Q. How do Korean medicine clinics determine my constitution and create a diet plan?

**1. Initial consultation and constitution diagnosis.** When you visit, we ask about lifestyle, diet, past diet attempts, digestion, sleep, and stress. We also take your pulse (maekjin), palpate your abdomen (bokjin), and examine your tongue (seoljin). All this information is used to classify you into one of four Sasang constitution types (Taeyang-in, Taeum-in, Soyang-in, Soeum-in). This is the first step. **2. Analyzing organ function deviations by constitution.** For example, Soeum-in often have relatively weaker spleen function – in Korean medicine, this is called ‘spleen deficiency’ (biheo). This can lead to poor digestion and absorption, causing water retention and a tendency to gain weight due to lowered energy metabolism. Conversely, Taeum-in typically have stronger liver and lung energy, making them prone to phlegm-fluid (dameum) or blood stasis (eohyeol). If you simply starve or over-exercise without considering these differences, the body will resist and cause yo-yo effects. I’ve been through that trial and error myself. **3. Customized herbal medicine and lifestyle prescriptions.** Once your constitution is determined, we create a tailored herbal formula. For Soeum-in with spleen deficiency, we use spleen-tonifying (bobi) herbs to boost digestive power. For Taeum-in, we focus on resolving phlegm (idam) or dispelling stasis (hwa-eo). Herbal medicine isn’t just a ‘weight-loss drug’ – it helps restore organ balance so the body can regulate its own metabolism naturally. Dietary guidance also varies: Soeum-in are advised warm-natured foods (chives, yam, chicken), while Taeum-in should reduce greasy or cold foods. **4. Regular follow-up and adjustment.** You typically visit every 2 to 4 weeks for pulse and symptom checks, and we fine-tune the herbal prescription. Although constitution is relatively fixed, seasonal changes and current health may require supplementation – for instance, stronger spleen-tonifying herbs during seasonal transitions if spleen deficiency worsens, or adding liver-soothing herbs under high stress. Patient feedback like “I feel lighter” or “My digestion has improved” greatly helps guide the next steps. **5. Long-term lifestyle habits aligned with constitution.** The goal is not a short-term diet but to naturally adjust eating, sleep, and exercise patterns by understanding your constitution. Soeum-in often respond better to stretching or yoga than intense cardio, while Taeum-in benefit from strength training. Rather than feeling burdened to “live like this forever,” think of it as learning to read your body’s signals. As a Korean medicine doctor studying constitutions, I came to realize, “Ah, so this is how my body reacts in this situation!” It was dizzying at first, but enlightening.