Q. I'm curious about the whole process of herbal medicine dieting from start to weight loss.

Herbal medicine dieting is a step-by-step process from consultation to maintenance. At your first visit, a constitutional analysis is performed to determine whether you have Spleen Deficiency (비허, Pi Xu) affecting digestion and absorption, a Phlegm-Fluid (담음, Tan Yin) constitution due to metabolic waste accumulation, or Blood Stasis (어혈, Yu Xue) from circulatory issues. During the initial 1–2 weeks, the dosage and type of herbs are adjusted based on your body's responses—mild dizziness or changes in digestive speed may occur but are usually temporary. The most important thing in this phase is to carefully observe your body's signals. By weeks 3–4, the prescription begins to work fully: digestive function improves, thirst decreases, and constipation resolves; weight changes start gradually and naturally. In weeks 5–8, the focus shifts to metabolic regulation, appetite control, and fat metabolism support. Concurrent dietary counseling helps build sustainable eating patterns rather than extreme short-term diets—I know from my own failed attempts that lifelong habits matter more. After weeks 9–12, you enter a maintenance phase where herbal medicine is gradually reduced while weight stabilizes; this is where success is determined. Through my own struggles, I learned that the habit of reading your body's signals is far more important than relying on a pill. Throughout the entire process, herbal medicine is not a panacea, but by strengthening the foundational Spleen-Stomach (비위, Pi Wei) function, it reduces the risk of severe rebound weight gain and supports long-term stable weight management. Individual schedules and methods vary by constitution, so a personalized plan should be established through initial consultation.