Q. Is it necessary to exercise while on a herbal medicine diet, or is weight loss possible with herbal medicine alone?

Can weight loss be achieved with herbal medicine alone? I initially thought, 'Why not just take the medicine?' and made some mistakes. (laughs) To put it simply, herbal medicine alone can facilitate weight control to a certain extent. Particularly for individuals with a spleen deficiency (脾虛) constitution, strengthening the spleen function through herbal medicine can improve digestion and metabolism, and stabilize appetite. Also, for those with excessive phlegm-fluid (痰飮), unnecessary water and waste products in the body are eliminated, leading to weight loss. However, there are clear disadvantages. Herbal medicine alone cannot directly increase basal metabolic rate and has limitations in maintaining muscle mass. If weight is lost without exercise, rebound weight gain becomes more likely. Conversely, incorporating exercise promotes qi and blood (氣血) circulation, enhancing the absorption and effectiveness of herbal medicine. Additionally, increased muscle mass raises basal metabolism, making it easier to maintain weight even with the same calorie intake. Therefore, rather than saying 'exercise is mandatory,' it is more accurate to say 'exercise provides a significant advantage.' Of course, for those who cannot exercise at all or lack time, increasing daily activity levels can still yield satisfactory results. The key is consistent, sustainable practice without overexertion. It is advisable to consult with a practitioner to find the optimal approach considering your lifestyle and constitution.