Q. I'm struggling to lose weight after giving birth. What is the step-by-step process for dieting at a Korean medicine clinic?

After childbirth, the body's internal balance is significantly disrupted, and rushing into weight loss can lead to further health deterioration. I recommend the following phased approach based on Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM) principles: 1. Recovery of Qi and Blood & Edema Removal: First, we check for postpartum wind (Sanhupung) or chills and replenish depleted Qi and Blood. If the Spleen is deficient (Spleen Deficiency/Bi-heo), digestive functions weaken, lowering metabolism and making weight loss more difficult. This must be addressed first. 2. Removal of Blood Stasis (Eo-hyeol) and Phlegm-Fluid (Dam-eum): This stage focuses on clearing Blood Stasis (residual waste in the uterus) and Phlegm-Fluid (unnecessary metabolic waste/fluid). When these are stagnant, the body feels heavy and swelling persists, which hinders weight loss efficiency. 3. Metabolic Boosting & Weight Control: Once the body has recovered to a certain level, we use herbal medicines to boost metabolism. This is not about forced starvation, but about creating an internal environment where the body can efficiently burn energy on its own. 4. Maintenance & Constitution Improvement: The final stage focuses on stabilizing your constitution to prevent the 'yo-yo effect' and maintain the weight loss. In my early years of practice, I mistakenly focused solely on 'losing weight.' However, experience has taught me that in postpartum care, 'recovery' is the most honest and effective path to 'weight loss.' Please do not feel rushed; we will find the right pace that your body can safely accept.