How do other patients usually go about this? I'm curious about real-life experiences.
Since every individual has a unique constitution (Sasang typology), there is no single standard path. Some struggle with appetite control, while others feel lethargic and heavy. Having experienced the failure of extreme fasting myself—which only led to exhaustion and dizziness—I emphasize that understanding your own body's specific state is far more important than following someone else's routine.
In my clinical experience, patients generally fall into two major patterns. The first group suffers from 'Dam-eum' (phlegm-fluid retention), where accumulated metabolic waste stagnates the system, causing the body to feel heavy and bloated even with minimal food intake. The second group presents with 'Bi-heo' (Spleen Deficiency), where impaired digestive and absorptive functions lead to 'false hunger,' causing frequent snacking despite a lack of actual nutritional need.
If 'Eo-hyeol' (blood stasis) is also present due to poor circulation, the body feels even heavier and the efficiency of weight loss drops significantly. Through years of clinical practice, I have learned that simply eating less is not the answer; I personally learned this the hard way by attempting rigorous dieting without considering my physiological state.
Of course, not everyone fits these patterns. For some, lack of sleep is the primary obstacle, while for others, it is chronic stress. Rather than imposing a fixed formula, I prioritize identifying exactly where the blockage lies in your body. Reading your body's unique signals first is the only way to establish a healthy, sustainable direction that prevents the yo-yo effect.
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