Reviewed by최연승대표원장
What is the specific difference between losing weight by fasting, such as intermittent fasting, and using herbal medicine for weight loss?
Fasting simply reduces calorie intake to lower weight, which often leads to a cycle of energy deficiency, decreased basal metabolic rate, and the 'yo-yo effect.' In contrast, TKM weight loss focuses on enhancing metabolic function and removing waste products to facilitate natural weight control, creating an internal environment where the body utilizes energy efficiently rather than simply starving.
Many people have experience with extreme fasting, but this often leads to dizziness and a significant drop in productivity. From a physiological perspective, abrupt fasting may lower insulin levels, but it simultaneously causes muscle loss and a decline in the basal metabolic rate, making the body more prone to gaining weight even with minimal intake. In Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM), this state is viewed as 'Bi-heo' (脾虛), where the spleen function is weakened, leading to impaired energy metabolism.
At Baekrokdam Oriental Clinic, we do not simply focus on appetite suppression. Instead, we prioritize the removal of 'Dameum' (痰飮, abnormal fluid accumulation/phlegm) and 'Eohyeol' (瘀血, blood stasis). Just as a blockage in a pipe prevents flow, we first clear the body's circulatory pathways to allow for smoother metabolism.
By improving the 'Bi-heo' state and enhancing the body's ability to digest, absorb, and convert energy, the body begins to burn unnecessary fat naturally without the need for extreme starvation. The core of a sustainable diet is not exhausting the body through fasting, but rather 'flipping the metabolic switch' to function optimally. I invite you to consult with us to assess your current bodily constitution and find the right approach for you.