Understanding GLP-1 Medications: A Chinese Medicine Perspective

Sun, 01 Feb 2026 06:28:02 GMT

Understanding GLP-1 Medications: A TCM Perspective

If you’ve been following the news lately, you’ve likely heard of GLP-1 receptor agonists (like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro). Originally designed to manage Type 2 Diabetes, they are now being widely prescribed for weight loss.

As a practitioner of Chinese Medicine, I often get asked: "How do these work? Are they safe? And why am I so tired while taking them?" Here is a quick breakdown of what you should know from both a biomedical and holistic perspective.

Why do they make you feel sleepy?

"GLP-1 fatigue" is one of the most common side effects. From a biomedical view, this is often due to a significant caloric deficit or dehydration.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), we see this as a depletion of Spleen Qi and Jin-Ye (Fluids). Because the medication slows down the digestive process to keep you full longer, it can sometimes overwhelm the Spleen’s ability to transform food into energy, leading to that "heavy" or "crashing" feeling.

Important "Red Flags" to Watch For

While these medications can be effective for glucose control, they are powerful and require careful monitoring. You should seek medical attention immediately if you experience:

* Severe Abdominal Pain: This can be a sign of pancreatitis.

* Extreme Bloating or "Rotten Egg" Burps: This may indicate gastroparesis (where the stomach slows down too much).

* Rapid Muscle Loss: It is vital to prioritize protein and strength to prevent muscle wasting (what we call Spleen Qi Deficiency with atrophy).

Herbs and GLP-1s: A Note on Safety

If you are taking a GLP-1, we have to be very careful with herbal formulas. Certain herbs can "double-dip" with the medication’s effects:

* Blood Sugar Regulators: Herbs like Huang Lian (Coptis/Berberine) or Ren Shen (Ginseng) can lower blood sugar further, potentially leading to hypoglycemia (dizziness or fainting).

* Damp-Draining Herbs: Herbs that treat swelling or water retention may increase the risk of dehydration when combined with the medication's GI side effects.

How Acupuncture Can Help

If you are currently on a GLP-1 or considering one, acupuncture is an excellent "bridge" to manage the transition. We focus on:

* Reducing Nausea: Points like PC-6 (Neiguan) are clinically proven to help settle the stomach.

* Boosting Energy: Strengthening the Spleen and Kidney Qi to combat fatigue.

* Supporting Digestion: Using points like ST-36 (Zusanli) to ensure your "internal engine" keeps moving smoothly despite the medication’s slowing effect.

The Bottom Line: These medications are often intended for long-term use because they manage the hormonal signals of hunger. My goal is to help you support your body’s foundation—your Spleen and Stomach—so you can achieve your health goals safely and with vitality.

Calendar and to-do list

Wed, 22 Oct 2025 16:27:31 GMT

What's stopping most people from achieving their dreams?

I'd like to start this blog out by sharing one of the simplest and yet most useful and profound pieces of advice I ever came across. Since my early teens I have been studying Zen Buddhist teachings, among other facets of Buddhist and Daoist philosophy. At one point when I lived in Pinellas County, FL I did seek out a temple in the interest of learning how to develop my personal practice. I found myself in the audience of a Tibetan monk at a temple in Safety Harbor, and this is what I learned: "There are only two things that you need in order to accomplish any goal you may have. The only two things you need are a calendar and a to-do list."

You may be thinking what I was thinking..."Wait, what!?"

That's too simple! What about good health, drive, education, determination, money!? It seemed at first like I could come up with 100 different arguments to prove him wrong. As he went on to explain and dive a little deeper, I realized he was absolutely right!

There are only so many hours in each day, and only so many days in each week...you see where I am going. However, when you really think about it every goal or aspiration can be broken down into smaller steps that need to be taken in order to get you there. It's true, you must decide first. There has to be a decision made, as in: "This is my goal!"

Once you make that decision to take on a thing, a challenge, a feat, of any kind...it doesn't matter what it is! You can break it down into smaller steps, make a list and put it on your calendar.

The sooner you are able to see your challenges and goals in this way, the sooner you will start to take steps toward achieving them. It's not TOO simple, it's just THAT SIMPLE.

Now you have all the tools you need to go and conquer the world. Go get 'em, Tiger!

Peace River Perseverance

Understanding GLP-1 Medications: A Chinese Medicine Perspective

Understanding GLP-1 Medications: A TCM Perspective

Calendar and to-do list

What's stopping most people from achieving their dreams?