Q. What exactly is the difference between general dieting/calorie restriction and Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM) weight loss?

Many patients ask, 'Doesn't it all come down to eating less in the end?' While calorie deficit is a factor, the reason some people lose weight easily while others struggle despite starving is due to their internal 'body state.' In Traditional Korean Medicine, we believe that metabolic efficiency is hindered by the accumulation of 'Dameum' (痰飮, abnormal fluid retention and metabolic waste) and 'Eohyeol' (瘀血, blood stasis or stagnant blood). When these accumulate, the body becomes sluggish, and weight loss becomes inefficient—much like trying to clean a house with a vacuum cleaner that has a clogged filter. For those with a 'Bi-heo' (脾虛, Spleen deficiency) constitution—where digestive functions are weak and energy production is low—extreme fasting can actually backfire. It often leads to muscle loss and a drop in basal metabolic rate, which triggers a more severe yo-yo effect. Therefore, TKM weight loss is not just about suppressing appetite. It is a comprehensive process of discharging stagnant waste and replenishing deficient Qi (vital energy). By creating an internal environment where the body can spontaneously burn energy, we aim for sustainable health. The first step toward a successful diet is understanding your unique constitutional state.