Exeter Acupuncture Project

With GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic taking over the pharmcuetical market—not just for the treatment of diabetes but also now used worldwide for weight loss, we still must ask the question as to whether this is actually a solution to a very real systemic issue in modern society?

In America, in some states, people can order these drugs online without a contact consultation, not just for severe health issues, but general weight loss.
These pharmaceuticals are now being used worldwide as a band aid for a much bigger issue, that unfortunately has the potential to create another grave issue from the misuse of this drug.

GLP-1drugs in part lower glucose levels, and also are a massive appetite suppressant, people are simply eating less—sometimes barely eating at all... to have no appetite is just the other extreme of the overconsumption of food!

And what is this doing to our bodies? From a mainstream or Chinese medicine point of view lack of nutrition and healthy eating impacts everything from our muscles, blood, brain and vitality...it affects everything, how we think, act and feel.
suppression of appetite from a drug for general weight loss is not the answer or reaching the cause.

Part of the question is about modern food culture, how much packaged and processed foods and high refined sugar are we consuming?

To have a healthy appetite is to be active in vitality and health.😊

Our Earth meridian is central in this role, and as with all parts of the body—whether we look at this from a non-Chinese medicine perspective, focusing on organs, tissues, systems, and mental health, or through meridians and organ channels and the mid body spirit—everything works as a whole system. Each part feeds into the other, and to throw one out is to affect the whole.

So in the long term, not eating properly or suppressing appetite is not a good plan for longevity. A healthy appetite for food can also translate to a healthy appetite for life!

The way we come together, share food, eat conscientiously, consider what we source, how it is farmed, how much we consume, what we actually eat, and also when we eat—and when we rest and digest—is a far better picture of health than simply suppressing appetite.

Whether this group of drugs started as a positive intervention for a small group of individuals that needed it for drastic measures. It seems it's rapidly become a fast track to a whole mass of the world population as a short cut to weight loss ..that I fear will have drastic consequences.

If you are struggling with weight loss come visit us at the Exeter Acupuncture Project to see what helpful ways we can look at the issue in terms of Chinese medicine and diet🌞

In Chinese medicine, we view time as far more than a way to organise our day — it’s a living force that influences the body, our organs, and the flow of energy within us, and the cycle of the planet itself ✨

Each organ is connected to a meridian, and each meridian follows a natural rhythm throughout the day. There are times when these systems are at their strongest, and times when they are more vulnerable. For example, our digestive organs are at their peak in the morning, making it the ideal time to nourish the body. By contrast, between 7–9pm, digestive fire is at its weakest, so heavy meals at this time can challenge the system over the long term.

Similarly, the liver — which plays a key role in the smooth flow of qi (our vital energy) — can be at a lower ebb in the early afternoon. Taking time to rest or slow down between 1–3pm can help support energy levels and maintain balance. It’s interesting to observe that many cultures around the world, still rooted in age-old ways of living rather than modern industrial patterns, naturally align with these rhythms.

These rhythms extend beyond the day into the cycles of the seasons. Summer, associated with the fire element, is the most yang — a time of activity, expansion, and outward energy. Winter, linked to water, is deeply yin — a period for rest, stillness, and nourishment. Aligning ourselves with these seasonal shifts supports long-term wellbeing.

We can also see these cycles reflected in the stages of life. Youth carries the qualities of the wood element — like spring, it is dynamic, expansive, and full of growth. Later life reflects the metal element — autumnal in nature, a time of slowing down, refinement, and inward focus.

By understanding and working with these natural cycles — in our daily routines, lifestyle, diet, and energy — we can support balance, resilience, and longevity.

If you’d like to explore this fascinating aspect of Chinese medicine in more depth, come and visit the Exeter Acupuncture Project. Together, we can work with the Chinese body clock and these natural rhythms to support your health, your energy, and your life.🌞

The Fire element 🔥 in Chinese medicine represents warmth, joy, connection, passion, and the ability to form meaningful relationships. It governs the heart and spirit, bringing vitality, enthusiasm, laughter, and a sense of emotional openness. At its best, Fire energy helps us feel inspired, socially connected, and fully alive.

The Fire element is also associated with the most Yang time of year, encouraging connection with friends and family, social gatherings, and shared experiences. It’s a time to enjoy community, express joy, and embrace the outward, expansive energy of life.

However, it’s important to stay grounded and not expend too much energy, as this can lead to burnout. If the Fire energy rises too strongly and your Yang is not balanced with adequate rest and nourishment, it can become excessive. When out of balance, this may manifest as anxiety, restlessness, sleep disturbances, or even panic attacks.

Keeping Fire energy harmonious means enjoying its warmth and connection while also honouring the need for calm, rest, and inner balance.,😎....enjoy ✨