Q. I've started a herbal weight loss program. How intense and how frequent should my exercise be?

Many people start with too much enthusiasm and overwork their bodies, leading to severe exhaustion and dizziness. It is important to understand that the core objective of TKM weight loss herbal medicine is to optimize 'metabolic efficiency,' not to physically exhaust the body. From a Traditional Korean Medicine perspective, the body is prone to 'Spleen Deficiency' (脾虛, Bi-heo) during dieting. When the spleen's function is weakened, your digestive and absorptive capacities drop, leading to a lack of vital energy (Qi). Excessive exercise in this state can cause muscle loss and a decrease in your basal metabolic rate, creating a counterproductive effect. Furthermore, patients with significant 'Phlegm-Fluid' (痰飮, Dam-eum—stagnant waste products) or 'Blood Stasis' (瘀血, Eo-hyeol—stagnant blood) are more susceptible to joint and muscle strain if they increase exercise intensity too abruptly. Initially, it is best to focus on light walking or stretching to facilitate the circulation of Qi and Blood. Aim for a level of exertion that produces a 'pleasant sweat.' If you experience extreme fatigue after working out, it is a signal from your body to stop. Since your condition varies daily, the wisest approach is to adjust your activity based on your daily energy levels rather than sticking to a rigid schedule. For a personalized exercise prescription, please visit the clinic so we can assess your current energy levels together.