I'm sticking to chicken breast and salad, but the scale isn't moving. How does a Korean medicine clinic approach weight loss?
In Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM), we focus on improving 'metabolic efficiency' rather than just cutting calories. If you have Spleen Deficiency (Biheo), a high-protein diet can actually burden your system. We first clear out metabolic waste like Phlegm-rheum (Dameum) and then follow a phased approach to flip your metabolic switch for healthy, sustainable weight loss.
Managing a diet while working is incredibly challenging, and many people experience plateaus when only focusing on calorie restriction. In TKM, we view weight loss as a process of restoring bodily functions. Our treatment typically follows these four stages:
1. Addressing Spleen Deficiency (Biheo): If your digestive system is weak, even healthy food turns into waste instead of energy. We begin by strengthening the Spleen to ensure proper nutrient transformation.
2. Eliminating Phlegm-rheum (Dameum) and Blood Stasis (Eohyeol): Much like clearing a clogged drain, we must remove these stagnant metabolic wastes and impure blood to allow for smooth circulation. This makes the body more responsive to weight loss.
3. Replenishing Yang Qi to boost metabolism: This stage revs up your internal engine. Using herbal medicine to fortify Yang Qi raises your basal body temperature, creating an environment where your body naturally burns energy more efficiently.
4. Resolving Qi Stagnation (Giche) and Maintenance: Stress often leads to Qi Stagnation, which can trigger emotional eating. By smoothing the flow of Qi and calming the mind, we help you maintain your weight loss long-term.
Instead of a generic diet, we focus on why your body is storing energy instead of using it. Identifying that root cause is the true beginning of a successful weight loss journey.
Clinician review