Q. I'm curious about the overall process from starting a herbal medicine diet to achieving weight loss.

Herbal medicine diet is not just about losing weight but changing the body's metabolic patterns. I explain it in three stages. The first 2 weeks are the 'adaptation period'. Patients often expect immediate weight loss, but the body first adjusts to the herbal energy and begins internal reorganization. It targets root causes like Spleen Deficiency (脾虛) or Phlegm-Fluid (痰飮), so appetite stabilizes gradually and digestion becomes easier. Weight change is minimal, around 1 kg or less. I also doubted whether it was working at first, but I learned patience is needed. From week 3 to 6 is the 'transition period'. By this time, the herbs strengthen Spleen and Stomach (脾胃) function and begin to resolve Phlegm-Fluid (痰飮) and Blood Stasis (瘀血). Patients often report feeling lighter, reduced swelling, and decreased waist circumference. However, it's better to focus on how clothes fit and overall condition rather than the scale. In TKM, when Qi (氣) flows smoothly, fat dissolves. Many see a daily loss of 0.2–0.5 kg, but absolute numbers are not emphasized. After week 7 is the 'stabilization period'. Constitutional improvement is established, leading to gradual weight loss without fasting or yo-yo effect. At this point, herbal medicine dosage is reduced or taken intermittently as maintenance. The key is to continue the changed body pattern through daily habits. Think of herbal medicine diet as a process of restoring body balance rather than a 'diet', which will help you approach it more comfortably.