Q. I want to lose weight over a short period, like one month. How should I get started?

Many people start by drastically cutting calories due to high motivation, but this often leads to dizziness and an inability to maintain daily activities. Experience shows that the only sustainable answer is adjusting your approach based on your body's specific condition. In Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM), we generally categorize the state as follows: First, if you experience constant hunger and strong cravings, it may be a sign of Spleen Deficiency (脾虛). This occurs when the Spleen's function is weakened, leading to poor nutrient absorption and regulation. In this case, the priority is a prescription that naturally calms the appetite and supports digestive function. Second, if you feel heavy and experience swelling (edema) even without eating much, it is likely caused by Phlegm-Fluid (痰飮)—accumulated metabolic waste—or Blood Stasis (瘀血), where blood circulation is stagnant. In this scenario, instead of simply eating less, a prescription designed to clear stagnation and increase the basal metabolic rate is far more effective. Ultimately, the key is determining whether your body is 'ready to expend energy.' If you force a body that isn't prepared into a fasting state, it enters 'survival mode,' clinging to calories even more stubbornly. The fastest and safest route is to visit a clinic for an accurate diagnosis to find the 'customized pace' that fits your unique constitution.