Reviewed by최연승대표원장
I'm curious about the entire process of herbal medicine diet from start to weight loss. After the initial consultation and starting herbal medicine, how many weeks does it usually take for effects to appear?
Usually, the first 1–2 weeks are an adaptation period where digestion improves and swelling reduces, with slight weight loss. From weeks 3–4, metabolism and circulation improve, leading to noticeable changes. After 1–2 months of consistent treatment, you can clearly feel changes in body shape and overall condition.
Herbal medicine diet can be divided into three stages. The first 1–2 weeks are the 'adjustment period'. The herbal formula begins to settle in the body, expelling waste like blood stasis (瘀血) and phlegm-fluid (痰飮), often resulting in lighter feeling or reduced swelling. Weight may not change dramatically, but signs like regular bowel movements or a fresher mouth indicate the body is shifting. The next 3–4 weeks are the 'acceleration period'. Spleen deficiency (脾虛), a common cause of poor metabolism, improves, enhancing energy expenditure. In Traditional Korean Medicine, the spleen transforms food into vital energy (qi); when strengthened, fat burning and water metabolism accelerate. Noticeable weight loss and reduced afternoon fatigue often occur. Finally, the 1–2 month 'stabilization period' focuses on constitutional improvement to prevent rebound weight gain. Herbal prescriptions are tailored—e.g., adding herbs to resolve phlegm-fluid for those with accumulation, or tonify the spleen for those with deficiency. The goal is not just weight loss but transforming the body's underlying patterns. It's important to pay attention to how the body feels rather than just the scale number.