Q. What is it actually like to try a herbal medicine diet for weight loss? I'm curious about the effects and the process.

In my clinic, patients generally fall into two categories. The first group possesses strong willpower, but their bodies do not respond. They often complain of exhaustion and lack of energy even with minimal activity. In Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM), this is referred to as 'Spleen Deficiency' (Bi-heo, 脾虛), where impaired spleen function hinders proper energy metabolism. For these patients, indiscriminate fasting only leads to increased edema and further depletion of energy. Therefore, I prescribe medicine that tonifies Qi (vital energy) while boosting metabolic rates. The second group struggles with stress-induced binge eating, experiencing uncontrollable cravings. In such cases, I first focus on clearing 'Phlegm-fluid' (Dameum, 痰飮—metabolic waste) and 'Blood Stasis' (Eohyeol, 瘀血—stagnant blood). When waste products accumulate, metabolic efficiency drops, frequently triggering 'false hunger' signals. Having gone through a period of my own life where I relied on late-night snacks due to work stress, I deeply empathize with this struggle. Of course, not everyone experiences a dramatic change immediately. Depending on their constitution, some may feel slight tension or have difficulty sleeping during the first few days. This is why I avoid using potent formulas from the start. I carefully assess your usual sleep patterns and digestive health first. I believe the safest and healthiest path is to collaboratively monitor your body's signals and fine-tune the treatment incrementally.