Reviewed by최연승대표원장
Should I exercise while taking herbal diet medicine, or is taking the medicine alone enough?
In short, combining exercise with your herbal treatment is highly recommended. However, the key is 'tailored activity' based on your current physical condition rather than overexerting yourself. Adding light movement while the herbal medicine boosts your metabolism will significantly enhance your body's overall circulation.
Many people believe that weight loss requires immediate high-intensity workouts, but that is not always the most effective approach. From a Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM) perspective, weight gain is often not just about overeating, but about poor circulation caused by the accumulation of 'Dam-eum' (phlegm-fluid retention/metabolic waste) and 'Eo-hyeol' (blood stasis). Therefore, a step-by-step approach is more efficient:
1. Initial Stage: First, we use herbal medicine to improve 'Bi-heo' (spleen deficiency/weak digestive function) and boost your overall energy (Qi). During this phase, light walking to awaken the body is preferable to strenuous exercise.
2. Acceleration Stage: As your metabolism increases and your body feels lighter, you can incorporate strength training. Maintaining muscle mass is crucial to preventing the 'yo-yo effect' (weight regain).
3. Maintenance Stage: This is the process of finding a sustainable level of activity. Be cautious not to over-sweat, as excessive perspiration can deplete your Qi and lead to adverse effects.
Ultimately, exercise should be a supportive tool, not a burdensome chore. The fastest route to success is identifying your current circulatory state and adjusting the intensity of your workouts accordingly. When you visit the clinic, I will help you determine the appropriate activity range tailored to your current condition.