Kidney-tonifying and Yang-boosting formulas to regulate function: Seahorse and Sea Dragon Soup and Placenta Tonifying Decoction for treating hypothyroidism-related obesity.

Water retention obesity refers to excessive accumulation of water and dampness in the body; edema obesity refers to excessive water retention in the body. Both present with swelling. However, the former has milder symptoms, while the latter is more severe. Because water and dampness are highly mobile, treatments that promote diuresis and eliminate dampness can be very effective, resulting in immediate reduction of water retention and weight loss. However, not every type of edema can be treated with diuretics and eliminate dampness. For example, this method should not be used for hypothyroidism-related obesity, as it can damage health and worsen the condition.

Hypothyroidism-related obesity refers to obesity and bloating caused by hypothyroidism. It can be congenital or acquired. Acquired hypothyroidism-related obesity may be related to hyperthyroidism. While symptoms of hyperthyroidism can improve with treatment, it can also develop into hypothyroidism, or underactive thyroid. People with hypothyroidism may have a lower than normal body temperature, resulting in a sensitivity to cold. They may experience cold extremities in cold weather. Due to a decreased basal metabolic rate, their pulse rate may slow down. Their ability to burn fat is weakened, leading to reduced calorie expenditure. Combined with the development of myxedema, this makes the body appear bloated and difficult to distinguish from other types of obesity.

Edema in hypothyroid obesity is called "myxedema," which can cause generalized edema. The edema is less mobile, making it difficult to eliminate through diuretic methods. In addition, hypothyroid obesity patients may experience other symptoms such as general weakness, drowsiness, dizziness, loss of appetite, hoarseness, memory loss, tinnitus, hair loss, dry, thickened, and scaly skin, sallow complexion, slow movement, and lethargy.

Hypothyroidism-related obesity falls under the category of deficiency syndrome in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It is often caused by congenital insufficiency, acquired imbalances, and damage to the internal organs, with spleen and kidney yang deficiency and decline of the fire of the gate of life (mingmen) being particularly important. TCM believes that yang governs fire, heat, movement, and warmth. When yang energy declines, symptoms such as aversion to cold, cold limbs, lack of energy, decreased body temperature, and lethargy appear-all manifestations of weakened yang heat. This is also a manifestation of decline of the fire of the gate of life, indicating a deficiency of true yang and insufficient yang energy throughout the body. Furthermore, hypothyroidism-related obesity also presents with generalized myxedema. This type of edema is entirely caused by spleen and kidney deficiency.

Obesity can be categorized as either deficiency or excess. The principle is "tonify deficiency, purge excess." Hypothyroidism-related obesity is a syndrome characterized by both deficiency and excess. Therefore, a combination of tonification and purging is necessary. In particular, tonifying the primordial yang, warming the internal organs, strengthening the spleen and kidneys, supplemented by promoting diuresis and removing dampness, and purging to soothe and regulate the body, should be avoided. Blindly following others' advice and taking senna leaves, rhubarb, polyporus umbellatus, alisma or other similar medications will only damage the body's vital energy, harm the internal organs, and endanger health.

Hypothyroidism-related obesity and corresponding herbal formulas:

(1) Seahorse, Sea Dragon, and Longan Soup. Serves: 2. Ingredients: 5 mace of sea dragon, 5 mace of sea horse, 1 tael of dried longan pulp, 2 quails. Preparation: Simmer in 10 bowls of water for 2 hours. Benefits: Tonifies the kidneys and strengthens yang, nourishes blood and strengthens the body.

Sea dragons, also known as "willow branch fish," have a sweet and salty taste and are warm in nature. They are believed to have effects such as tonifying the kidneys and strengthening yang, dispersing nodules and reducing swelling, relaxing muscles and tendons, stopping bleeding, and inducing labor. Clinically, they are commonly used for conditions such as swollen neck, scrofula, swollen lymph nodes in the head and neck, difficult labor, impotence, infertility, asthma, lower back and leg pain, injuries from falls and blows, abdominal pain, and mastitis. When purchasing sea dragons, choose large, dry ones with a bright color.

Seahorse belongs to the Syngnathidae family. It lives in shallow seas abundant with seaweed. Seahorse has a sweet and salty taste and is warm in nature. It has the effects of tonifying the kidneys and strengthening yang, calming the mind and soothing the nerves, dispersing nodules and reducing swelling, relaxing muscles and tendons, and relieving cough and asthma. It is commonly used for impotence, infertility, insomnia due to deficiency, cough and asthma, lymph node tuberculosis, swollen neck, nephritis, traumatic injuries, mastitis, abdominal pain, and dystocia. Because sea dragon and seahorse have similar properties and effects, the two are often used together.

Longan pulp, also known as dried longan flesh, has been considered a nourishing delicacy since ancient times. It is sweet and warm in nature, possessing the effects of replenishing blood and nourishing the body, benefiting the heart and spleen, calming the mind and promoting sleep, beautifying the skin, and improving brain function. It is suitable for anemia, shortness of breath, palpitations, anxiety, insomnia, forgetfulness, neurasthenia, and for beauty and skin care. Adding a few longan pieces to soup will greatly enhance its flavor. However, it's important to note that consuming too much longan pulp can easily lead to excessive internal heat.

(2) Placenta, Ginseng, and Cistanche Soup. Serves: 2. Ingredients: 5 qian of placenta, 5 qian of ginseng, 5 qian of cistanche, 1 piece of beef. Preparation: Simmer in 10 bowls of water for 2 hours. Efficacy: Strengthens the body and replenishes vital energy.

Placenta, also known as human placenta, is sweet and salty in taste and warm in nature. It is believed to greatly replenish vital energy, nourish essence and blood, and is considered a tonic for strengthening the body and replenishing vital energy. It is suitable for symptoms such as qi deficiency and fatigue, extreme weakness due to overwork, insufficient essence and blood, cough and asthma due to lung deficiency, insomnia due to blood deficiency, seminal emission, leukorrhea, and dark complexion. However, it is not suitable for those with external pathogenic factors or internal heat.

Jilin ginseng has a sweet and slightly bitter taste and is neutral in nature. It is a famous tonic and strengthening Chinese medicine. Its functions include greatly replenishing vital energy, nourishing the lungs and spleen, promoting body fluid production, and calming the mind. There are actually many varieties of ginseng. The most famous is wild ginseng from Changbai Mountain. Secondly, Korean ginseng is called "Korean ginseng." Jilin ginseng is slightly less potent, but it is much cheaper. It is suitable for stewing and making soups.

Cistanche deserticola is sweet and salty in taste, and warm in nature. It has the functions of tonifying the kidneys and strengthening yang, moistening the intestines and relieving constipation, promoting sperm production and nourishing blood, and strengthening the body's foundation. It is suitable for kidney deficiency and impotence, seminal emission, premature ejaculation, constipation due to intestinal dryness, cold pain in the lower back and knees, weakness of muscles and bones, insufficient body fluids, metrorrhagia, and deficiency of the lower abdomen. Li Shizhen further stated, "This herb is nourishing without being drastic, hence its name 'Congrong' (meaning 'composed' or 'gentle'). It also has the title of 'herb of immortality'."