Q. Should I exercise while taking herbal diet medicine, or is taking the medicine alone enough?

Many people believe that weight loss requires immediate high-intensity workouts, but that is not always the most effective approach. From a Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM) perspective, weight gain is often not just about overeating, but about poor circulation caused by the accumulation of 'Dam-eum' (phlegm-fluid retention/metabolic waste) and 'Eo-hyeol' (blood stasis). Therefore, a step-by-step approach is more efficient: 1. Initial Stage: First, we use herbal medicine to improve 'Bi-heo' (spleen deficiency/weak digestive function) and boost your overall energy (Qi). During this phase, light walking to awaken the body is preferable to strenuous exercise. 2. Acceleration Stage: As your metabolism increases and your body feels lighter, you can incorporate strength training. Maintaining muscle mass is crucial to preventing the 'yo-yo effect' (weight regain). 3. Maintenance Stage: This is the process of finding a sustainable level of activity. Be cautious not to over-sweat, as excessive perspiration can deplete your Qi and lead to adverse effects. Ultimately, exercise should be a supportive tool, not a burdensome chore. The fastest route to success is identifying your current circulatory state and adjusting the intensity of your workouts accordingly. When you visit the clinic, I will help you determine the appropriate activity range tailored to your current condition.