I feel like I gain weight even if I just drink water. I eat about the same as others, so why is it so much harder for me to lose weight?
Your body isn't just a calorie calculator; it's a complex system of transformation. When digestive power weakens, nutrients turn into 'Dameum' (phlegm-fluid/waste) rather than energy, blocking Qi flow and creating a weight-gain-prone constitution. In a state of 'Biheo' (Spleen deficiency), simply starving yourself often results in swelling and further weight gain. The key is restarting your metabolic switch by addressing the root digestive imbalance.
The fundamental reason why some people struggle more with weight loss is a breakdown in the body's 'circulation cycle.' While Western medicine focuses on basal metabolic rate or hormones, Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM) looks at 'Biheo' (Spleen deficiency). The Spleen in TKM governs the transformation of food into energy; when it is weak, nutrients are not properly utilized and instead turn into 'Dameum' (pathological phlegm-fluid).
This waste creates a vicious cycle by obstructing the flow of Qi and blood, leading to 'Giche' (Qi stagnation). This stagnation causes the body to swell, and that chronic edema eventually solidifies into stubborn body fat. Furthermore, many modern professionals suffer from 'Ganbi-bulhwa' (Liver-Spleen Disharmony), where emotional stress causes the Liver Qi to stagnate and suppress the Spleen's digestive function, further halting metabolism.
Effective weight loss in TKM isn't about simple starvation. It requires clearing out accumulated 'Dameum' and 'Eohyeol' (blood stasis) while revitalizing the Spleen's transformative power. Restoring this internal balance is essential to escaping the 'unjust' constitution where you feel like you're gaining weight even after just drinking water.
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