Blog & Columns
Useful information about health and Korean medicine.
Total 124 posts
Diet Without Exercise | Can You Really Lose Weight Without Exercise?
Is weight loss truly possible, even without exercise?<br><br>Recently, the market for obesity treatment drugs is experiencing significant innovation. While treatment previously focused mainly on appetite suppressants, it is now evolving into an approach that induces weight loss through <b>hormone regulation</b>. Notably, drugs like 'Wegovy' or 'Zepbound' provide various benefits such as <b>appetite suppression and increased satiety</b>, along with <b>improved insulin resistance</b>, thereby maximizing their weight loss effects.<br><br>The key to these drugs lies in our body's <b>'gastrointestinal hormones'</b>. Specifically, a hormone called <b>'GLP-1'</b> plays a crucial role in regulating appetite and inducing a feeling of fullness. Recently developed obesity treatment drugs help with weight loss by precisely mimicking or enhancing the action of this GLP-1.
Got Belly Fat After Frequent Work Dinners? Wondering How to Lose That Beer Gut?
<p>With frequent company dinners and drinking gatherings, an unavoidable reality, how should we manage the growing 'drinking belly'?</p> <p>Abdominal obesity, commonly called a 'drinking belly,' can be a cause of chronic diseases such as general obesity, high blood pressure, and diabetes. This means it is not merely an aesthetic problem but can also be a serious threat to health.</p> <p>Especially for women, visceral fat can rapidly increase as the secretion of the female hormone estrogen decreases after menopause. This is a phenomenon where fat that was accumulated as subcutaneous fat in areas such as the thighs or buttocks before menopause shifts to abdominal visceral fat. Therefore, women need more careful abdominal management before and after menopause.</p> <p>Abdominal obesity increases insulin resistance, raising the risk of developing diabetes, and also raises the risk of cardiovascular diseases such as high blood pressure and hyperlipidemia. Furthermore, it can lead to various health problems, including increasing the risk of fatty liver, sleep apnea, and certain cancers.</p> <p>To prevent these problems and maintain a healthy life, managing the 'drinking belly' is essential. Beyond simply drinking less, comprehensive lifestyle changes are needed, including diet management, regular exercise, and stress management.</p> <p>In the next post, we will explore specific methods for managing the 'drinking belly' in detail.</p>
Whole Body Swelling: Is There No Apparent Cause? | Incheon Swelling
안녕하세요 백록담한의원 최연승 한의사 입니다. Hello, I am Dr. Choi Yeon-seung from Baekrokdam Korean Medicine Clinic. 오늘은 생리전증후군에 대해 알아보겠습니다. Today, we will learn about Premenstrual Syndrome. 생리전증후군은 가임기 여성의 절반 이상이 경험하는 흔한 증상입니다. Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) is a common condition experienced by more than half of women of childbearing age. 생리가 시작되기 4~10일 전부터 다양한 신체적, 정신적 증상들이 나타나 불편감을 느끼는 것을 말합니다. It refers to the discomfort felt from various physical and mental symptoms that appear 4 to 10 days before menstruation begins. 정상적인 생리주기를 가지는 여성에서 배란기와 생리 사이에 나타납니다. It occurs in women with a normal menstrual cycle, between ovulation and menstruation. 생리가 시작되면 증상이 사라지는 것이 특징입니다. It is characterized by the symptoms disappearing once menstruation begins. <b><p>생리전증후군 증상</p></b> <b><p>Premenstrual Syndrome Symptoms</p></b> 생리전증후군의 증상은 매우 다양하게 나타납니다. The symptoms of Premenstrual Syndrome are highly varied. 