Q. I've been seeing those 'diet motivation' photos online. Which is better: starving myself based on those, or trying a Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM) clinic diet?

Many people start with raw ambition and try extreme fasting, but this often leads to dizziness and an inability to function in daily life. From a TKM perspective, extreme fasting leads to the accumulation of 'Dameum' (痰飮), which are metabolic waste products formed when fluid metabolism is obstructed. This results in a heavy feeling in the body and severe edema. When combined with 'Bi-heo' (脾虛), or a weakened digestive system, nutrients aren't absorbed and vitality drains, inevitably leading to the yo-yo effect. TKM dieting does not simply aim to lower the number on the scale. The core objective is to resolve 'Eohyeol' (瘀血)—stagnant blood that obstructs the circulation of Qi and Blood—and restore metabolic functions. By prescribing herbal medicine tailored to your specific constitution, we help your body naturally utilize stored energy without the need for forced starvation. | Comparison | Motivation/Extreme Fasting | Tailored TKM Diet | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Core Principle** | Willpower and starvation | Normalization of metabolic function | **Appetite Control** | Must be endured (High stress) | Naturally regulated through metabolism | **Physical Response** | Low energy, dizziness | Maintenance and improvement of condition | **Waste Management** | Potential accumulation of Dameum (痰飮) | Discharge of waste and edema relief | **Sustainability** | Low (High risk of yo-yo effect) | High (Centered on constitutional improvement) | **Approach** | One-size-fits-all restriction | 1:1 customized prescription The most important factor is the 'speed your body can handle.' Rather than forcing your body into submission, I suggest we first examine where your bodily functions are blocked.