Q. I've been following some of those diet drink recipes from cafes like Starbucks. How do Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM) clinics view this kind of dietary approach?

I completely understand the appeal of following trending diet plans; many of us have tried them only to end up feeling fatigued or lightheaded. While the core principle of 'limiting sugar' in these recipes is beneficial from a TKM perspective, there are critical caveats based on individual constitution. Specifically, those with Spleen Deficiency (脾虛, Bi-heo)—a state where the digestive and absorptive functions are weakened—should be cautious. Consuming cold iced drinks or those laden with artificial sweeteners to lower calories can further contract gastrointestinal function, ultimately slowing down the overall metabolism. Furthermore, for those suffering from an accumulation of Phlegm-Fluid (痰飮, Dam-eum), simply reducing calories is not the primary solution. Dam-eum is a type of metabolic 'waste' caused by poor fluid regulation. Without resolving this stagnation to clear the body's energy flow, you may find that weight loss is sluggish, leading to frustration and abandonment of the diet. Therefore, I recommend the following approach: 1. Check your digestive state: If you frequently feel cold in the abdomen or suffer from indigestion, opt for warm, tea-based beverages. 2. Assess internal waste: If you experience chronic swelling or a feeling of heaviness, it is better to combine your diet with TKM herbal prescriptions designed to clear Phlegm-Fluid (Dam-eum) and Blood Stasis (瘀血, Eo-hyeol). 3. Tailor your beverage choices: Rather than blindly following a recipe, adjust the ratio of warm to cold drinks based on your body's specific state of deficiency or excess (虛實, Heo-sil). The key is not a 'recipe that works for others,' but a 'method your body can actually accept.' I invite you to visit the clinic for an accurate diagnosis of your current metabolic state so we can determine the optimal management plan for you.