Reviewed by최연승대표원장
What is the entire process of an herbal medicine diet from start to finish?
Herbal medicine diet typically proceeds through an initial consultation with pulse, tongue, and abdominal diagnosis to identify constitution (e.g., spleen deficiency, phlegm-dampness), followed by 1–2 weeks of digestive recovery, 3–4 weeks of noticeable weight changes, and 2–3 months of overall constitution improvement. Weekly follow-ups adjust the prescription and provide dietary self-management guidance.
Herbal medicine diet process can be divided into five major stages.
① Initial consultation (60–90 minutes): On your first visit, pulse, tongue, and abdominal diagnosis determine your constitution. We check whether you have spleen deficiency (weak digestive function), phlegm-dampness (excess internal dampness), or blood stasis (impaired blood circulation). Your current health status, lifestyle habits, and dieting history are also assessed to establish a personalized prescription principle.
② Weeks 1–2: Digestive recovery phase. As you take herbal medicine, the digestive system gradually returns to function. You may experience mild abdominal bloating or changes in bowel movements, which are signs that the medicine is working. Since metabolism operates properly only when digestion improves, focus on digestive recovery rather than weight during this period.
③ Weeks 3–4: Noticeable weight loss phase. As phlegm-dampness is eliminated and basal metabolic rate slightly increases, you may see a 1–2 kg drop or feel looser clothes even if weight stays the same. This period marks the full integration of dietary improvements alongside herbal effects.
④ Months 2–3: Constitution improvement phase. As spleen deficiency improves, patterns of digestion, absorption, and elimination stabilize. Weight loss progresses steadily, allowing sustainable weight management without extreme hunger or yo-yo effects seen in previous diets.
⑤ Maintenance phase (optional): Even after reaching target weight, gradually reducing herbal medicine helps solidify constitutional correction and lifestyle habits. It is more important to internalize self-management methods than to stop medication abruptly.
At each stage, the Korean medicine doctor monitors responses and adjusts the prescription. Please be sure to schedule follow-up consultations after the initial visit. I also tried many things when I was younger wanting to lose weight, but identifying my constitution and approaching step by step gave much better results.