Reviewed by최연승대표원장
How does a Korean Medicine weight loss program work step by step?
It depends on your constitution and condition. For example, if you have poor digestion and edema, we first address Spleen Deficiency (bi xu) or Phlegm-Fluid (dam eum); if stress-related binge eating, we start with calming Liver Depression (gan ul). The program has three phases: an adaptation period (1–2 weeks) to monitor your body's response, a main phase (4–8 weeks) for constitution improvement and fat reduction, and a stabilization phase (2–4 weeks) to prevent rebound. Herbal medicine, acupuncture, and lifestyle guidance vary per phase and are flexibly adjusted based on your feedback.
I understand you're curious about a step-by-step approach—this suggests you may have previously tried extreme fasting or one-size-fits-all treatments. I've been there too. So we base our approach on a Korean Medicine diagnosis that assesses your body's current state. We generally classify patients into three main patterns:
1) **Spleen Deficiency (bi xu) type** – poor digestion, bloating, loose or irregular stools. Here we first strengthen the spleen (geongbi) with herbal medicine and a light diet so that the herbs are absorbed and metabolism improves. After about two weeks, once digestion eases, we add herbs that promote fat breakdown.
2) **Liver Depression (gan ul) type** – stress, insomnia, rib-side tension, and craving for sweets and fatty foods. Suppressed liver function disrupts appetite hormones. We use liver-soothing (sogan) formulas combined with acupuncture at points like Shenmen (HT7) and Taichong (LR3) to calm the mind. Usually within 2–4 weeks, appetite control becomes easier.
3) **Phlegm-Fluid (dam eum) type** – heavy feeling, facial puffiness, thick white tongue coating, and poor sleep despite fatigue. Here we first resolve fluid stagnation using diuretic and phlegm-expelling (geotam) herbs to reduce swelling, then shift to boosting fat metabolism.
All cases follow a **three-phase structure**:
- **Adaptation phase (1–2 weeks)**: Your body adjusts to herbal medicine and acupuncture. You keep a food diary, and we review daily habits. Rapid weight loss is not expected; mild headache or drowsiness may occur—this is normal.
- **Main phase (4–8 weeks)**: Based on your response, we refine the prescription. For example, if a Spleen Deficiency type develops constipation, we add moistening (yunjo) herbs; if a Liver Depression type has insomnia, we include Ziziphus (sansoin). Acupuncture (2–3 times/week) targets the abdomen and meridians, with ear acupuncture (ichim) for appetite control as needed.
- **Stabilization phase (2–4 weeks)**: We slow down weight loss to prevent yo-yo effect. Herbal doses are reduced or taken intermittently, and the diet is adjusted to your normal life. We also teach you to recognize your body's signals so you can maintain results independently.
Crucially, all steps are based on your **consent and feedback**. Please tell us if you feel too tired or have digestive issues. I learned through trial and error that you must be the active agent for success. We never force or intimidate. Feel free to come for a consultation—I'll explain exactly which first step fits your current condition.