Reviewed by최연승대표원장
Doctor, I'm on a diet—what exactly are 'Forbidden Days,' and why do I need to follow them?
Forbidden Days refer to periods when your body's metabolic efficiency temporarily drops, making it easier to gain weight even with a normal diet. This happens when hormonal imbalances or poor condition reduce energy expenditure, causing excess energy to be quickly converted into fat, leading to weight gain or plateaus. It is not a matter of willpower, but rather a state of poor 'fuel efficiency' where strict dieting becomes ineffective.
Many patients try to push through plateaus by starving themselves or increasing exercise, only to find that their weight remains stagnant despite feeling dizzy and exhausted. From a modern medical perspective, spikes in the stress hormone cortisol or lack of sleep can cause the metabolic rate to plummet, triggering a 'survival mode' where the body clings to energy instead of burning it.
In Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM), this state is viewed as a combination of 'Dameum' (phlegm-fluid retention) and 'Bi-heo' (Spleen deficiency). Dameum refers to the accumulation of viscous metabolic waste, while Bi-heo indicates a weakened digestive system. When these two coincide, the circulation of Qi and Blood is obstructed, leaving the body feeling heavy and prone to bloating or fat accumulation even with minimal intake.
Essentially, a Forbidden Day is a time when your body's metabolic switch is temporarily turned off. Forcing a fast during this period causes the body to perceive a greater crisis, further lowering the metabolic rate. Therefore, rather than pushing for weight loss, the priority should be to clear the blockages and restore the function of the Spleen and Stomach to return the body to a 'weight-loss-ready' state. We will assess your current physiological stage together and adjust your plan accordingly for faster, more sustainable results.