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Doctor's Recommendation Guide
Doctor's Recommendation Guide

Q. There are so many diet supplements and pills on the market. Which method do you recommend as a TKM doctor?

A.

While supplements are convenient, they carry risks of side effects because they ignore individual constitutions. In contrast, herbal medicine optimizes metabolism by correcting internal imbalances. There is no single right answer, but it is essential to first assess your body's current state.

📝 Detailed Answer

To be honest, I have tried various trendy supplements myself in the past. However, I experienced palpitations, insomnia, and dizziness. Through that personal trial and error, I realized that while supplements are certainly accessible and affordable, the main issue is that they aren't tailored to the individual. Some people suffer from digestive issues or skin breakouts after taking them, which in Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM) often indicates 'Spleen Deficiency' (Bihyeo, 脾虛)—a state where the balance of nutrient absorption and excretion is disrupted. On the other hand, the greatest advantage of TKM weight loss is the customized approach based on your constitution and current health status. For metabolism to function smoothly, we must first clear 'Blood Stasis' (Eohyeol, 瘀血) and 'Phlegm-Fluid' (Dameum, 痰飮), which are abnormal metabolic wastes accumulated in the body. It is similar to how you cannot keep putting trash into a bin that is already full; you must empty it first. Of course, herbal medicine involves a more complex preparation process and may be more expensive than supplements. Therefore, rather than claiming herbal medicine is unconditionally superior, I recommend first determining whether your body is in a state that can safely handle supplements. Listening to your body's signals is ultimately the fastest path to healthy weight loss.
#recommendation #pros-cons
Dr. Yeonseung Choe

Expert Verified

Dr. Yeonseung Choe

Chief Director

Last reviewed 2026.05.12

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