Reviewed by최연승대표원장
How does a weight loss treatment at a Korean medicine clinic work?
On the first visit, we diagnose your constitution and condition to determine the treatment approach. For example, if excessive appetite is the issue, we focus on appetite control; if poor digestion, we reinforce spleen deficiency (biheo). Treatment involves step-by-step adjustments of herbal medicine and lifestyle habits based on your progress.
First, Korean medicine weight loss is not a 'take this and lose X kg' approach. The priority is accurate diagnosis of the patient's body state. At the initial visit, pulse diagnosis (maekjin) and tongue diagnosis (seoljin) are used for pattern identification (byeonjeung). For example, 'spleen deficiency' (biheo) indicates weak spleen function leading to poor digestion and edema, while 'phlegm-fluid' (dameum) involves dampness accumulation slowing metabolism. These require entirely different approaches. Spleen deficiency treatment includes herbs to strengthen the spleen and stabilizing meal rhythms; phlegm-fluid treatment focuses on removing dampness and promoting qi-blood circulation. Sometimes blood stasis (eohyeol) is involved, requiring blood-activating (hwalhyeol) therapy. The prescription includes not only herbal medicine but also acupuncture, moxibustion, and lifestyle advice. Importantly, Korean medicine weight loss is not about starving; rather, it normalizes metabolism by improving nutrient absorption. The process typically involves follow-ups every 2–4 weeks to monitor changes and adjust the prescription. It addresses accompanying issues like constipation or edema along the way, emphasizing individualized feedback rather than a one-size-fits-all method.