A. Yes, have your constitutional type evaluated through pulse diagnosis at a Korean medicine clinic. You can also use this self-checklist to identify your body's tendencies:
1. Frequent bloating within 2 hours after meals → possible Spleen Deficiency (Bi Xu), a state where digestive function is weak and fat accumulation is easy.
2. Cold hands and feet, slow digestion → Yang Deficiency (Yang Xu), low basal metabolism leading to reduced energy expenditure.
3. Poor sleep despite fatigue, not feeling refreshed in the morning → Qi and Blood (Qi Xue) circulation issues, impaired waste elimination.
4. Binge eating or craving sweets under stress → Liver Depression (Gan Yu), stress disrupts appetite-regulating hormones.
5. Frequent swelling in face or legs → Water Dampness (Shui Shi) retention, weakened fluid metabolism.
📝 Detailed Answer
Many who experience recurring yo-yo effects commonly complain that 'even with the same effort, I don't lose weight like before.' I've been there myself. In fact, even the same diet method yields completely different results depending on your constitution and internal condition. In TKM, the root causes of obesity are broadly classified into four types.
First, Spleen Deficiency (Bi Xu). The spleen is the key organ that digests food and transforms it into energy. When its function weakens, nutrients are not properly converted into energy but instead accumulate as fat. If you often feel bloated after meals or have loose stools, Spleen Deficiency may be suspected.
Second, Phlegm-Fluid (Tan Yin). This is a state where unprocessed waste accumulates in the body like mucus. When it gathers in the abdomen or thighs, it appears as stubborn fat or cellulite. If you have a white coating on the tongue or frequent phlegm, Phlegm-Fluid is likely the cause.
Third, Blood Stasis (Yu Xue). Poor blood circulation prevents timely elimination of waste, causing localized buildup. In women, severe menstrual cramps, prominent leg veins, or easy bruising may indicate obesity accompanied by Blood Stasis.
Fourth, Qi Stagnation (Qi Zhi). Stress blocks the flow of Qi, disrupting appetite-regulating hormones and leading to binge eating or late-night snacking. If you often feel tightness in the upper abdomen, sigh frequently, or have mood swings, this type is likely.
The most accurate way to identify these causes is through a comprehensive evaluation at a Korean medicine clinic, including pulse diagnosis (mae jin), abdominal diagnosis (bok jin), and tongue diagnosis (seol jin). When checking on your own, refer to the above checklist—but be aware that self-diagnosis and buying herbal medicine or supplements without professional guidance can further disrupt organ function. Upon visiting, we can precisely differentiate whether you have Spleen Deficiency, Phlegm-Fluid, or Blood Stasis through pulse diagnosis, and then provide tailored herbal medicine and lifestyle corrections.
