Q. I want to try the crash diets or meal plans that celebrities use. What methods do you recommend at a TKM clinic?

It is easy to be impressed by the rigorous management routines of celebrities on screen. However, attempting extreme fasting without proper guidance can lead to severe dizziness or physical collapse, as many people experience when trying unverified methods. The primary advantage of Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM) dieting is that it focuses on clearing 'Dameum' (痰飮, abnormal fluid accumulation and metabolic waste) and 'Eohyeol' (瘀血, blood stasis or stagnant blood). Instead of simply restricting calories, we aim to flip the 'metabolic switch' to ensure your body utilizes energy efficiently. There are, however, potential drawbacks. Using potent herbal ingredients that do not match your constitution can lead to side effects such as heart palpitations or insomnia. In particular, those with 'Bi-heo' (脾虛, deficiency of the Spleen system) may experience a sharp drop in energy and struggle with daily activities if they reduce their food intake too drastically. Ultimately, I recommend finding your body's 'baseline.' For some, appetite suppression is the immediate priority, while for others, reducing edema (swelling) is the first step. The most efficient path to weight loss is to accurately diagnose your current physiological state and construct a prescription accordingly. Please feel free to visit the clinic so we can design a plan together.