Q. Do I absolutely have to avoid snacks while dieting? I’m curious about how Korean medicine clinics manage diet plans.

It’s hard to resist snacks, isn't it? Even as a practitioner, I sometimes reach for a small piece of chocolate when I feel lightheaded during consultations. However, starving yourself is not the answer. At our clinic, we manage your diet through a systematic four-step approach: 1. Addressing Spleen Deficiency (Bihyeo) to control appetite: When Spleen Qi (Bigi)—the body's digestive energy—is weak, you lack vitality and naturally crave sweets for quick energy. We use herbal medicine to soothe this 'false hunger,' allowing your body to naturally adapt to smaller portions. 2. Eliminating Phlegm-fluid (Dameum): When circulation is stagnant, metabolic waste called Phlegm-fluid accumulates, making you feel bloated even after drinking water. We recommend warm herbal teas as 'snacks' to facilitate fluid metabolism and discharge these wastes. 3. Resolving Blood Stasis (Eohyeol): By clearing stagnant blood, we significantly boost your basal metabolic rate. Once your metabolic function is restored, your body gains the power to burn energy efficiently, even if you consume a small amount of snacks. 4. Cooling Stomach Heat (Wiyeol): If you feel the urge to chew, nuts or vegetable sticks are excellent choices. These help cool down excessive heat in the stomach (Wiyeol), which is a primary cause of 'false hunger.' Instead of stressing over suppression, focus on balancing your body's internal environment first. When your body is in harmony, your appetite will naturally stabilize. I will be here to guide you through every step of this journey.