A. Yes, I initially wondered, 'Why does constitution matter?' But after some trial and error, I realized that ignoring constitution leads to rebound weight gain or worsening health. Here's how we do it:
1. **Constitution Diagnosis**: Identify the Sasang constitution (Taeyang, Tae-eum, Soyang, Soeum) and assess current conditions like spleen deficiency (biheo), phlegm retention (dameum), or blood stasis (eohyeol).
2. **Lifestyle & Diet Adjustments**: Provide a diet and lifestyle plan tailored to the constitution to stabilize basal metabolism.
3. **Herbal Medicine & Acupuncture**: Use prescriptions to tonify spleen function or remove phlegm, based on constitution and symptoms.
4. **Regular Follow-ups**: Check progress every 2–4 weeks and adjust the plan accordingly. The focus is on sustainable results, not rapid weight loss.
📝 Detailed Answer
If you've tried dieting multiple times without success, your constitution may be the cause. I myself once thought, 'Just cut calories,' and starved, only to end up with a dull complexion and irregular menstruation. In Traditional Korean Medicine, constitution is seen as an inherent trait of digestion, metabolism, and fluid circulation. That's why the same food can cause weight gain in some but not others.
**Step 1: Constitution Diagnosis and Pattern Analysis**
First, we identify the Sasang constitution. For example, Tae-eum type (relatively strong spleen and lungs but weak liver) tends to have slow metabolism and is prone to phlegm retention; Soyang type (weak spleen and sensitive pancreatic function) experiences large blood sugar fluctuations and is vulnerable to hunger. We then check for spleen deficiency (biheo) and blood stasis (eohyeol) through tongue and pulse diagnosis, identifying both 'accumulations' and 'deficiencies' in the body.
**Step 2: Setting Lifestyle and Dietary Guidelines**
We provide constitution-specific dietary principles. For Tae-eum, small frequent meals and protein-rich foods are recommended; for Soyang, multigrain rice and low-GI foods like pumpkin are helpful. If phlegm retention is severe, avoid greasy or cold foods. If spleen deficiency is present, recommend easily digestible warm porridge or soup dishes. We emphasize not starving yourself—I learned the hard way that starving disrupts metabolism.
**Step 3: Supporting Metabolic Mechanisms with Herbal Medicine and Acupuncture**
Prescriptions vary by constitution and pattern. For predominant spleen deficiency, we use spleen-tonifying formulas (e.g., modified Sijunzi Tang); for severe phlegm retention, herbs that regulate qi and resolve phlegm (e.g., Pinellia, tangerine peel) are added. If blood stasis is present, we include Dang Gui and Chuan Xiong to improve blood circulation. Acupuncture stimulates points like ST36 (Zusanli) and CV4 (Guanyuan) to aid abdominal obesity and appetite control. We do not promise a specific weight loss amount; the goal is to help the body find its own balance.
**Step 4: Periodic Feedback and Adjustments**
The first two weeks show the most response—improved digestion, reduced bloating, better bowel habits. Then every 4–6 weeks, we fine-tune based on constitution changes and body composition analysis. The aim is not rapid results but transforming the constitution over 3–6 months. Many patients say, 'I came to lose weight, but I ended up feeling lighter and healthier.'
We view constitutional dieting as 'listening to the body's language.' It's not about forced restriction but finding your own rhythm. Once adapted, the advantage is comfortable maintenance without rebound weight gain.
