Q. I struggle with lower body obesity. What is the difference between general dieting and Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM) dieting? Which approach would be better for me?

It can be incredibly frustrating when weight remains stubborn in the lower body despite walking and fasting. In Traditional Korean Medicine, lower body obesity is not viewed simply as 'excess fat,' but is analyzed through three primary lenses: Blood Stasis (Eo-hyeol), Phlegm-Fluid (Dam-eum), and Spleen Deficiency (Bi-heo). First, Blood Stasis refers to blood that has become viscous and stagnant, blocking flow to the lower extremities and causing edema that often hardens into cellulite or fat. Second, Phlegm-Fluid refers to the accumulation of metabolic waste; when this resides in the lower body, it leads to a persistent feeling of heaviness and swelling. Finally, Spleen Deficiency weakens digestive and fluid metabolism, further exacerbating edema. While general dieting focuses on 'reducing input' (calories), TKM focuses on 'opening the exit' (circulation). If you fast without first clearing the circulatory pathways, the body may actually attempt to conserve energy by clinging more tightly to fat in the lower body. Rather than choosing one over the other, it is important to assess your current circulatory state. If your lower body feels particularly heavy or prone to swelling, I recommend focusing on clearing these internal stagnations rather than relying solely on calorie counting.