I'm struggling to lose weight specifically in my lower body; how is this managed in Traditional Korean Medicine?

If your lower body remains unchanged despite regular exercise, it is likely not a simple matter of calorie intake. Many people struggle with this, and simply walking more often doesn't solve the underlying cause.

In Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM), the core of lower body obesity is viewed as Damjeok (痰積, phlegm accumulation) and Eohyeol (瘀血, blood stasis). Damjeok refers to the accumulation of metabolic waste, while Eohyeol describes a state where blood circulation is stagnant and sluggish. When these accumulate in the lower body, water metabolism is impaired, creating a vicious cycle where swelling (edema) eventually turns into persistent fat.

Since the cause varies for every individual, we typically approach treatment based on the following patterns:

• Spleen Deficiency (脾虛): Poor digestive function leads to impaired water metabolism → focus on promoting fluid excretion and supplementing vital energy.
• Blood Stasis (瘀血): Blocked circulation around the pelvis prevents blood from returning from the lower body → focus on blood purification and promoting circulation.
• Kidney Deficiency (腎虛): Lack of energy in the lower burner (lower abdomen/pelvis) lowers the basal metabolic rate → focus on warming the lower burner and activating metabolism.

Ultimately, the priority is to identify where the 'stagnation' is occurring in your body. This is the only way to achieve efficient and lasting management.