Appetite Control

In Western medicine, appetite is defined as the physiological desire to consume food, primarily driven by hunger, and serves the function of regulating adequate energy intake (Druce et al., 2004, Endocrine Reviews). It has been observed that certain foods can also stimulate appetite independently of hunger (Berridge, 1996, Physiology & Behavior).

This contrasts with the framework presented in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), where appetite or the lack thereof is explained through specific patterns of disharmony—namely Qi deficiency, Qi stagnation, Damp-heat, Spleen Qi deficiency, and Spleen Yang deficiency (Zhang et al., 2015, Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine). These patterns of disharmony provide a comprehensive understanding of appetite loss that integrates multiple systemic factors, aiming for a holistic treatment approach that goes beyond simple energy regulation (Cheng et al., 2015, Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine). Thus, while Western medicine primarily focuses on appetite as a mechanism for energy homeostasis, TCM offers a multifaceted perspective that addresses underlying imbalances in the body's Qi and organ systems.