Q. I’ve heard the Mediterranean diet is great for health and I'm thinking of starting it. Will it suit me as a Korean? Also, what is the typical sequence for dietary adjustment recommended in Traditional Korean Medicine clinics?

The Mediterranean diet is globally recognized for its health benefits, but it requires caution for those with weak digestive systems. Forcing raw vegetables and cold olive oil can often lead to indigestion for many Koreans. In TKM, we follow a systematic approach for successful dietary management: 1. Clearing Dam-eum (痰飮): We must first remove metabolic waste. If the body is filled with 'sticky' toxins, even the best nutrients cannot be properly absorbed. Using herbal medicine or acupuncture to discharge this waste is the crucial first step. 2. Addressing Bi-heo (脾虛): This refers to Spleen Deficiency. If your digestive function is weak, overloading it with raw fiber can be overwhelming. We suggest soothing the GI tract with warm, cooked vegetables—like traditional Korean 'namul' (seasoned greens)—before transitioning to raw salads. 3. Korean-style Adaptation: You can adapt the core principles to a Korean palate. Using perilla oil (rich in Omega-3) instead of olive oil, and focusing on local blue-backed fish and seasonal greens, allows you to enjoy high levels of unsaturated fatty acids and antioxidants naturally. 4. Resolving Eo-hyeol (瘀血): If weight loss stalls despite a good diet, we investigate 'Blood Stasis.' When stagnant blood blocks the metabolism, dietary effects are minimized. Purifying the blood is often the key to seeing physical changes. Instead of forcing a foreign diet, a personalized plan that accounts for your body's toxin levels and digestive heat is the fastest way to achieve sustainable results without the yo-yo effect.