Q. There are so many diet recipes on YouTube. What is the core principle behind the dietary plans recommended by a Korean medicine clinic?

In my own experience, I once blindly followed a trending diet in my youth and felt so depleted that I suffered from dizzy spells. Despite my medical knowledge, I had to go through a process of trial and error to understand how to apply those principles to my own unique body. In Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM), rather than focusing on deprivation, we first investigate 'why' a person's constitution has become prone to weight gain. We generally approach this through the following stages: 1. Removing Dam-eum (Phlegm-Fluid Retention): We first clear 'Dam-eum,' which are abnormal metabolic wastes accumulated in the body. If these persist, even the healthiest diet will not be absorbed properly, leading to persistent bloating and edema. 2. Addressing Bi-heo (Spleen Deficiency): 'Bi-heo' refers to a weakened state of the Spleen function. When digestive and absorptive capacities drop, metabolism slows down. Therefore, we strengthen the digestive system to increase energy combustion efficiency. 3. Resolving Eo-hyeol (Blood Stasis): We resolve 'Eo-hyeol,' or stagnant blood flow. Smooth circulation is essential for delivering nutrients to the muscles and accelerating the burning of fat. 4. Establishing a Constitution-Based Diet: Once the above stages are addressed, we determine the ideal food combinations for the patient. Depending on the individual's constitution, some may require foods with 'warm' properties, while others may thrive on a more 'bland' or light diet. Ultimately, the answer is not found in 'popular recipes,' but in finding a diet that your organs can currently handle. Understanding your body's precise state before starting is the fastest way to minimize the yo-yo effect.