Q. I keep failing at weight loss. How does a Traditional Korean Medicine clinic approach the process?

Even as a TKM doctor, I've had my share of struggles with weight management! While many associate dieting with starvation, that often acts as a toxin that damages the body. At our clinic, we take a systematic three-step approach tailored to your constitution. First is the 'Emptying' phase. This involves clearing 'waste' accumulated in the body. In TKM, we describe this as removing 'Phlegm-fluid' (Damyum)—waste that fails to circulate—and 'Blood stasis' (Eohyeol). Patients who feel heavy or experience morning edema often feel a significant improvement in vitality just by completing this step. Next is the 'Filling and Burning' phase. In a state of 'Spleen Deficiency' (Biheo), where digestive function is weakened, you might eat very little but still fail to lose weight while feeling exhausted. By prescribing treatments that bolster Spleen Qi and enhance metabolic efficiency, your body becomes an 'energy-efficient' system that utilizes calories effectively without extreme fasting. Finally, we have the 'Taming' phase. Once the internal environment has shifted, we solidify healthy habits. To prevent the yo-yo effect, we focus on balancing the 'Five Viscera and Six Bowels' and strengthening your 'Self-healing power' (Jasaeng-ryeok)—the body's innate ability to regulate its own weight. Don't feel rushed or discouraged. I will be right by your side to help you through every step of this journey.