Q. I'm currently managing my diet with things like chicken breast, Vietnamese spring rolls, and diet kimbap. How can your clinic help me with this?

To be honest, I once focused solely on chicken breast and sweet potatoes out of sheer ambition, only to find myself feeling dizzy and completely drained of energy. Even as a doctor of Korean Medicine, I went through some trial and error with my diet in the beginning (laughs). What truly matters is not just what you eat, but how your body processes it. In Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM), we approach this process in stages. First, we check your digestive function. We determine if you are experiencing 'Bi-heo' (脾虛), a deficiency in the Spleen/Stomach system. If your digestive power is low, even high-quality proteins like chicken breast won't be absorbed properly, instead leading to the accumulation of 'Dameum' (痰飮), which are metabolic waste products or phlegm-fluid. Next, we clear 'Eohyeol' (瘀血), or blood stasis, to improve circulation and increase metabolic efficiency. When circulation is smooth, the energy from your diet is more effectively utilized for fat burning. Managing appetite and hunger is also crucial. Extreme diets can lead the brain to perceive a 'starvation state.' We use herbal medicine to soothe hunger and suppress false cravings, allowing you to maintain a sustainable dietary pattern. Finally, we replenish your vital energy to prevent the lethargy and muscle loss that often accompany dieting. This ensures you can maintain your daily activities without feeling exhausted. It is easy to simply say 'eat less,' but I know that is often the hardest part. Based on your digestive state and constitution, I will provide meticulous adjustments to ensure that the healthy diet you are following yields the best possible results.