Doctor, I’m an office worker in my 40s, and I fail at dieting every time. What is the specific process for weight loss at a Traditional Korean Medicine clinic?
It can be frustrating when starving yourself no longer works in your 40s. At our clinic, we focus on restoring bodily balance rather than simple fasting. We begin by clearing out 'Phlegm-fluid' (Dameum), which are accumulated metabolic wastes. Then, we boost your metabolism by promoting the circulation of Qi and Blood, guiding you through a step-by-step process to reach a stable weight with a lower risk of the yo-yo effect.
In Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM), difficulty losing weight after 40 is viewed as a sign of declining metabolic efficiency rather than just a lack of willpower. We approach treatment through structured stages to address these underlying issues. First, we examine the body for 'Spleen Deficiency' (Biheo). When the Spleen—the organ responsible for transformation and transportation—is weak, it fails to convert nutrients into energy, causing them to accumulate as fat.
Next, we focus on detoxification. We must clear 'Phlegm-fluid' (Dameum), which refers to abnormal fluid waste, and 'Blood Stasis' (Eohyeol), or stagnant, impure blood. Think of it like clearing a clogged drain; the body must be purified of these wastes before it can effectively lose weight. Once the 'drainage' is clear, we use herbal medicine to supplement 'Qi' (vital energy), which naturally raises the basal metabolic rate. This is not about artificially forcing the heart to race, but rather improving your 'Constitution' (Che-jil) so the body generates its own heat and burns energy efficiently. Finally, we enter a stabilization phase to help the body recognize the new, lower weight as its natural 'set point,' ensuring long-term success without the rebound effect.
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