15. Japanese Kampo Weight Loss Experience and Qigong Weight Loss (Part 1): Absorbing the Essence of the Sun and the Method of Returning to Oneness and Purity

IV. Japanese Experience with Weight Loss Using Traditional Chinese Medicine

In recent years, Japanese scholars have found that traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) treatment for obesity has yielded better results than conventional Western medicine. Therefore, they have adopted a modified version of basic TCM formulas, emphasizing the effective use of classic formulas from the *Shanghan Zabing Lun* (Treatise on Febrile and Miscellaneous Diseases). They categorize Japanese patients into three types based on their constitution: excess, deficiency, and a combination of both. Prescriptions are then tailored to each category. Their experience is described below:

1. Fangfeng Tongsheng Powder

The formula, containing rhubarb, Glauber's salt, and licorice, is a flavoring of Chengqi Decoction, possessing a purgative effect. Saposhnikovia root, ephedra, schizonepeta, ginger, and mint have diaphoretic properties, allowing pathogens to be expelled through the skin via sweat. Forsythia, scutellaria, platycodon, gardenia, and gypsum have heat-clearing, detoxifying, and dampness-drying effects. Atractylodes and licorice strengthen the spleen and stomach. Through this combination, pathogens are expelled through the skin and urination, achieving the effect of clearing heat and detoxifying.

This formula is most commonly used for patients with obesity of the actual type, also known as stroke-prone constitution. Abdominal examination reveals fullness and thickening centered around the navel, often accompanied by constipation, and the pulse and abdomen are firm and strong.

2. Da Chai Hu Tang (Major Bupleurum Decoction)

This formula is applicable to cases of actual obesity. It describes individuals who are obese or have a robust physique, with a thick abdominal wall, an obtuse angle in the upper abdomen, tension and tenderness below the costal margin, and significant fullness and discomfort in the chest and hypochondrium-the so-called "real obesity." It is commonly seen in middle-aged individuals who overeat fatty and sweet foods and lack exercise, leading to subcutaneous fat deposition. It is often accompanied by constipation and a deep, slow, and forceful pulse. Adding Job's tears can enhance diuresis and help eliminate fat.

3. Fangji Huangqi Decoction

It is suitable for deficiency syndromes and intermediate deficiency-excess syndromes. Symptoms include pale skin, excessive sweating, muscle weakness, knee pain, or edema. It is not accompanied by constipation, which is the so-called "bloated obesity".

4. Peach Kernel Decoction for Relieving Inflammation

Applicable to empirical cases. Symptoms include good physical strength, facial flushing, constipation, menstrual irregularities, lower abdominal congestion, and abdominal distension. Abdominal palpation often reveals a cord-like structure in the left lower quadrant, which is tender to the touch.

5. Guizhi Fuling Wan (Cinnamon Twig and Poria Pill)

This formula is suitable for cases of excess or intermediate between excess and deficiency. It is milder than Taohua Chengqi Decoction and can be used for patients with a ruddy complexion, good physical strength, abnormal menstruation, and blood stasis in the lower abdomen, but without abdominal distension.

6. Major Purgative Decoction

This formula is suitable for those with confirmed cases. It is a strong purgative and is appropriate for those with abdominal obesity, a strong pulse, and severe constipation.

According to Kazuo Yumoto, a combination of Da Chengqi Tang and Tao He Chengqi Tang (15 grams each of Glauber's salt and rhubarb) plus Huang Jie Wan was effective in treating obesity. He believed that blood stasis exists throughout the body, and the combined formula, with the help of the medicinal power of Da Chengqi Tang, could achieve a better therapeutic effect.

7. Bupleurum and Dragon Bone & Oyster Shell Soup

It is suitable for intermediate syndromes of deficiency and excess, as well as excess syndromes. Symptoms include fullness and discomfort in the chest and hypochondrium, palpitations above the navel, irritability, insomnia, and decreased libido.

8. Nine-Ingredient Pinellia Decoction

This formula is suitable for cases of intermediate symptoms between deficiency and excess. It is often used for obesity in middle-aged and older adults, presenting with facial flushing, dizziness, or fluid retention. Fluid retention is mostly caused by water metabolism disorders and water retention leading to obesity, so red beans, which promote urination, can be added.

