Q. What is the difference between controlling my diet with food substitutes like konjac and a traditional Korean medicine (TKM) diet? Which one would be better for me?

Using konjac-based diets is not inherently bad; they are useful tools for managing cravings. However, weight loss often hits a 'plateau' that cannot be explained by calorie counting alone. In Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM), these plateaus are often attributed to 'Dameum' (痰飮, phlegm-fluid retention) or 'Eohyeol' (瘀血, blood stasis). Dameum refers to the accumulation of metabolic waste and fluid, while Eohyeol refers to stagnant blood circulation. When these toxins accumulate, weight loss may stall even with a strict konjac diet. Specifically, those with 'Bi-heo' (脾虛, Spleen deficiency/weak digestive function) may experience a further drop in energy and a slower metabolism if they rely solely on substitute foods. Here is a comparison of the two approaches: - Konjac/Substitutes: [Pros] Immediate calorie restriction, maintained satiety / [Cons] Risk of nutritional imbalance and decreased basal metabolic rate. - TKM Diet: [Pros] Improvement of individual constitution, activation of metabolic functions, and assistance in appetite control / [Cons] Effort required for herbal medicine intake and clinic visits. It is best to view konjac diets as a 'supplementary tool' and TKM treatment as a process of 'restarting your body's engine.' Rather than simply enduring hunger, identifying where your body's internal flow is blocked is the fastest way to prevent the yo-yo effect. During your visit, we will first assess your current metabolic state.