Q. Should I exercise while on a herbal medicine diet, or is it possible to lose weight with only herbal medicine?

You might wonder if herbal medicine alone can sufficiently achieve weight loss. At first, I thought, 'Why not just take the medicine?' but eventually I found that combining exercise works much better. First, herbal medicine alone does have benefits. It doesn't just reduce weight—it adjusts underlying constitutional imbalances such as Spleen Deficiency (脾虛) or Phlegm-Fluid (痰飮). When spleen function is weak, energy metabolism slows down. Strengthening it naturally regulates appetite and shifts the body toward preventing fat accumulation. Some herbs also improve blood circulation and resolve Blood Stasis (瘀血), helping with edema and cold sensitivity. However, relying solely on herbal medicine has downsides. Without exercise, muscle mass may decline, lowering basal metabolism and increasing the risk of rebound weight gain after stopping the herbs. For those with low energy, replenishing vitality with herbs is a priority, but even light movement is necessary to minimize muscle loss. Conversely, exercise alone has issues too. If the underlying constitutional problem—such as appetite surges due to Spleen Deficiency—is not addressed, even intense exercise may be undermined by poor dietary control. You burn calories, but then you eat them back. In the end, 'it depends on the situation' is the most accurate answer. If you are very weak or have significant coldness, it is better to first improve your constitution with herbal medicine, then gradually add exercise. If you are sedentary and lack muscle strength, combining herbs with walking or light resistance training is more stable. I personally relied solely on herbs initially without exercise and lost muscle, feeling dizzy. Your Korean medicine doctor can help find the right balance based on your condition, so feel free to consult without pressure.