Q. Is it okay to take herbal medicine while practicing intermittent fasting?
Yes, it is possible. However, the timing and potency of your herbal prescription should be adjusted based on your individual digestive health and physical stamina.
📝 Detailed Answer
While structuring your diet through scheduled fasting can be effective, it does not suit everyone. Some people may experience severe lethargy or dizziness when fasting blindly.
In Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM), we caution against excessive fasting that may lead to Bi-heo (脾虛), a condition where digestive functions are weakened. When your vital energy drops, your metabolism may actually slow down, reducing the overall efficiency of the fast.
💡 Treatment Goals
The goal is to alleviate the hunger and fatigue associated with fasting and to resolve Dam-jeok (痰積)—the accumulation of metabolic waste—to normalize your metabolism.
- For severe hunger: We incorporate medicinal herbs that regulate appetite and supplement energy.
- For weak digestion: We provide prescriptions that support gastrointestinal function to prevent strain during your first meal after a fast.
- For depleted energy: Rather than strict fasting, we focus on replenishing Gi-hyeol (氣血) (Qi and Blood) to maintain a steady metabolic rate.
Ultimately, the key is harmonizing the 'timing' of your fast with the 'medicine' tailored to your body's needs. We recommend visiting the clinic to assess your current condition first.
Expert Verified
Dr. Yeonseung Choe
Chief Director