9. Wu Ling San combined with Jiu Wei Bing Lang Tang

It is suitable for deficiency syndromes. Symptoms include obesity, heaviness in the body, easy fatigue, easy edema, and beriberi-like symptoms.

Although the above-mentioned traditional Chinese medicine preparations (Fangfeng Tongsheng San and Fangji Huangqi Tang) still have issues regarding the criteria for judging efficacy, based on the existing clinical evaluations and studies on lipid and electrolyte metabolism, they have achieved certain therapeutic effects.

Some researchers, including Di Zi, used Fangfeng Tongsheng San and Fangji Huangqi Tang, administering extracts alone or in combination. Based on a 10% weight loss and a significant reduction in chest and waist circumference, they inferred that the drug may have little effect on protein and mainly manifests as a fat-decomposing effect. However, since only four cases have been reported, further observation of more cases is expected.

According to Takayuki Hirai, four obese women were given Fangfeng Tongsheng San and Fangji Huangqi Tang extract, along with dietary control. After 5 to 6 months, the effects were observed, leading him to conclude that it is feasible as an adjunct treatment for simple obesity.

Narita et al. administered Fangji Huangqi Decoction and Fangfeng Tongsheng Powder extract to 68 obese women. For a small number of patients with menstrual abnormalities and blood stasis, Guizhi Fuling Pill and Taohe Chengqi Decoction extract were given. After 8 to 12 weeks, about one-third of the women lost weight.

In summary, Japanese scholars focus on using original prescriptions from classical Chinese medicine to treat obesity, and mainly use extracts, which differs from traditional Chinese medicine's approach to obesity and is worth learning from.

See Foreign Medical Sciences (Traditional Chinese Medicine and Materia Medica), 1987(3), 21-23. Kampo treatment for obesity: Momosuke (Japan).

Chapter Four: Qigong, Massage, and Gymnastics for Weight Loss

Qigong massage for weight loss is one of the simplest and fastest methods, and its key lies in persistence. Unlike other weight-loss qigong methods with complex and lengthy movements, qigong massage emphasizes the concentration and coordination of both the practitioner and the masseur. It largely adapts key movements from well-established and effective weight-loss methods, making it simple, convenient, and effective without taking up too much time. It can generally be practiced before bed, after waking up, during short breaks at work, or even on a bus or at your desk.

I. Qigong Weight Loss Technique

1. Sun Essence Weight Loss Method

Indications: Simple obesity (Yang deficiency type).

Symptoms: obesity, lethargy, shortness of breath, cold limbs, dizziness, lower limb edema, pale complexion, abdominal distension.

Practice method:

① Stand or sit facing east every morning. Keep your eyes half-open, ideally seeing a golden yellow light in front of you. Tilt your head back slightly and breathe naturally.

② When inhaling, imagine the warmth of sunlight being drawn into your abdomen, specifically your navel. After 15 minutes, you should feel a slight warmth in your abdomen. Practice for 30 minutes each time.

③ With prolonged practice of this exercise, you will feel a noticeable warmth in your abdomen. If saliva wells up under your tongue, you can swallow it frequently.

Precautions: This exercise should not be practiced by patients with symptoms of Yang heat, such as fever, flushed face, irritability, shortness of breath, thirst, constipation, and dark urine.

Benefits: After one week of practice, the feeling of coldness in the chest and abdomen is greatly reduced. After one month of practice, the spleen and stomach function better, and appetite increases. It is advisable to pay attention to diet and add dynamic exercises such as Baduanjin (Eight Pieces of Brocade).

2. The Method of Returning to Oneness and Purity

Indications: Simple obesity (Yin deficiency with excessive fire type).

Symptoms: obesity, dizziness, excessive sweating, palpitations, insomnia, vivid dreams, irritability, hot flashes in the palms, soles, and chest, and increased appetite.

Practice method:

① Sit cross-legged, breathe naturally, and close your eyes slightly.

② Visualize the area between your knees while sitting cross-legged. After a period of practice, you will feel a hazy white light and shimmering colors such as blue, yellow, red, and black between your knees. Continue practicing, and the colors will fade away, leaving only white light, which will gradually transform into the bright moonlight. At this time, you will feel as if the bright moon is shining in the sky, and your whole body will feel cool.

③ After seeing the white light, the practitioner should visualize the moonlight merging with themselves, "I am the light." Continuing to practice, one will no longer feel the body's existence, but only the presence of a bright moon. This is the true state of tranquility.

