Q. From the perspective of Traditional Korean Medicine, how should one proceed step by step for weight loss?

Many people wonder how a Korean medicine clinic can help with weight loss. I was also curious at first. Korean medicine weight loss is not just about reducing weight but first understanding why one's constitution tends to gain weight. Stage 1 (1–2 weeks) is the 'clearing' (淸裏) phase. Due to spleen deficiency (脾虛), water and waste products that are not properly metabolized accumulate as dampness-phlegm (濕痰) and blood stasis (瘀血). Herbs that strengthen the spleen (e.g., Atractylodes [창출], Poria [복령]) are combined with those that expel dampness to reduce bloating and discomfort. Most patients feel improved digestion and smoother bowel movements within a week. Stage 2 (3–4 weeks) is the 'regulating' (調理) phase. In addition to tonifying the spleen, we boost kidney yang (腎陽). Weak kidney yang makes the body cold and hinders fat burning. Warming herbs like Aconite (부자) and Cinnamon (육계) are added, and acupuncture or moxibustion at Mingmen (命門) stimulates basal metabolism. During this stage, reductions in waist circumference, skin elasticity, and fatigue often appear before noticeable weight loss—it is normal to feel lighter without the scale moving yet. Stage 3 (1–2 months) is the 'root cure' (根治) phase, stabilizing qi-blood circulation and organ balance into daily life. Without correcting diet, sleep, and stress habits, the original constitution tends to return. By this time, patients often report that they no longer crave overeating or late-night snacks. In Korean medicine, this is described as 'the spleen and stomach (脾胃) have straightened out.' However, individual response speed varies depending on constitution and lifestyle. I check with patients every two weeks whether the current herbal formula is a good fit. The key criterion is not weight loss but whether the body is moving toward a more comfortable state.