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체질 개념
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Q. I'm curious about diet methods based on constitution. How does the process work?

A.

It usually proceeds in five steps: 1) Constitution differentiation – using consultation, pulse diagnosis, and tongue diagnosis to classify Sasang constitution. 2) Dietary guidance – recommending foods that suit your constitution and those to avoid. 3) Herbal medicine and acupuncture – regulating conditions like spleen deficiency or phlegm-fluid. 4) Lifestyle advice – adjusting exercise and sleep rhythms according to constitution. 5) Follow-up – tracking progress every 1–2 weeks and fine-tuning the prescription.

📝 Detailed Answer

Yes, I understand your curiosity about a constitution-based approach. After many failed attempts myself, I realized that ignoring constitution and simply starving actually harms the body. Step 1 is constitution differentiation. Based on Sasang constitutional medicine, we classify into four types: Taiyangin, Taeumin, Soyangin, and Soeumin. This is determined by facial features, body shape, pulse, and tongue condition. We also check for spleen deficiency, accumulated phlegm-fluid, or blood stasis. Step 2 is personalized dietary guidance. For example, Taeumin have relatively strong liver function, so eating too much meat tends to create phlegm-fluid. Soeumin have weak spleen function, so cold foods or wheat products cause poor digestion and fatigue. Instead of outright bans, we explain the principles behind food choices. Step 3 involves herbal medicine and acupuncture. For those with slow metabolism due to spleen deficiency, we use herbs to tonify the spleen; for those with excess phlegm-fluid, we prescribe formulas to resolve phlegm. Acupuncture helps balance the constitution by promoting meridian circulation. Step 4 is lifestyle advice. Exercise intensity and sleep duration vary by constitution: Taeumin benefit from sweat-inducing aerobic exercise, while Soeumin do better with light stretching or walking. Sleep habits and stress management also differ slightly. Step 5 is regular follow-up. You visit every 1–2 weeks for reassessment of pulse and tongue, and we adjust the prescription based on your overall condition (digestion, sleep, vitality) rather than just weight changes. Although the constitution itself doesn't change drastically, fine-tuning is needed as your lifestyle shifts. All these steps proceed slowly, in consultation with you. In Korean medicine, direction matters more than speed. Please feel free to ask anything.
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Dr. Yeonseung Choe

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Dr. Yeonseung Choe

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