Q. I've heard that diet methods should change with the seasons. How does Traditional Korean Medicine approach this?

Many people mistakenly believe that 'eating less and exercising more' is a universal solution, but the body responds differently depending on the season. In Spring, we must awaken the metabolism that has been dormant throughout winter. Many patients suffer from Spleen Deficiency (Bi-heo), leading to poor digestion. Rather than forced fasting, we focus on enhancing digestive power to switch on the metabolic engine. Summer is characterized by excessive perspiration. When body fluids (Jin-yeok) are depleted, one may feel dizzy and lethargic. Using aggressive weight loss medication during this time can lead to exhaustion, so we prioritize replenishing moisture and regulating body temperature. Autumn brings dryness, which can disrupt fluid metabolism and lead to the accumulation of Phlegm-Fluid (Dam-eum)—sticky waste products in the body. The key here is to smooth these stagnant flows to facilitate detoxification. In Winter, blood circulation slows down, making the body prone to Blood Stasis (Eo-hyeol) and edema. We use warm-natured medicinal herbs to increase core body temperature and induce energy expenditure. Summary of Seasonal TKM Weight Management: | Category | Spring | Summer | Autumn | Winter | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Core Goal | Awakening Metabolism | Replenishing Fluids | Waste Discharge | Increasing Temp | | Key Focus | Enhancing Digestion | Preventing Dehydration | Relieving Dryness | Improving Circulation | | Physical Response | Lethargy, Appetite Change | Sweating, Fatigue | Dry Skin, Edema | Cold, Low Metabolism | | TKM Approach | Improving Spleen Deficiency (Bi-heo) | Supplementing Qi and Yin (Gi-eum) | Removing Phlegm-Fluid (Dam-eum) | Resolving Blood Stasis (Eo-hyeol) | | Recommended Direction | Gentle Start | Maintaining Energy | Promoting Circulation | Boosting Basal Metabolism | By aligning your weight loss journey with the natural rhythms of your body and the seasons, you can achieve a healthy and sustainable transformation without burnout.