Q. I haven't lost any weight since giving birth. What kind of diet programs do you recommend at a Korean medicine clinic?

Many people mistakenly believe that starving oneself is the fastest way to lose weight, but for postpartum women, this approach is dangerous. When you are in a state of Spleen Deficiency (脾虛)—where the digestive and energy-production functions are weakened—extreme fasting further depletes your vital energy (Qi), which can paradoxically lead to a constitution that is more resistant to weight loss. The strength of Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM) lies in its holistic approach. First, we focus on clearing Blood Stasis (瘀血, stagnant blood) and Phlegm-Fluid (痰飮, accumulated metabolic waste) to rapidly reduce postpartum swelling and edema. By replenishing deficient Qi and Blood, we boost your basal metabolic rate, allowing you to lose weight without experiencing the extreme fatigue or crashes often associated with restrictive diets. Of course, there are a few considerations. TKM may not have the immediate, aggressive appetite-suppressant effect found in some Western pharmaceuticals. Those sensitive to the unique scent or taste of herbal medicine may require an adjustment period. Additionally, the process requires regular clinic visits for pulse diagnosis (Jin-maek) to monitor your progress. There is no one-size-fits-all answer. If you are breastfeeding, the ingredients must be strictly screened for safety. If lochia (postpartum discharge) has not been fully expelled, resolving that is the priority before starting a diet. Let's work together to determine the sustainable pace and method that your body can currently handle.