④ When you finish practicing, leave the white light with your mind, and the white light will disappear, and you will feel your body again.

3. The method of gathering and dispersing breathing for weight loss.

Indications: Water retention obesity.

Symptoms: obesity, fatigue, generalized edema, abdominal distension, shortness of breath.

Practice method:

① Posture: Primarily supine, supplemented by standing.

②Breathing and Intention: When inhaling, imagine the Qi throughout the body converging at the Mingmen acupoint in the lumbosacral region, while simultaneously contracting the anus and abdomen; when exhaling, imagine the Qi dispersing from the Mingmen acupoint to the limbs.

③ Each practice session should last 30 to 60 minutes, twice a day.

Typical Case: Wang XX, in 1974, took dexamethasone to treat asthma, which subsequently led to generalized obesity and edema. He was later treated at the Beidaihe Qigong Sanatorium. Upon admission, he weighed 89 kg and had a waist circumference of 110 cm. Under the doctor's guidance, he practiced the convergence and dispersion breathing method. Five months later, his weight decreased to 73.5 kg, his waist circumference decreased to 83 cm, and he could jog 1000 meters without getting out of breath or fatigue.

4. Waist Twisting and Hip Swinging Slimming Method

Indications: Simple obesity.

Symptoms: obesity, shortness of breath, excessive sweating, abdominal distension, and lower limb edema.

Practice method:

①Standing position, feet apart, slightly wider than shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent, hands on hips.

② Rotate your waist and hips, first to the left 9 times, then to the right 9 times. During the rotation, your abdomen will rise and fall naturally with your breathing, and you can imagine that the fat in your waist and abdomen is decreasing.

Benefits: Helps eliminate excess fat in the waist and abdomen.

5. Qigong Jogging for Weight Loss

Indications: Simple obesity.

Symptoms: obesity, shortness of breath, excessive sweating, abdominal distension, and lower limb edema.

Practice method:

① Breathe naturally, relax your whole body, close your eyes slightly, and focus your mind on your lower abdomen (Dantian) for 5 minutes. Then start running slowly at a slow pace, keeping relaxed and natural, with steady and light steps, and imagine the Qi flowing into your lower abdomen (Dantian) and Yongquan acupoint (Yongquan acupoint).

②There is no time limit for each session. Gradually increase the amount of exercise until you feel comfortable after running.

③After running, stand still, take a deep breath, and imagine the Qi from the Yongquan acupoint slowly returning to the Dantian. Open your eyes and move around freely for a few minutes to finish the exercise.

Precautions:

① Suitable for those in good physical condition.

② Qigong jogging should be done in parks or open fields where there are no vehicles to ensure safety.

6. Qigong Swimming for Weight Loss

Indications: Simple obesity (Yin deficiency with excessive fire type).

Symptoms: Mild obesity, fever and flushed face, insomnia, irritability, anger, increased appetite, and premature graying of hair.

Practice method:

① Before swimming, use your mind to relax your whole body from head to toe.

② When swimming, eliminate distracting thoughts and concentrate on your breathing. When inhaling, your abdomen should expand and your anus should contract; when exhaling, imagine "moving forward quickly" while your abdomen contracts inward. Try to make your breathing fine, even, deep, and long.

③ Each swim lasts about 30 minutes, 1-2 times a day.

Benefits: Regularly engaging in Qigong swimming can prevent excessive fat accumulation in subcutaneous tissue. Swimming consumes a significant amount of energy, ranging from 300 to 800 kilocalories per hour. Swimming continuously for 45 minutes each time can result in a weight loss of approximately 350 grams. With consistent swimming for over a year, individuals who are 15-20% overweight can achieve a weight that is close to normal.

Precautions: Suitable for those in good physical condition.

7. The Leisurely Walking Weight Loss Method

Indications: Simple obesity.

Symptoms: obesity, excessive sweating, fatigue, shortness of breath, and lower limb edema.

Practice method:

① Footwork: Slightly close your eyes, step forward with your right foot, heel landing first, toes pointing upwards. Simultaneously, swing your left hand from your solar plexus towards your left hip, and your right hand from your right towards your solar plexus, palms facing diagonally towards your torso. Shift your body weight from left to right. Then step forward with your left foot, heel landing first, toes pointing upwards. Simultaneously, swing your right hand from your solar plexus towards your right hip, and your left hand from your left towards your solar plexus. Shift your weight from right to left.

