Q. Probiotic diets and supplements like Dual Plan are very popular lately. What are the effective management stages for weight loss in a Traditional Korean Medicine clinic?

While the market is flooded with diet supplements and probiotics, the most critical factor is whether your body is prepared to receive those nutrients. In Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM), we follow a systematic approach to ensure the body can actually process what you consume. First, we focus on clearing Phlegm-rheum (痰飮) and Blood stasis (瘀血). These are metabolic wastes and stagnant blood that accumulate in the body. If these 'toxins' are present, even the highest quality probiotics cannot function properly. This is why the initial purification stage is essential. Next, we address Spleen deficiency (脾虛). If Spleen function is weak, digestion falters and the intestinal environment inevitably deteriorates. To create 'fertile soil' where beneficial gut bacteria can thrive, we must first restore the health of the digestive system (Geon-bi). Third, we provide constitution-specific herbal prescriptions. Since every individual’s gut microbiome and metabolic rate are different, we use customized herbal medicine to fine-tune the body’s balance and boost metabolism according to your specific physical type. Finally, we emphasize lifestyle integration. Rather than relying solely on medicine, we work with you to correct dietary habits so you can maintain a healthy gut environment on your own. Lasting weight loss without the 'yo-yo effect' requires this foundational work. If supplements alone haven't worked for you, it is time to examine your constitutional gut health and build a stronger foundation.