There are so many different ways to lose weight; from a TKM doctor's perspective, which method is the best?
There is no single 'correct' answer, as the best approach depends entirely on your constitution and current physical condition. The core strength of Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM) weight loss is that it focuses on 'priming the body' by boosting metabolism and clearing accumulated waste rather than simply starving oneself.
To be honest, before becoming a practitioner, I also struggled through various trial-and-error diets. I vividly remember feeling dizzy and completely drained of energy from extreme fasting, which is why I truly empathize with my patients' struggles.
The greatest appeal of TKM weight loss is its 'personalized' approach. By clearing 'Dam-eum' (痰飮, accumulated phlegm-fluid/metabolic waste) and resolving 'Eo-hyeol' (瘀血, blood stasis), we can restore smooth circulation within the body. Instead of enduring the agony of sheer willpower, we modify your internal environment to help regulate appetite naturally.
Of course, there are downsides. Some find the characteristic bitterness of herbal medicine challenging, and others may experience mild palpitations during the initial adjustment period. Additionally, those who rely too heavily on medication may feel a psychological burden, worrying if they will need to take herbal medicine indefinitely.
Ultimately, if you ask which method is best, I recommend 'a method that fills the gaps in your own body.' For instance, those with 'Bi-heo' (脾虛, Spleen Deficiency) who have poor digestion need to prioritize strengthening their vital energy first. Conversely, those with severe edema must focus on promoting fluid excretion.
The first step is to identify the specific reason why you are not losing weight. Please feel free to visit the clinic so we can figure this out together.
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