②Breathing: When stepping with your right foot, inhale twice through your nose; when stepping with your left foot, exhale once through your nose. Breathing should be short and forceful, with an intensity that allows you to hear your own breathing, and a speed that feels light and comfortable. Avoid breathing too quickly or too briefly. Practice for 30 minutes each time.

Precautions:

① When walking, try to "see without seeing, hear without hearing" your surroundings, be carefree and natural, and relax your whole body. Keep your knees slightly bent and your waist and hips relaxed.

② If you focus your mind on your toes, your heels will land lightly and your heels will not swell or hurt. If you focus your mind on your heels, it will cause swelling and pain in your heels.

③ Once you are familiar with this exercise, if you cannot calm down while doing it, you can use the breath-listening method, that is, listen to the sound of your own breathing in and out through your nose, to drive away distracting thoughts.

④ It is advisable to walk 60 to 70 steps every 5 minutes.

Benefits: Leisurely walking can promote metabolism. Elderly people who walk at a speed of 3 kilometers per hour for 1.5 to 2 hours can increase their metabolic rate by 48%. Walking increases energy expenditure and promotes the breakdown of excess body fat, thus helping to prevent obesity.

8. Spontaneous Exercise for Weight Loss

Indications: Simple obesity.

Symptoms: obesity, excessive sweating, fatigue, shortness of breath, and lower limb edema.

Practice method:

① Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, arms hanging at your sides, head and neck straight, eyes gently closed, body relaxed, and breathing naturally.

② Imagine yourself entering a state of floating on clouds and feeling light and carefree.

③ Imagine the Qi and blood throughout your body gradually descending from the Baihui acupoint on the top of your head to the Yongquan acupoint on the sole of your feet, and imagine the feeling of relaxation that comes from the parts of your body that the Qi and blood pass through as they descend.

④ Visualize the Dantian acupoint, located 3 cm inside the navel, for 5 seconds.

⑤ Inhale deeply into your navel until you feel as if your navel is pressed against the Mingmen acupoint on your spine. Focus your gaze inward onto the Mingmen acupoint for 5 seconds.

⑥ Intentionally exhale towards the navel.

⑦ Focus your mind on the dantian for 30-60 minutes. If no external movement occurs, you can stop the exercise. If external movement occurs, let it move naturally, and then stop the exercise.

⑧ To conclude the exercise, using the navel as the center, circle counter-clockwise 36 times, from left to right, from small to large circles (the large circles should not extend above the ribs or below the pubic bone); then reverse the direction, circling 36 times from large to small circles. Women should circle in the opposite direction. Open your eyes. Then slowly perform 6 reverse breaths, inhaling through the nose while contracting the abdomen and exhaling through the nose while relaxing the abdomen. Rub your palms and the backs of your hands together to warm them, then rub your face, head, and back of the head 36 times.

Precautions:

① When practicing spontaneous movement exercises, do not consciously pursue movement; simply let it happen naturally. Continue practicing, and the movement will become natural and spontaneous. Even without external movement, it is beneficial for health and weight loss.

② To prevent the problem of being unable to control oneself from excessive movement, the method is to follow the closing exercise method. After repeatedly closing the exercise, it will naturally stop and return to a calm state.

③ When you can't get up from a squatting position due to external movement, you should consciously focus your mind on concentrating your Qi and blood at the Baihui acupoint, raising both palms upwards while inhaling, and thinking "Stand up, stand up" in your mind. You will then be able to gradually stand up.

④ When there is a violent jumping motion, use your mind to think downwards, imagine the blood and qi concentrating at the Yongquan acupoint, press down with both palms, exhale at the same time, and think "stop jumping, stop jumping", and it will stop.

⑤ If the room is narrow and there are many obstacles during practice, in order to prevent collisions and injuries, you can slightly open your eyes to observe the environment in front of you when your body moves spontaneously, so as to avoid being injured.

⑥ If you feel cold when practicing spontaneous movement exercises, you can do a few sets of calisthenics first to warm up your body slightly before practicing spontaneous movement exercises for better results.

⑦ This exercise is not suitable for people with dizziness, high blood pressure, or coronary heart disease.