitutions Prone to Weight Gain

SymptomsBody CharacteristicsCravings
DAMPNESS
Excessive moisture or fluid accumulation in the body. 		Fatigue, feelings of ‘heaviness’, easily cold limbsWeight gain around the waistSweets, starches, caffeine
STAGNATION OF Qi
Blockage or disruption of the body’s vital energy (Qi). 		Stressed, easily irritable or anxious, mood swings, insomniaWeight gain on upper bodyGreasy, sour and salty foods, alcohol, red meat
SPLEEN & KIDNEY DEFICIENCY
Organs with important roles in digestion & metabolism		Fatigue, poor appetite and digestions, cold hands and feet, water retention, abdomen bloating, backache, watery stools/ diarrhoea, prone to fluWeight gain all aroundDairy, creamy foods
 Note that this list is not exhaustive and there are other types of imbalances not listed that can also contribute to weight gain. Our TCM physician would conduct a through health assessment to identify your unique body condition and imbalances. 

How Can TCM Help with Weight Loss?

Initial Consultation

The programme begins with a consultation with our TCM physicians, who will:

  • Interview you to understand your medical and weight history, dietary and lifestyle patterns 
  • Conduct an examination using TCM diagnostic methods, such as a pulse and tongue examination. 
  • Diagnose your body constitution and the underlying patterns of imbalance contributing to your current weight issues. 

Acupuncture and cupping therapy are typically the primary treatments to promote weight loss.The specific body areas they are applied to will be tailored to your unique body constitution and  health imbalances.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to stimulate Qi, the body’s energy flow, target various health issues and restore balance. 

Acupuncture can help with weight loss by:

  • Reducing overeating and cravings for high-calorie foods.
    Clinical studies show that acupuncture can influence hormones that  play a role in appetite regulation. 
  • Increasing the body’s metabolism by improving the circulation of Qi and blood. 
  • Improving digestion and reduce bloating. 
  • Reducing stress and tendency for emotional eating. 
cuppint therapy

Cupping Therapy

Cupping involves creating a vacuum or suction on the skin’s surface using cups. 

Cupping can aid promote weight loss by: 

  • Helping to disintegrate fat lipids
  • Reducing dampness, one of the contributing factors to weight gain. 
  • Improving Qi and blood circulation. 
  • Reducing fluid retention and bloating. 

Depending on your unique body condition,  your physician may also recommend other treatments such as moxibustion or  herbal medication.

How Can a Dietitian Help?

If you have been cutting out certain food groups or reducing your meals but still struggle to lose weight, perhaps there are hidden culprits in your dietary habits that may be playing a part.

Contrary to popular beliefs, it’s not always carbs that are the problem. Certain foods and drinks we regularly consume unknowingly can rack up hidden calories. Certain eating patterns, such as skipping meals, can also actually contribute to lower metabolic rate and weight gain.

Our Dietitian will: 

  • Assess your daily eating patterns, nutrition and calories intake
  • Identify the hidden culprits within your dietary habits. 
  • Calculate your calorie and macronutrients (e.g. protein) requirements for weight loss
  • Create custom meal plans tailored to your lifestyle and cultural food preferences. 

Rather than fad diets and quick fixes, we can help you to develop a sustainable, healthy eating pattern to achieve your goals. 

Price

First TCM trial at $78* (50% OFF)

Includes consultation with a physician and acupuncture treatment.

Dietitian consultation at $130*

*Prices are exclusive of GST.
To enjoy the TCM trial price, please notify our clinic that you are coming for a trial session upon registration. Otherwise regular pricing will apply.   
Herbal medication, other treatments, or additional acupuncture to address other ailments would be charged separately.

Credit packages are available in-clinic. Consult with your physician to find one that suits your needs.

FAQs

Can I see just either TCM or dietitian to help me with weight loss?

Sure! You can choose to work with either professional as well. Simply select the clinician you would like to see on the appointment booking form.
We do find that patients usually experience more effective results when engaging both dietitian and TCM thus we would still recommend seeing both if possible.

How many TCM or Dietitian sessions will I need?

There are no fixed commitments required and you can freely choose the number of sessions you wish to attend. However, we would recommend these number of sessions as a minimum to experience results from the programme: 

  • TCM: 10 sessions
  • Dietitian: 3 sessions
How frequent will the visits be?

TCM:  Twice weekly during the first 2-4 weeks, and once weekly subsequently. 

Dietitian: Once every two weeks in the beginning and on month apart in the later stage. 

The sessions will require about 45-60 minutes. 

While above are the recommended treatment frequency, they can be adjusted based on each patient’s needs and availability. 

Does acupuncture hurt?

Acupuncture needles are hair-thin. It is generally not painful, however, some individuals may feel some soreness when needles are inserted around the associated organ with blockages or imbalance. If you are still not comfortable to undergo acupuncture, however, do express it to you physician who will be able to use alternative methods. 

Which area of the body will the TCM treatment be done?

Electro-acupuncture is usually done on the stomach, arms and legs. Depending on the diagnosis by your physician, different acupoints will be taken. Cupping is normally done after acupuncture on the stomach, thighs, arms and/or back.

How do I prepare for my session with a dietitian?
  • It’s important to think of goals. What would you like to work on with the dietitian? Is there anything that you would like to change or improve?
  • Bring a list of medications/supplements with you, and be able to talk about your medical or weight history. 
  • In some cases, it may be helpful to do a 3-day food diary before the session. This is a list of everything you are eating and drinking for the last 3 days, so that the dietitian is able to get an idea of your food habits and eating patterns. 
  • Write out any questions that you would like to ask during your session. 
  • If you feel it would be helpful, you may ask a family member or friend to come with you to your session. 
How do you keep track of my progress?

The physician will examine your pulse and tongue to keep track of the changes in your body. The physician can also monitor your condition through the cupping marks as the different colours reflect different diagnostic patterns. 

 

The dietitian will work with the physician on tracking your progress. The follow-up sessions will allow you to ask questions, talk about what is going well, what is not working, and receive support and feedback from the dietitian.



How can I book for the program?

1. Complete the booking form below to make your first appointment with a TCM physician. 

2. Book your first consultation session with a dietitian. 
Do read the FAQ for more information on how you can prepare for your session with a dietitian. 

Begin your journey to a healthier body and a more confident you.

Book your appointment with a PULSE physician today.

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