With weight loss medications like Saxenda and Wegovy being so popular lately, why do you, as a Korean Medicine doctor, specifically recommend herbal weight loss treatments?
Western medications and herbal treatments differ fundamentally in their approach. While Western drugs forcefully suppress appetite—often causing fatigue or dizziness—herbal medicine focuses on treating Spleen Qi Deficiency (Biheo) to boost energy and enhance metabolism. We recommend it because it goes beyond mere calorie restriction to fundamentally transform your constitution into one that resists weight gain.
I once struggled with the exhaustion of extreme dieting myself, so I know that weight loss must be about protecting your body while losing weight. Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM) acts as a compass for your health. The root cause of weight gain varies; for some, it is 'Dameum' (phlegm-fluid or metabolic waste), while for others, it is 'Biheo' (Spleen Qi Deficiency, where a weak digestive system hinders circulation). By addressing these root causes, we prevent your overall health from collapsing during the process. We also fine-tune prescriptions based on your individual constitution to manage side effects like insomnia or palpitations. Admittedly, herbal medicine might not 'shut off' the appetite as instantly as Western drugs, and the cost or the discipline required to take it regularly can be a hurdle. However, for those who have suffered from the yo-yo effect or have a stagnant metabolism due to 'Eohyeol' (stagnant blood), TKM is an excellent choice. It is a holistic process of filling what is deficient and draining what is excessive, ensuring you don't just lose weight, but gain vitality.
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