Q. I want to try some of the popular short-term diet plans and methods these days. As a TKM doctor, would you recommend them?

To be honest, I once tried extreme fasting and restrictive diets out of sheer ambition. I felt so dizzy that I couldn't function in my daily life, and I realized after a lot of trial and error that such an approach is unsustainable. Short-term diets do have an advantage: visible results appear quickly, providing a sense of achievement and strong motivation to keep going. However, the drawbacks are significant. A sudden imbalance in nutrition can lead to Spleen Deficiency (脾虛), weakening the digestive system and leaving you easily fatigued. Furthermore, if you push your body while your metabolic capacity is low, waste products known as Phlegm-Fluid (痰飮) accumulate, making your body feel heavy and sluggish. If blood circulation becomes stagnant, Blood Stasis (瘀血) may occur, potentially worsening edema and swelling. Ultimately, the answer depends on the individual. For those with sufficient physical strength and an active metabolism, a short-term stimulus may be helpful. However, for those with deficient Qi and vitality, it can be detrimental. The safest approach is to assess your current physical state first and adjust the pace of your diet accordingly.