Q. I'm a student and I want to lose weight. What methods do you recommend at a Korean medicine clinic?

Spending all day sitting and studying can often leave you feeling sluggish and heavy. Many students struggle with this, often relying on late-night snacks and facing the stress of long hours at a desk—a cycle that can easily lead to weight gain. The primary advantage of Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM) is its 'personalized' approach. Rather than simply reducing calories, we determine the root cause of weight gain. For instance, we distinguish whether it is due to 'Spleen Deficiency' (脾虛, bi-heo), where a weakened digestive system leads to low energy, or the accumulation of 'Phlegm-Fluid' (痰飮, dam-eum), which refers to the buildup of unnecessary fluids and metabolic waste in the body. By treating the specific pattern, we can increase your basal metabolic rate without compromising your concentration. However, there are considerations to keep in mind. Depending on the herbal ingredients, some patients may experience initial side effects such as heart palpitations or insomnia. Since these can be detrimental to a student's academic performance, it is essential to meticulously adjust the types and dosages of the herbs. Ultimately, the best approach depends on your current physical state, including your growth stage and digestive capacity. Extreme calorie restriction deprives the brain of essential energy, causing study efficiency to plummet. If you visit our clinic, we will thoroughly assess your overall condition to find the optimal weight loss method that does not strain your body.