Q. How exactly does acupuncture for weight loss work in Traditional Korean Medicine, and what does the treatment process involve?

Having experienced the struggle of extreme fasting myself, I know how debilitating it is to feel dizzy and lethargic. That is why at Baekrokdam, we focus on enabling metabolism to flow 'naturally' rather than forcing weight loss through deprivation. First, we diagnose your constitution and circulatory status to determine the accumulation of waste products. In TKM, this is referred to as 'Dameum' (phlegm-fluid), a state where impure fluids stagnate in the body, leading to heaviness and swelling. Next, we use acupuncture to stimulate the flow of Qi and Blood, awakening your overall metabolism. It is essential to clear 'Eohyeol' (blood stasis)—the metabolic debris in the bloodstream—to increase the efficiency of fat burning. Just as a road must be cleared for cars to move smoothly, your internal pathways must be open. For targeted areas of concern, we utilize pharmacopuncture (herbal acupuncture). This promotes the breakdown of localized fat while helping to maintain skin elasticity. Furthermore, if you have 'Bi-heo' (Spleen deficiency), you may gain weight easily even with a low caloric intake. We focus on strengthening the Spleen to help maintain your basal metabolic rate. Finally, once your body feels lighter thanks to the acupuncture treatments, we introduce gradual dietary adjustments and lifestyle corrections. Having gone through my own trial and error, I want to work with you on a sustainable path rather than an unrealistic plan. When you visit, I will design a customized sequence of treatments tailored specifically to your current physical condition.