Q. What is the process for a Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM) weight loss program? I'd like to know the specific steps involved.

Many patients ask if they can lose weight simply by taking herbal medicine. To achieve sustainable weight loss, a systematic, step-by-step approach tailored to your specific body condition is essential. 1. Assessing Digestion and Spleen Deficiency (Biheo): We first examine your digestive health. If you are in a state of Spleen Deficiency (Biheo), your body fails to transform and transport energy properly, leading to accumulation. Identifying why your body is 'storing' rather than 'spending' energy is the starting point. 2. Detoxification of Phlegm-fluid (Dameum) and Blood Stasis (Eohyeol): Before active weight loss, we clear internal waste. Eliminating 'Dameum' (metabolic phlegm-fluid) and 'Eohyeol' (stagnant blood) restores metabolic efficiency. 3. Metabolic Activation and Fat Burning: Herbal prescriptions are then used to elevate the basal metabolic rate. This promotes the circulation of 'Qi' and Blood, creating an environment where body fat is burned efficiently, simulating the physiological effects of exercise. 4. Strengthening Vital Qi (Jeonggi) to Prevent Muscle Loss: To prevent the exhaustion common in dieting, we include medicinal herbs that tonify 'Jeonggi' (Vital Qi). This protects muscle mass while targeting fat loss, providing the stamina needed to complete the program. 5. Rebound Prevention and Stabilization: The final phase focuses on stabilizing the body’s set point so it doesn't undergo a 'yo-yo' effect when returning to a regular diet. Completing this stage ensures a fundamental improvement in your physical constitution. Instead of following generic trends or starving yourself, the most effective path is to understand your body's unique state and address the root causes of weight gain.