Basics & Causes
Q. Doctor, how exactly does Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM) weight loss work? I'm curious why this method helps with losing weight.
A.
It is not simply about eating less; it is a process of flipping your body's 'metabolic switch.' When energy metabolism drops, waste accumulates, leading to weight gain. We break this cycle by enhancing the basal metabolic rate to increase energy expenditure and clearing the factors that obstruct the circulation of Qi and Blood, creating an internal environment where weight loss happens naturally.
📝 Detailed Answer
Many people try to lose weight by simply starving themselves, but this often leads to dizziness and extreme fatigue because it causes the body's metabolic functions to shut down. In TKM, when energy is not properly combusted, metabolic waste accumulates. While Western medicine refers to this as metabolic syndrome or insulin resistance, TKM calls this 'Dameum' (phlegm-fluid retention)—a state where viscous waste adheres to the body and blocks circulation.
This becomes even more challenging when combined with 'Bi-heo' (Spleen Deficiency). When the Spleen's function is weakened, the body's ability to digest, absorb, and transport nutrients diminishes, causing unused energy to be stored as fat. If 'Eohyeol' (blood stasis) is also present, your body may feel heavy and sluggish, much like a clogged drain.
Therefore, at Baekrokdam Clinic, we do not merely suppress appetite. We focus on clearing the pathways by resolving Dameum and Eohyeol, and treating Bi-heo to reactivate your dormant metabolic switch. By changing your body's internal environment, you can manage your weight healthily while minimizing the risk of the yo-yo effect. I suggest we take a closer look at your current physiological state together.
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Expert Verified
Dr. Yeonseung Choe
Chief Director
Last reviewed 2026.05.12