Q. I'm using GLP-1 diet medication, but the nausea and vomiting are severe. Can this be managed with Traditional Korean Medicine?

Medications like Wegovy and Saxenda have become very popular recently. Because these drugs work by slowing down gastric emptying, many patients struggle with symptoms such as nausea and vomiting. In clinical practice, managing these specific side effects is often one of the most challenging aspects.

In Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM), this condition is viewed through the lenses of Dam-jeok (痰積, Phlegm Accumulation) or Bi-heo (脾虛, Spleen Deficiency). When abnormal waste accumulates and stagnates the flow of energy (Dam-jeok), or when the functional capacity of the Spleen is weakened (Bi-heo), the side effects of the medication are felt more intensely.

• Dam-jeok (痰積): A state where abnormal metabolic waste accumulates on the gastrointestinal walls, reducing motility.
• Bi-heo (脾虛): A state where the digestive system lacks basic energy, making it hypersensitive to drug reactions.
• Gi-che (氣滯, Qi Stagnation): A state where the flow of energy is blocked due to stress or drug reactions, leading to abdominal bloating.

However, since gastrointestinal sensitivity varies by individual, it is essential to first determine the dosage of your current medication and identify your constitutional predispositions. I recommend visiting the clinic for a pulse diagnosis to accurately assess your current digestive health.