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

Dieting is often a lifelong challenge. I still remember my own 'trial and error' during my years as a student of Korean medicine, when I took overly potent medication and suffered from heart palpitations and dizziness all night. The true value of Korean herbal medicine lies in its 'personalized' prescriptions. Instead of just suppressing hunger, we differentiate the approach based on whether you have a Spleen Deficiency (Biheo) type—where low energy leads to swelling—or a Phlegm-fluid (Damyum) type—where metabolic waste has accumulated. By reinforcing deficient energy and enhancing metabolism, this approach ensures the body is not depleted. However, the appetite-suppressant effect may not be as immediate as Western drugs, and the herbal scent or the need for consistent intake are factors to consider. Western medications are powerful at curbing the appetite and can be efficient for busy modern lifestyles. Yet, as they stimulate the central nervous system, they may cause insomnia, dry mouth, or mood swings. One must also be wary of the 'rebound effect,' where appetite surges once the medication is stopped. Rather than one being superior, it is about what your body can currently tolerate. If your physical strength is low, a restorative Korean medicine approach is better; if your willpower is at its limit, medical assistance can be a wise supplement. I work with my patients to find the best fit by evaluating their lifestyle patterns and the state of their Eohyeol (blood stasis).