With so many weight loss methods available, what are the specific differences between Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM) treatments and Western medication or standard dieting?

I have personally experienced the struggle of trying various fad diets and Western medications, only to end up with stomach irritation and the inevitable yo-yo effect. While Western medications like Saxenda or Wegovy are powerful in controlling hormones to suppress hunger, weight rebound is likely if your basal metabolic rate (BMR) remains low after stopping the treatment. In Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM), weight gain is viewed as a 'stagnation of Qi and Blood (Gi-hyeol).' A primary example is Phlegm-fluid (Dam-eum), which refers to metabolic waste that accumulates and makes the body feel heavy and sluggish. Blood Stasis (Eo-hyeol), which hinders circulation and often leads to lower-body obesity, is another common cause. TKM weight loss uses personalized herbal medicine to address these root causes. Key Differences Comparison: 1. Core Principle: Western diets focus on appetite suppression and calorie restriction; TKM focuses on boosting metabolism and improving constitution (Chejil). 2. Main Goal: Short-term weight reduction vs. restoring the circulation of Qi/Blood and organ function. 3. Physical Burden: Western meds may cause dry mouth or tremors, whereas TKM uses personalized prescriptions to minimize side effects. 4. Sustainability: TKM focuses on muscle preservation and maintaining metabolic power to prevent weight rebound. 5. Detoxification: TKM actively induces the discharge of toxins like Phlegm-fluid (Dam-eum) that modern diets often overlook. For those with a 'Spleen Deficiency (Bi-heo)' constitution—people who struggle to generate energy due to weak digestion—starving themselves can be particularly harmful. It is crucial to identify why your body isn't burning energy efficiently first. As your practitioner, I will work closely with you to restore your body's natural balance and metabolic health.