Reviewed by최연승대표원장
How can I see results from dieting within a month? There are so many methods, I don't know where to start.
I understand the frustration. One month is when the body starts to change. I once failed by starving myself. In Korean Medicine, it's more important to address 'spleen deficiency' (biheo) than to follow a harsh diet. Week 1 soothes the digestive system; Week 2 boosts energy. Weeks 3–4 focus on fat metabolism. Herbal medicine or acupuncture can help based on your constitution.
Week 1 is the 'preparation phase'. If you starve yourself suddenly, the spleen function weakens further (aggravating spleen deficiency), making rebound weight gain more likely. Instead, rest the digestive tract with easily digestible congee, thin rice porridge, or warm teas to clear phlegm-fluid retention (dam-eum). Weight changes may be slight, but you'll start feeling lighter. From Week 2, the 'activation phase', combine herbal medicine that supports qi and blood circulation (e.g., Boqi Geodam-bang) or acupuncture at points like Weishu (ST21) and Zusanli (ST36) to boost metabolism. Some patients who felt dizzy and deficient have seen waist circumference reduce within two weeks with this approach, though individual results vary. Weeks 3–4 are the 'stabilization phase', using herbs like Alisma (Ze Xie) and Saussurea (Mokhyang) to burn fat and eliminate blood stasis (eohyeol) or fluid toxins (sudok). Gradually add dietary controls: prioritize protein and vegetables, reduce flour-based foods for clearer changes. In conclusion, within a month it's wiser to aim for 'feeling your body transform' rather than focusing on weight loss. Entering full-scale fat reduction in the second month helps maintain results without rebound.