What is the difference between using an InBody scale and following a general diet, and which one is better?
The primary difference lies in the approach: InBody scales provide quantitative data on body composition (fat, muscle, water), whereas general diets focus on calorie restriction and exercise. While InBody offers precision, over-reliance on numbers can cause stress. General diets are accessible but often ignore body composition changes, increasing the risk of the yo-yo effect. In TKM, we utilize body composition analysis as a foundation and combine it with diagnosis of constitutional issues—such as Spleen Deficiency (脾虛) or Phlegm-Fluid Retention (痰飮)—to create a personalized prescription for more sustainable results.
To elaborate, many people have experienced the frustration of seeing their weight drop on a scale, only to realize they lost muscle while retaining fat. An InBody scale is a valuable tool for visualizing these internal changes. However, in Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM), we focus more on the 'why' behind those numbers. For instance, if body water levels are high and the body feels heavy, it often indicates the accumulation of Phlegm-Fluid (痰飮). Conversely, if muscle mass is low and fatigue is prevalent, it may be diagnosed as Spleen Deficiency (脾虛), requiring treatment to strengthen the Spleen's function. General diets typically focus on reducing calories or increasing exercise, but without considering one's constitution and organ health, metabolism can drop, leading to the yo-yo effect.
At Baekrokdam Korean Medicine Clinic, we use InBody as a reference tool and integrate it with traditional diagnostics—including constitutional analysis, pulse diagnosis (脈診), and tongue diagnosis (舌診)—to provide customized herbal medicine and lifestyle prescriptions. Our goal is not simple weight loss, but restoring the body's internal balance. For those with Spleen Deficiency, we use herbs that support digestive function; for those plagued by Phlegm-Fluid, we use ingredients that regulate fluid metabolism. While treatment periods and results vary by individual, our approach ensures you aren't wasting effort on ineffective methods. By combining TKM diagnostic insights with body composition data, we can develop a far more effective and sustainable weight management plan.
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