Peace River Perseverance

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.