Who usually seeks weight loss treatments at a Korean medicine clinic? I'm curious about actual cases and the process.
Many patients come to us after struggling with the side effects of Western weight-loss drugs or the 'yo-yo' effect of repeated weight regain. Having experienced the dizziness of extreme fasting myself, I deeply empathize with that desperation. We frequently see office workers struggling with diet due to frequent company dinners and overtime, as well as mothers facing constitutional changes after childbirth. The key is customizing the herbal prescription to your specific lifestyle and physical response through a thorough consultation.
During my time in medical school, I tried almost every fad diet, only to end up damaging my own health. This personal experience allows me to deeply empathize with my patients' struggles. We see a wide variety of cases, but two types stand out. First are office workers who vent their stress through late-night eating. In Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM), this is often diagnosed as 'Qi Stagnation' (Giche). When the body's energy is blocked, it manifests as frequent 'false hunger' and cravings for spicy or salty foods. In these cases, we use medicinal herbs to smooth the flow of Qi and stabilize the nervous system. The second common type is 'Spleen Deficiency' (Biheo), where the metabolic function is so low that waste products called 'Phlegm-rheum' (Dameum) accumulate easily. These are the people who feel they 'gain weight just by drinking water.' Instead of reckless fasting, it is essential to restore the internal organs' functions to help the body naturally discharge waste. Herbal medicine is not a magic wand that solves everything instantly, but by understanding the root cause of why your body is predisposed to weight gain, we can work together to find a fundamental solution.
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