Q. I'm currently managing my diet with things like diet kimbap; what approach do you recommend at a Korean medicine clinic?

While diet kimbap may seem healthy, relying on it daily often leads to burnout. Many people experience a cycle of strict dieting—such as eating only chicken breast and salads—followed by binge eating. Having experienced these struggles, I deeply understand the difficulty of maintaining a rigid diet. The strength of Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM) lies in its personalized approach. We focus on increasing your basal metabolic rate according to your constitution. Specifically, we target the removal of 'Dam-eum' (痰飮)—the accumulation of metabolic waste and stagnant fluids in the body—which helps you feel lighter and naturally suppresses excessive appetite, reducing the mental strain of willpower. However, there are considerations. If the herbal formula is not perfectly aligned with your condition, you may experience side effects such as palpitations or insomnia. Additionally, compared to simple dieting, there are initial costs and the inconvenience of clinic visits. Ultimately, the best method depends on your current physiological state. For instance, those with 'Bi-heo' (脾虛), a condition where the Spleen function is deficient and digestion is weak, may find that a strict low-calorie diet leads to rapid energy depletion and a premature weight-loss plateau. In such cases, a prescription that replenishes vital energy (Qi) while managing weight is essential. Rather than suggesting a generic solution, I believe we should first analyze the limitations of your current diet and how your body is responding. Please feel free to visit, and let's find the most sustainable path forward together.