Q. Do I have to exercise while on a TKM diet, or can I lose weight with the herbal medicine alone?

Having experienced the pitfalls of over-exercising and starving through sheer willpower—nearly injuring my knees and feeling lightheaded—I want to give you an honest perspective. The primary advantage of Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM) is its ability to raise your basal metabolic rate. By eliminating 'Dameum' (痰飮, stagnant waste products in the body), it improves circulation, allowing your body to expend more energy even with less movement. It also makes appetite control much more manageable. On the other hand, the benefits of exercise are clear: it prevents muscle loss during weight reduction. This is particularly important for those with 'Bi-heo' (脾虛, a deficiency in the spleen/digestive system leading to low energy), as they tend to lose muscle more easily. Incorporating light activity significantly lowers the risk of weight regain. However, caution is necessary. Since the herbal medicine already elevates your metabolism, jumping into high-intensity workouts suddenly may put undue strain on your heart or lead to rapid exhaustion. Furthermore, over-exercising can sometimes trigger a 'compensation mechanism,' leading to binge eating. Ultimately, the 'correct' answer depends on your current condition. For those with very low energy, focusing on resetting the body with herbal medicine first is priority. For those with sufficient stamina, I recommend starting with light walks. When you visit the clinic, we will evaluate whether your body is currently in a state where exercise is advisable.