Reviewed by최연승대표원장
When I receive a diet prescription from a Korean medicine clinic, what specific steps are involved? I'm planning to go for the first time and feel a bit lost.
Usually the first 1–2 weeks are an adaptation period. As your body responds to the herbal medicine, you will feel swelling decrease and digestion improve. Then for about a month, fat metabolism becomes active, and over the next 2–3 months, body composition slowly changes according to your constitution. I also wondered at first, 'Will I lose weight quickly just by taking medicine?' but in fact, it's important for the body to adapt step by step.
Yes, you may feel lost. At Baekrokdam Korean Medicine Clinic, we approach this in three main stages. First, the **initial 1–2 weeks** are the 'adaptation and detoxification' stage. Here we focus on eliminating waste accumulated due to spleen deficiency (脾虛) or phlegm-fluid (痰飮). Many patients report increased urination, improved constipation, and a fresher mouth. Most feel lighter before seeing actual weight changes. Second, **weeks 2–4** are the 'metabolic transition' period. The herbal medicine supports spleen-stomach (脾胃) function, promoting nutrient absorption while preventing unnecessary fat storage. Weight begins to decrease gradually from this point, but individual variation is large—it's hard to say 'how many kg per month.' The key is establishing a pattern of slow, sustainable loss without yo-yo effect. Third, **1–3 months** is the 'constitution improvement' stage. Here we address root causes like blood stasis (瘀血) or phlegm-fluid (痰飮). In Korean medicine, dieting is not just about losing weight; it's a process of transforming the constitution itself so that food intake, digestion, and elimination circulation become smooth. Therefore, combining dietary adjustments and lifestyle corrections midway yields longer-lasting results. Each stage uses different herbal prescriptions, and acupuncture or moxibustion may be added as needed. I believe the most important thing is for you not to be too impatient, but to notice the changes—'my body is transforming.' Feel free to ask anytime if you have questions.