Q. I've heard the Mediterranean diet is very popular these days. How does a Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM) clinic apply this approach to weight loss?

Many people struggle when following popular diets because a food that acts as a tonic for one person may be detrimental to another. While the Mediterranean diet is fundamentally excellent, applying it strictly to Koreans without adjustment can often lead to digestive distress. At Baekrokdam TKM Clinic, we approach it as follows: 1. Assessing Digestive Capacity: For those with Spleen Deficiency (Bi-heo, 脾虛), a diet high in raw vegetables and cold olive oil can cause abdominal pain. We first provide prescriptions to restore digestive function. 2. Resolving Stagnant Waste: When there is an accumulation of Phlegm-Fluid (Dam-eum, 痰飮)—waste products caused by poor fluid metabolism—dietary changes alone have limited effects. We first create an internal environment where waste is efficiently eliminated by improving the circulation of Qi and Blood. 3. Customized Ingredient Substitution: We maintain the core principles of unsaturated fatty acids and antioxidants but recommend substitutes that suit the Korean constitution, such as local seasonal vegetables (Namul) or perilla oil. 4. Clearing Blood Stasis (Eo-hyeol, 瘀血) and Boosting Metabolism: To maximize the effects of dietary control, we must clear Blood Stasis that obstructs circulation. We use acupuncture and herbal medicine to 'flip the switch' on your metabolism. Ultimately, the key is not just 'what you eat,' but 'how your body processes it.' We will help you find the optimal ratio and ingredients tailored to your unique constitution.