Reviewed by최연승대표원장
How do I proceed step by step for weight loss using a Traditional Korean Medicine approach?
It is usually divided into a 4- to 8-week course. In the first 1-2 weeks, the body adapts to the herbal medicine and you feel lighter. In weeks 3-4, you feel your digestion improve and appetite being controlled. From weeks 5-8, visible changes in body shape begin, and at this stage we focus on correcting root causes like Spleen Deficiency (脾虛) or Phlegm-Fluid (痰飮). The key is gradual weight stabilization with recovery of overall condition, rather than rapid loss.
In Traditional Korean Medicine, weight loss is different from simply 'eating less and moving more.' First, we need to understand why the body is inclined to gain weight. Causes vary per individual: Spleen Deficiency (脾虛) leading to poor digestion and metabolism, so fluids and waste are not properly eliminated; accumulation of Phlegm-Fluid (痰飮) causing heaviness and edema; or stagnation of Qi and Blood circulation (氣血循還) forming Blood Stasis (瘀血) that hinders fat breakdown, etc.
Thus, we usually approach it in three stages.
**Stage 1 (1-2 weeks): Adaptation and breaking the plateau**
The first 1-2 weeks are an adaptation period to the herbal medicine. The focus is on supporting digestive function and eliminating excess fluids. While weight does not drop dramatically, many patients notice less facial puffiness in the morning and easier bowel movements. Light exercise can enhance lymphatic circulation, accelerating waste removal.
**Stage 2 (3-4 weeks): Appetite regulation and metabolic activation**
By this time, the herbal medicine begins to take effect. As Spleen Deficiency improves, patients often find they no longer binge-eat from hunger. As Phlegm-Fluid decreases, taste becomes sharper, and cravings for instant foods subside. Weight change may seem slower than in the first two weeks, but this period actually involves an increase in muscle mass and changes in body composition, so it is better not to fixate on the number on the scale.
**Stage 3 (5-8 weeks onward): Body shape change and prevention of rebound**
Now the body line begins to change noticeably. Many feel thigh and arm areas becoming tighter, and as body fat percentage drops, the facial contour becomes more defined. The key from this stage is to focus on 'fundamental constitution improvement' to prevent rebound. For example, for a Spleen Deficiency constitution, continue using herbs to strengthen spleen function; if Blood Stasis is prominent, combine treatments to improve blood circulation while correcting lifestyle habits.
However, I too was initially tempted by slogans like 'lose several kg in two months with this medicine' and made some mistakes. I realized that TKM diet emphasizes 'how healthily you maintain it' rather than 'how fast you lose it.' Rapid loss inevitably leads to rebound. So I tell my patients, 'Give yourself about three months to have a conversation with your body.' Checking improvements in skin, sleep, and digestion rather than weight alone actually leads to higher satisfaction and results.