Q. I'm curious about how to take personalized constitution-based diet herbal medicine.

Even with the same herbal formula, the body reacts differently depending on constitution. For example, Taeumin (a constitution with a large build and tendency to sweat) often develops Dam-eum (phlegm-fluid retention, an accumulation of unnecessary moisture and waste) and treatment focuses on eliminating it. Soyangin (a constitution with a hot upper body and fast digestion) prioritizes formulas that reduce heat and soothe the stomach. There are two main approaches to taking the medicine. First, if you already know your constitution: strictly follow the prescription instructions (e.g., 30 minutes after meals, twice daily). Warm the herbal decoction before drinking, and avoid coffee, alcohol, and greasy foods, as they interfere with absorption. Second, if you do not know your constitution: do not blindly purchase popular diet herbs. You must undergo pulse diagnosis (Maekjin, assessing organ states through pulse), tongue diagnosis (Seoljin, examining the tongue), and constitution typing at a Korean medicine clinic to receive a personalized prescription. Especially if you are taking Western drugs like Wegovy or Saxenda, interactions with herbs must be checked. From personal experience, ignoring constitution and trying various remedies led to dizziness, so I believe diagnosis is most crucial. Note that in Korean medicine, dieting is not just about weight loss but correcting root causes such as Biheo (spleen deficiency, weakened spleen function impairing digestion and water metabolism) or Eohyeol (blood stasis, residues from poor blood circulation). A typical treatment cycle lasts 4 to 12 weeks, with adjustments through mid-cycle consultations. Our clinic also provides constitution-specific lifestyle advice (diet and exercise), so feel free to ask without hesitation.