As an office worker looking to lose weight, which do you recommend more: herbal medicine or acupuncture?

Hello, I am Dr. Yeonsung Choi from Baekrokdam Clinic. As someone who often struggles with late-night snack cravings after a long day of consultations, I completely understand your dilemma. In the past, I tried relying solely on acupuncture to reduce my belly fat, but without proper dietary control, I only ended up feeling lightheaded. Acupuncture is excellent for targeting stubborn areas that are hard to slim down. It stimulates the circulation of Qi and Blood (氣血循環) in areas like the abdomen or arms, facilitating a smoother flow. It is attractive due to its lower cost and short procedure time. However, acupuncture alone has clear limitations in dramatically increasing systemic metabolism or suppressing appetite. In contrast, herbal medicine focuses on fundamentally changing the body's internal environment. It is exceptional for supplementing Spleen Deficiency (脾虛, biheo) to ensure energy is used efficiently and for discharging Phlegm-fluid (痰飮, dameum), a type of internal metabolic waste. Essentially, it flips the 'metabolic switch' for the entire body. Keep in mind that it involves a higher cost than acupuncture and requires the dedication to take it regularly every day. If your goal is to lower the number on the scale, herbal medicine should be your priority. If your weight is somewhat managed but you are concerned about body lines and contouring, I recommend acupuncture. If you find your willpower lacking, combining both can compensate for each other's weaknesses. Let’s start by accurately assessing your body’s current state.