Q. I see many people in the Gangnam area getting fat-dissolving injections. Between those and Traditional Korean Medicine treatments, which one would you recommend more?

I recall a time when I blindly followed a weight-loss trend to lose 'age-related fat,' only to end up with an upset stomach and dizziness. Since even I, a practitioner, had that experience, I truly empathize with how frustrated and desperate patients must feel. Popular fat-dissolving injections in Gangnam are indeed excellent for refining specific body lines in a short period. However, depending on the ingredients, they may cause side effects like heart palpitations or tremors in sensitive individuals. More importantly, they often focus on external changes while leaving the underlying metabolic issues—the root cause of weight gain—unaddressed. In Traditional Korean Medicine, we primarily use lipolytic acupuncture and pharmacopuncture. These treatments flush out 'Dameum' (phlegm-fluid) and 'Eohyeol' (blood stasis), which are metabolic wastes that obstruct circulation, thereby encouraging the body to burn energy on its own. This is particularly effective for those with a 'Biheo' (Spleen Deficiency) constitution who tend to bloat easily; for these patients, correcting the underlying constitution is far more advantageous for long-term success than just targeting fat cells. Of course, acupuncture rarely produces a transformation as dramatic as a single injection in one session. It requires consistent visits over time, which can be taxing for busy professionals. If you need to refine a specific area immediately for an event next week, injections are the more efficient choice. However, if you wish to break the cycle of yo-yo dieting and manage your weight healthily, TKM will serve as a sturdy foundation. Regardless of your choice, I am here to help you find the path that is safest and most sustainable for your body.