Q. I've hit a severe weight loss plateau. What methods are typically recommended at a Korean medicine clinic?

Hitting a plateau can be incredibly frustrating. Many people try to push through it by drastically cutting calories, which often leads to dizziness and exhaustion, ultimately hindering daily life. Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM) approaches this through two primary pillars. First, customized herbal medicine acts as a catalyst for metabolism and naturally suppresses appetite. This is particularly effective for those with 'Spleen Deficiency' (Bi-heo), where weakened digestive function leads to poor energy efficiency. Second, acupuncture and moxibustion are used to promote systemic circulation and remove stagnation. However, there are considerations to keep in mind. If herbal medicine is not perfectly aligned with your constitution, some may rarely experience palpitations or insomnia. Additionally, acupuncture requires regular clinic visits, which can be inconvenient. Most importantly, relying solely on medication without maintaining healthy lifestyle habits will eventually lead to a rebound. The root cause of a plateau differs for everyone. The approach changes entirely depending on whether the primary obstacle is 'Dam-eum' (phlegm-fluid retention/metabolic waste) or 'Eo-hyeol' (blood stasis/poor circulation). The answer lies in your current physiological state. Rather than blindly increasing the intensity of your diet or exercise, I recommend first identifying why your body has reached a standstill.