Q. What is the exact mechanism behind trendy diet supplements like Paxy? Everyone else seems to see results, so I'm wondering why I'm not making any progress.

I have personally experienced that same frustration. Back when I was busy with clinical practice and frequently eating late-night snacks, my body would swell significantly, and I found myself searching for every supplement available. I completely understand that 'dizzying' feeling of disappointment when you see others succeeding while you remain at a standstill. Supplements like Paxy primarily focus on stimulating circulation. From a Western medical perspective, they utilize antioxidant properties to reduce cellular inflammation and increase metabolic rates. However, the human body is not a simple machine. If the entrance is tightly blocked, pouring in high-quality fuel will not lead to efficient combustion. In Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM), we view this phenomenon as a problem of 'Phlegm-fluid' (Dameum) stemming from 'Spleen Deficiency' (Biheo). When the Spleen function—responsible for transformation and transportation—is weakened, the food you consume fails to turn into energy. Instead, it turns into a sticky residue called 'Phlegm-fluid' that clings to various parts of the body. If left untreated, this leads to 'Blood Stasis' (Eohyeol), where the blood becomes turbid and completely obstructs the pathways of circulation. The logic is straightforward: impaired digestion leads to waste accumulation, which hinders circulation, ultimately resulting in edema and fat storage. Relying solely on supplements while leaving the 'clogged drain' untouched is like continuously pouring clean water into a bathtub that is already overflowing because it cannot drain. A diet tailored specifically for you must begin with identifying where your body's 'stagnation zones' are located. The process of eliminating Phlegm-fluid and promoting the circulation of Qi and Blood must come first for any supplement or dietary regimen to fulfill its role. Don't exhaust yourself by worrying alone; I will work with you to find and clear those blocked pathways.