I've been eating nothing but chicken breast like everyone else, yet I’m still not losing weight. What exactly does Traditional Korean Medicine consider to be the root cause of obesity?
In Traditional Korean Medicine, obesity isn't just about calories; it's a breakdown of metabolic efficiency. When digestive function weakens—a state called 'Spleen Deficiency' (Biheo)—nutrients aren't converted into energy but instead turn into metabolic waste known as 'Phlegm-fluid' (Dameum). This creates a cycle where the body stores fat regardless of food intake. To lose weight effectively, you must address these internal imbalances rather than simply restricting calories.
While Western medicine often focuses on Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) and insulin resistance, Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM) identifies 'Spleen Deficiency' (Biheo) as the fundamental cause of stubborn weight gain. In TKM, the Spleen is responsible for the transport and transformation of nutrients. If this 'internal engine' is weak, it cannot burn fuel efficiently, regardless of how little you eat. This unburned energy transforms into 'Phlegm-fluid' (Dameum), a sticky metabolic byproduct that clogs the body's systems, causes edema (swelling), and further slows the metabolism.
Additionally, factors like chronic stress or poor circulation can lead to 'Blood Stasis' (Eohyeol), which makes localized fat even harder to shift. Many people try to force weight loss through extreme restriction, but this often causes the body to enter a 'crisis mode,' where it clings to fat stores even more tightly to survive. The TKM approach focuses on repairing the 'engine' (the Spleen) and clearing out the 'soot' (Phlegm-fluid and Blood Stasis). By restoring the body's natural ability to circulate and transform energy, you can achieve sustainable weight loss without the pain of extreme starvation.
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