Q. I tried the Paxi Diet with my own money. How should I approach it from a Korean medicine clinic's perspective?

Popular programs like the Paxi Diet have been tried by many, but yo-yo weight regain and heartburn are common. Korean medicine views this as a combination of Spleen Deficiency (biheo) and Damp-Phlegm (dam-eum). When the spleen is weak, water metabolism becomes blocked, leading to bloating and difficulty losing weight. Step 1: Start by examining constitution and digestive function. Patients who follow self-funded reviews ('nae-don-nae-san') often do not know their own body condition. I also made similar mistakes during my Korean medicine college years. Step 2: Take the pulse and examine the tongue to assess the flow of Qi and Blood. A thick, sticky tongue indicates Damp-Phlegm accumulation; petechiae suggest Blood Stasis. Step 3: Prescriptions differ by diagnosis. For Spleen Deficiency, we use Bo-bi-tang (補脾湯) formulations; for Blood Stasis, variations of Hyeolbu-chukeo-tang (血府逐瘀湯). Acupuncture stimulates the stomach and spleen meridians to support digestion. Step 4: Diet is also adjusted. Instead of extreme calorie restriction like the Paxi Diet, we recommend moderate amounts of constitution-appropriate grains and protein for sustainable results. There is no 'herbal medicine makes you lose weight' magic—it is a process of restoring bodily balance. Step 5: Consistent visits and lifestyle changes are essential. Typically, we aim for constitution improvement over 4–8 weeks with 1–2 treatments per week. Individual results vary greatly, so rather than focusing on 'how many kg were lost,' patients first experience a sense of lightness and improved digestion. I do not force anything. However, Korean medicine's dietary approach is not just a 'method' but an exploration of why a person became prone to weight gain. If you are concerned about side effects, a consultation is worthwhile.