2023-09-05 09:03:59
The method of treating muscle loss in traditional Chinese medicine usually considers the overall condition of the individual comprehensively, and uses various methods to regulate the body and promote the balance of Qi and blood circulation and viscera functions. (123RF)
Text/Deng Zhengliang (Director of Jide Traditional Chinese Medicine Clinic)
During the aging process of the human body, due to the gradual decline of physiological functions and reduced activity, it will lead to muscle loss, decreased muscle strength, and decreased functional activities.
If the muscle loss is severe, muscle strength or mobility begins to be significantly affected, and it is easy to suffer from “sarcopenia”.
Factors of Muscle Loss
Muscle loss (muscle atrophy) can be caused by a variety of factors, here are some of the main ones:
⊙Age factor: As we age, there is a progressive loss of muscle mass and mass, which is known as senile muscle loss or muscle decline. This is because as we age, the body’s metabolism gradually slows down and protein synthesis and breakdown become out of balance, leading to muscle loss.
⊙ Lack of exercise: An inactive lifestyle can lead to muscle loss. Inactivity reduces muscle loading and stimulation, leading to gradual muscle degeneration.
⊙ Disease and injury: Certain diseases, pain, or injuries can cause muscle loss. For example, neurological disorders, chronic diseases (such as diabetes and heart disease), cancer, severe burns, etc. can all lead to muscle loss.
⊙ Malnutrition: Insufficient protein intake and poor nutrition can lead to muscle loss. Protein is an important component for building and maintaining muscle tissue, and insufficient protein intake can lead to loss of muscle mass.
⊙ Hormonal changes: Certain hormonal changes, such as decreased levels of testosterone, can lead to muscle loss. This can happen in both men and women, especially as we age.
⊙ Long-term bed rest: Prolonged bed rest may lead to muscle atrophy due to lack of muscle loading and exercise stimulation.
⊙ Stress and inflammation: Chronic stress and chronic inflammation can trigger muscle loss. For example, stressful conditions following severe infection, trauma, or surgery can affect muscle tissue.
To prevent muscle loss, it is important to maintain moderate physical activity, eat a balanced diet, especially adequate protein intake, and have regular health checkups to monitor for any potential health problems.
What are the consequences of muscle loss?
Muscle loss can lead to a variety of adverse outcomes that affect an individual’s physical health and function. Here are some possible consequences:
⊙ Physical decline: Muscle is one of the main energy consumers of the body. Muscle loss will lead to a decrease in basal metabolic rate, decreased physical strength, and weakened ability to perform daily activities.
⊙ Dysfunction: Muscle is a key component that supports body movement and maintains balance. Muscle loss can lead to weakness, limited mobility, and impaired functioning in daily activities.
⊙ Decreased bone density: There is an intimate relationship between muscle and bone. Exercise stimulation of muscles helps promote bone health and density, and muscle loss can lead to decreased bone density, increasing the risk of fractures.
⊙ Metabolic problems: Muscle is one of the main stores of protein and energy, and muscle loss can lead to metabolic problems that affect protein synthesis and energy balance.
⊙ Impaired immune system: There is a connection between muscle and the immune system, and muscle loss may affect the function of the immune system and increase the risk of infection.
⊙ Cardiovascular health problems: Muscle plays an important role in maintaining cardiovascular health. Muscle loss may increase the burden on the heart and affect cardiovascular function.
⊙ Decreased quality of daily life: Muscle loss can lead to increased difficulty in activities of daily living, limiting an individual’s independence and quality of life.
⊙ Metabolic syndrome and increased risk of disease: Muscle loss is associated with an increased risk of chronic diseases such as metabolic syndrome, diabetes, and high blood pressure.
Recommended actions
To prevent muscle loss and its consequences, the following steps are recommended:
Get regular exercise: Include endurance exercise and gravity-loaded training to maintain muscle mass and function.
Balanced Meal: Get enough protein and nutrients to support muscle health.
Avoid prolonged bed rest: Stay as active as possible and avoid prolonged bed rest.
Manage your health:Be aware of chronic disease management and follow your doctor’s advice.
Develop healthy habits: Including getting enough sleep, reducing stress, avoiding bad eating habits, etc.
How does TCM treat muscle loss?
TCM treatment is a comprehensive approach, emphasizing overall balance and individual differences. The treatment process usually takes a period of time to achieve a certain effect. (123RF)
Chinese medicine believes that muscle loss may be related to insufficient qi and blood, weak spleen and stomach, and insufficient kidney qi. The method of treating muscle loss in traditional Chinese medicine usually considers the overall condition of the individual comprehensively, and uses various methods to regulate the body and promote the balance of Qi and blood circulation and viscera functions. Here are some of the treatments that Chinese medicine practitioners may use:
Chinese medicine conditioning: Chinese medicine practitioners may prescribe traditional Chinese medicine prescriptions to regulate the Qi, blood and viscera functions in the body. Commonly used medicinal materials may include ginseng, astragalus, angelica, etc., which are used to nourish qi and blood, invigorate qi and invigorate the spleen, invigorate the kidney and strengthen yang, etc.
There are also acupuncture, moxibustion, cupping, diet therapy, exercise therapy, etc. Traditional Chinese medicine treatment is a comprehensive method that emphasizes overall balance and individual differences. The treatment process usually takes a period of time to achieve a certain effect. ◇
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