Q. I'm dieting by tracking numbers with a calorie calculator; how does a Korean medicine clinic approach weight loss differently?

Many people start their weight loss journey by obsessively tracking calories—weighing chicken breast and counting treadmill minutes—only to find themselves exhausted, dizzy, or suffering from insomnia. This happens because the body is being pushed beyond its current functional capacity. In Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM), we focus less on raw caloric numbers and more on how efficiently the body processes energy. My approach typically follows these stages: First, I evaluate the circulation of Qi and Blood. If there is a prevalence of Blood Stasis (瘀血, stagnant blood), exercise efficiency drops significantly. We must first 'clear the pathways.' Next, we address Phlegm-Fluid (痰飮), which refers to the accumulation of unnecessary fluids and metabolic waste in the body. When these persist, the body feels heavy and stubborn edema (swelling) occurs. I also examine digestive and absorptive capacity. If a patient has Spleen Deficiency (脾虛), nutrients are not converted into energy effectively and are instead more likely to be stored as fat. By utilizing herbal prescriptions tailored to your specific constitution, we can naturally increase your basal metabolic rate. Ultimately, the core of TKM weight loss is not matching a number, but achieving an 'optimal state' where your body can burn energy on its own. Before you force yourself to run, let's first check the condition of your body's internal engine.