A. I was also curious at first, but typically it's divided into three stages. The first 1–2 weeks is the 'assessment and preparation' stage. We use pulse diagnosis to identify causes like Spleen Deficiency (bi xu) or Phlegm-Fluid (dam eum), and provide customized herbal medicine and dietary advice. From weeks 3–4, your body starts to respond; you'll first notice easier digestion and reduced bloating. After about one to two months, lifestyle habits adapt to your constitution, and you naturally experience weight management.
📝 Detailed Answer
Yes, let me explain step by step. Korean medicine diet isn't just about giving medication; it first looks at 'why your constitution leads to weight gain.'
**Stage 1 – Diagnosis and Preparation (1–2 weeks)**
On your first visit, we check your constitution and current condition through pulse diagnosis, tongue diagnosis, and abdominal palpation. The most common finding is Spleen Deficiency (bi xu). When spleen function weakens, water metabolism is impaired and energy becomes deficient, making it hard to lose weight. Other causes may include Phlegm-Fluid (dam eum, accumulation of unnecessary waste) or Blood Stasis (eo hyeol, circulatory disorders). During this period, we provide customized herbal medicine along with checking basic lifestyle habits like meal timing and sleep rhythm. We do not recommend sudden fasting or excessive exercise.
**Stage 2 – Inducing Change (3–4 weeks)**
With consistent herbal medicine, patients first report that their stomach feels comfortable, puffiness decreases, and they feel lighter. As Spleen Deficiency improves, digestion and absorption become better; as Phlegm-Fluid reduces, the body feels less heavy. At this point, weight starts to decrease slowly. It's more about observing 'how the body responds' than 'how many kilograms.' Individual differences are large, but many patients find that accompanying symptoms such as constipation or menstrual irregularities improve around weeks 2–4.
**Stage 3 – Stabilization and Maintenance (after 1–2 months)**
In this stage, dietary patterns suited to your constitution become habitual. For example, you realize that cold drinks or flour-based foods cause bloating and naturally avoid them. Herbal medicine dosage is reduced or changed to intermittent use, and acupuncture or moxibustion is used as support. The key is 'weight loss without yo-yo effect'; because the focus is on long-term constitutional improvement rather than rapid change, most patients maintain their weight without major rebound even after 6 months. However, response speed varies by individual, so it's hard to guarantee this for everyone; continuous consultation and adjustment are essential.