Q. How do I proceed step by step for weight loss with a Korean medicine approach?

In the first week, the goal is to address spleen deficiency (脾虛, pi xu) and phlegm-dampness (濕痰, shi tan). The spleen governs digestion and fluid metabolism; when weakened, excess moisture and waste accumulate. This stage uses spleen-tonifying herbs, advises avoiding cold foods, and encourages regular meals. From week 2, treatment promotes qi and blood circulation (氣血循環, qi xue xun huan) to resolve blood stasis (瘀血, yu xue). Improved blood and energy flow enhances cellular metabolism, enabling natural weight regulation. Many patients report easier digestion and a lighter feeling during this phase. After 4 weeks, the focus shifts to balancing organ systems and improving constitution, preventing recurrence of phlegm-fluid (痰飮, tan yin) or blood stasis to avoid rebound. Each stage’s duration and herbal formula are adjusted according to individual constitution. Personally, I initially found the stepwise approach cumbersome, but after some trial and error, I realized that sustainable results require constitutional improvement. Precise numerical changes are hard to predict due to individual variation, so an initial consultation for constitutional diagnosis and stepwise goal setting is essential. Remember, sustainability matters more than speed.