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한의사 추천 가이드
한의사 추천 가이드

Q. I'm debating between herbal medicine and Western medicine for weight loss. Which one do you usually recommend?

A.

Herbal medicine is advantageous for improving your constitution and restoring bodily balance, while Western medicine offers rapid appetite suppression. However, herbal effects manifest gradually, and Western medicine carries risks of side effects. There is no single right answer; the recommendation depends entirely on whether your vitality (Qi) is currently depleted or if the discharge of metabolic waste is more urgent.

📝 Detailed Answer

I have also experienced the struggle of blindly following popular diets only to give up due to dizziness. Through those trials, I realized that understanding your body's specific state is the priority. The strength of Korean herbal medicine is its personalized approach. It purges 'Dam-eum' (metabolic waste or phlegm-fluid) and replenishes vitality (Qi) to naturally boost metabolic rates. For those with a 'Spleen Deficiency' (Bi-heo) constitution—who gain weight easily due to weak digestion—herbal medicine improves the constitution while supporting overall health. While it may be less portable and the immediate appetite suppression less 'dramatic' than Western drugs, it focuses on long-term wellness. Western medicine provides strong appetite suppression, which is helpful when willpower is low, but many suffer from side effects like palpitations or tremors, and weight rebound is common after stopping. Ultimately, the choice depends on your Qi and Blood status and symptoms like edema or constipation. Instead of following trends, let's work together to identify the root cause of your body's imbalance.
#recommendation #pros-cons
Dr. Yeonseung Choe

Expert Verified

Dr. Yeonseung Choe

Chief Director

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