Q. I want to focus on dieting for about a month. How should I get started?

Many people attempt a restrictive diet—such as eating only chicken breast—only to experience dizziness, lack of energy, and eventual binge eating. This happens because the mechanism of weight gain differs for every individual. In Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM), we analyze this through several perspectives: first, 'Dam-eum' (痰飮), where accumulated metabolic waste hinders overall metabolism. Second, 'Eo-hyeol' (瘀血), or blood stasis, which can cause localized fat accumulation due to poor circulation. Third, 'Bi-heo' (脾虛), or Spleen Deficiency, where weakened digestive function leads to a vicious cycle of poor nutrient absorption and chronic bloating/heaviness. While the general advice to 'eat less and move more' is logically sound, it is not a universal solution. The priority should be determining whether your body is suffering from accumulated phlegm-fluid or a metabolic shutdown due to Qi deficiency. By clearing these internal blockages first, you can enter a healthy weight-loss trajectory and minimize the risk of the yo-yo effect. Let's work together to identify your specific condition and design a personalized strategy.