Reviewed by최연승대표원장
How should I start a personalized diet tailored to my body constitution?
First, visit a clinic for constitution diagnosis. A TKM doctor uses pulse, abdominal, and tongue diagnosis to identify constitutional imbalances such as spleen deficiency, phlegm-fluid, or blood stasis. Based on the results, a personalized plan combining herbal medicine, acupuncture, and dietary counseling is created. Rather than simply reducing food intake, the goal is to change the underlying condition that causes weight gain. Once the constitution shifts, appetite naturally regulates, enabling sustainable weight management without rebound.
A constitution-based diet—I initially thought, 'What's new?' But over a decade, I've seen that most diet failures stem from trying to change different bodies with the same method. Step 1: Constitution diagnosis—the TKM doctor assesses metabolic tendencies via pulse, tongue, and abdomen. For example, spleen deficiency leads to weak digestion, nutrients not properly utilized, and fat accumulation. Phlegm-fluid constitution causes waste buildup, making weight loss difficult. Blood stasis obstructs blood circulation, easily leading to edema. Step 2: Customized herbal prescription—herbs are combined according to constitution: for spleen deficiency, herbs like Astragalus (황기) and Atractylodes (백출) enhance digestion; for phlegm-fluid, Atractylodes lancea (창출) and Pinellia (반하) remove waste. Step 3: Lifestyle adjustments—dietary therapy differs: some constitutions suit cold foods, others need warm foods. Exercise intensity and timing are also recommended. Step 4: Progress monitoring—visits every 2–4 weeks to check constitution changes and adjust herbs. The goal is not rapid weight loss but a state where the body feels light and weight stays stable even with normal eating. Ultimately, this process is about understanding your body. I too struggled until I learned about constitution, then dieting became enjoyable. Don't hesitate; come for a consultation. Let's talk in the clinic without pressure.