Why do I experience side effects like heart palpitations or insomnia when taking herbal weight loss medicine?
These symptoms occur as the body's metabolic rate is stimulated. The activation of the sympathetic nervous system increases heart rate and induces a state of alertness to burn body fat. In TKM, this is similar to 'Sang-gi' (rising energy), and the key to a successful prescription is balancing this response based on your constitution.
From a medical perspective, herbal weight loss medicine increases your basal metabolic rate to promote energy expenditure. This activates the sympathetic nervous system, which can lead to palpitations or dry mouth—much like how an engine generates heat when running at high speeds.
In Traditional Korean Medicine, we don't view this simply as a side effect, but rather as a process of awakening stagnant energy within the body. However, individuals with 'Bi-heo' (Spleen Deficiency) may experience these symptoms more acutely due to lower energy efficiency. Furthermore, those with significant 'Eo-hyeol' (blood stasis) or 'Dam-eum' (phlegm-fluid retention) may feel more chest tightness because metabolic waste products are not being cleared efficiently.
The most important point is that you should not simply 'endure' these symptoms. If the reaction is too strong, the concentration of medicinal herbs must be adjusted, or sedative herbs should be added to restore balance. Since everyone's threshold is different, the safest approach is to find the 'optimal metabolic speed' tailored to your specific constitution through a detailed consultation.
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