Q. I'm struggling with abdominal obesity. What kind of diet and weight loss methods do Korean medicine clinics usually recommend?

Many people try extreme fasting, but this often leads to fatigue and dizziness because it ignores the body's fundamental needs. In Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM), there is no one-size-fits-all answer; the approach depends entirely on your specific condition. First, herbal medicine acts as a 'metabolic switch.' For instance, those with 'Spleen Deficiency' (Bi-heo, 脾虛) often have poor digestive absorption and a low basal metabolic rate, making weight loss difficult. By strengthening these functions, we help the body utilize energy more efficiently and address psychological hunger to make appetite control more sustainable. However, it is not a magic cure; the body needs time to adapt, and using medicine that doesn't match one's constitution can cause side effects like palpitations or insomnia. This is why a precise diagnostic consultation is essential. Combining herbal medicine with acupuncture and moxibustion creates a powerful synergy. When 'phlegm-fluid' (Dam-eum, 痰飮) or 'blood stasis' (Eo-hyeol, 瘀血)—which are accumulated metabolic wastes and congested blood—build up in the abdomen, it blocks circulation and makes the belly particularly resistant to weight loss. By stimulating local Qi and blood flow, we can help the body feel significantly lighter. Ultimately, the key is a 'tailored combination.' The approach differs completely depending on whether your primary struggle is digestive dysfunction or uncontrollable cravings. I encourage you to visit the clinic so we can determine the best path for your specific body type.