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Author: Dr. Shin Jeong Won, Tong-In Clinic
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Editor : Sia
Hello! I'm Shin Jeong Won, doctor at Tong-in Korean Medicine Clinic.😊
When treating international patients, I've noticed that one of the areas with the highest satisfaction is 'weight loss'.
Nowadays, many people want to lose weight safely and healthily using natural, gentle ingredients.
Today, I'd like to address some common questions that foreign patients often ask about our Korean medicine approach to weight loss.
🧪 Today's Topics
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💬 How does weight loss work with Korean medicine?
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💬 How long does it take, and how much can I lose?
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💬 What does the medicine taste like?
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💬 Is it safe without side effects?
Let's dive into these questions!
💬 How does weight loss work with Korean medicine?
Our goal isn't just weight loss - it's overall health.
We aim to identify and address the underlying causes of weight gain, such as a slow metabolism or poor appetite control. For example, treatment would differ for someone with a low basal metabolic rate versus someone who overeats due to stress.
In the former case, we use medicines that boost the lowered metabolism. In contrast, in the latter, we use medications that calm the mind and help control appetite.
Weight loss is not seen as a goal in itself, but rather as a 'result' that naturally follows in the process of the body becoming healthier.
By diagnosing and treating the root causes of excess weight—such as body constitution, digestion, stress, sleep, hormone balance, and circulation—Korean medicine focuses on restoring the body's overall balance.
As a result, patients experience not only weight loss, but also noticeable improvements in their overall health. This holistic approach is what sets it apart.
📌 Korean medicine weight loss uses the following methods:
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Herbal Medicine Treatment
This is the core treatment for addressing the causes of excess weight, typically taken 2-3 times a day as prescribed by a Korean medicine doctor. It's normally prescribed every month, with body composition tests conducted each month to confirm weight loss objectively, and the dosage is adjusted through consultation with the doctor. -
Fat Dissolution Pharmacopuncture/Electroacupuncture
We use Liposa pharmacopuncture, which is injected under the skin in targeted areas like the abdomen or upper arms. We also use electroacupuncture, where needles are inserted into the abdominal area and stimulated with electricity to help break down fat. These are also effective for localized obesity, bloating, and circulation issues.
In other words, Korean medicine's approach to weight loss involves:
✔️ Identifying the cause through consultation, body composition check, and abdominal exam
✔️ Custom herbal medicine based on body type (e.g., Qi deficiency, phlegm-dampness, liver stagnation)
✔️ Pharmacopuncture or electroacupuncture for targeted areas, if needed
✔️ Diet and lifestyle coaching (See sample monthly coaching letter below!)
✔️ Focused on steady, sustainable weight loss
💬 How long does it take, and how much can I lose?
This varies depending on individual constitution, current health status, eating habits, and activity level. 😢
Typically, herbal medicine is taken in 4-week cycles, aiming for a healthy weight loss of 1-3kg (2.2-6.6 lbs) per month without significant side effects. Our bodies need time to adapt to the increased metabolism.
Rather than focusing solely on weight, it's more important to monitor:
✔️ Improved appetite control
✔️ Improvement in symptoms like edema, Constipation, rhinitis, fatigue, stress
✔️ Feeling of overall lightness in the body
💬 Isn't herbal medicine too bitter?
Customized liquid herbal medicine is characterized by its multi-target effects, combining various herbs. This can result in a somewhat bitter taste.
While Koreans are accustomed to this taste from childhood, it might be off-putting for international patients.
Don't worry! We also offer pill-form herbal medicine made from dried herbs.
These can be swallowed with water, avoiding the taste, and are easy to carry around.
📌 What's in the herbal medicine?
Ephedra(마황) is renowned for its weight loss properties in traditional Korean medicine.
There are misconceptions about its ephedrine content, but we don't use it uniformly for all patients. We adjust it safely based on the patient's weight and health condition, always using it below problematic dosages.
It's a misconception that only Ephedra is used. As mentioned, the primary advantage of herbal medicine lies in its ability to address overall health issues. We often use herbs like:
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Sek-ko(석고, Gypsum Fibrosum): Suppresses inflammatory cytokines and excessive gastric acid secretion.
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Ui-i-in(의이인, Coix Seed): Known to inhibit fat synthesis and promote fat breakdown in fat cells. Also improves beneficial gut bacteria and reduces edema.
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Ji-sil(지실, Poncirus Fruit): Reduces abdominal gas, stimulates intestinal movement, and helps with constipation.
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Hwang-gi (황기, Astragalus Root): Boosts energy and immunity. Often used for individuals who want to diet despite having low physical strength.
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Bok-lyeng (복령, Poria): Reduces swelling and regulates water metabolism.
Many other herbs are included depending on the body's condition. A key advantage is the absence of caffeine or chemical components.
💬 Are there any side effects? Is it safe?
This is the most critical question. Since herbal medicine is still 'medicine', if it doesn't match your constitution and symptoms, side effects like indigestion or insomnia can occur.
That's why, during the first consultation, we always carefully review your current medications, menstrual cycle, digestive function, allergies, and any underlying conditions.
However, as your metabolism increases and your appetite is suppressed, you might experience the following symptoms. These are often not serious side effects, but rather reactions to the metabolic boost from the medicine:
✅ Heart palpitations, increased sweating
✅ Constipation or diarrhea
✅ Thirst
These are normal reactions that typically disappear when you stop taking the medicine, so you don't need to worry excessively.
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As such, weight loss in Korean medicine should be viewed as a process for overall health, where the body becomes lighter, more precise, and more comfortable, rather than just reducing the number on the scale.
Korean medicine may be right for you if:
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Have an aversion to or experienced side effects from Western weight loss meds
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Have a weak stomach and tend to bloat or gain weight easily, even with small meals
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Binge eat due to stress or have late-night eating habits
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Want to improve other symptoms like cold hands/feet, fatigue, irregular periods, or constipation
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Prefer healthy, steady weight loss without yo-yo effect
I'll be back with more interesting stories next time.
Enjoy your summer vacation! 🙂