크게 신체적 증상과 정신적 증상으로 나눌 수 있습니다. They can broadly be divided into physical symptoms and mental symptoms. <b><p>신체적 증상</p></b> <b><p>Physical Symptoms</p></b> 두통, 유방통, 부종, 변비, 설사, 소화불량, 피로감, 관절통 등 Headache, breast pain, edema, constipation, diarrhea, indigestion, fatigue, joint pain, etc. <b><p>정신적 증상</p></b> <b><p>Mental Symptoms</p></b> 우울감, 불안감, 초조함, 집중력 저하, 기억력 저하, 감정 기복, 불면증 등 Depressive mood, anxiety, irritability, poor concentration, poor memory, mood swings, insomnia, etc. 위에 말씀드린 증상 외에도 본인이 느끼는 다른 다양한 증상들이 나타날 수 있습니다. In addition to the symptoms mentioned above, other various symptoms that you personally experience may also appear. 불편감을 느끼는 모든 증상들을 총칭하여 생리전증후군이라고 할 수 있습니다. All symptoms that cause discomfort can collectively be referred to as Premenstrual Syndrome. <b><p>생리전증후군 진단 기준</p></b> <b><p>Premenstrual Syndrome Diagnostic Criteria</p></b> 다음과 같은 기준을 만족해야 생리전증후군으로 진단할 수 있습니다. To be diagnosed with Premenstrual Syndrome, the following criteria must be met. <br> 1. 지난 1년간 대부분의 생리 주기에서 생리 5일 전부터 1개 이상의 신체적, 정신적 증상(총 5가지 이상)이 나타나고 생리가 시작된 지 4일 이내에 증상이 없어지거나 호전되고, 생리 후 최소 일주일 동안은 증상이 나타나지 않아야 합니다. 1. Over the past year, in most menstrual cycles, one or more physical and mental symptoms (a total of 5 or more types) must appear starting 5 days before menstruation; these symptoms must disappear or improve within 4 days of menstruation starting; and no symptoms should appear for at least one week after menstruation. <br> 2. 사회생활이나 일상생활에 지장을 줄 만큼 심한 증상이 나타나야 합니다. 2. Severe symptoms must be present to the extent that they interfere with social or daily life. <br> 3. 약물, 알코올, 질병 등 다른 원인에 의한 증상이 아니어야 합니다. 3. The symptoms must not be caused by other factors such as drugs, alcohol, or other diseases. <img src="https://baekrokdam.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/%EC%83%9D%EB%A6%AC%EC%A0%84%EC%A6%9D%ED%9B%84%EA%B5%B01-1024x1024.jpg" alt="생리전증후군 진단"> 오늘은 생리전증후군의 증상과 진단 기준에 대해 알아보았습니다. Today, we learned about the symptoms and diagnostic criteria of Premenstrual Syndrome. 다음 포스팅에서는 생리전증후군의 원인과 치료법에 대해 알아보겠습니다. In the next post, we will learn about the causes and treatments for Premenstrual Syndrome. 읽어주셔서 감사합니다. Thank you for reading.
I feel hot, but I'm not sweating. It feels like I'm burning up inside | Empty Heat, Full Heat, Upper Heat Lower Cold Syndrome
Deficiency heat, excess heat, heat above cold below syndrome...
Why You Have Watery Stools: Causes of Watery Diarrhea
<p>Hello, I am Dr. Choi Yeon-seung from Baengnokdam Korean Medicine Clinic.</p> <p>In the previous post, I summarized what <b>narcolepsy</b> is, its causes, and its main symptoms.</p> <p>In this post, we will delve deeper into daytime sleep attacks and cataplexy, which severely disrupt the daily lives of narcolepsy patients.</p> <p>Daytime sleep attacks are one of the most challenging symptoms for narcolepsy patients.</p> <p>Along with intense drowsiness, they suddenly fall asleep. Patients typically experience sleep attacks in active situations, such as during meetings or while driving.</p> <p>These sleep attacks occur irrespective of the patient's will, and even after a short nap, they don't feel refreshed and typically feel drowsy again.</p> <p>Such frequent sleep attacks severely impact a patient's academic and professional life, and also cause difficulties in interpersonal relationships.</p> <p>Next, let's learn about cataplexy.</p> <p>Cataplexy is a symptom experienced by about 70% of narcolepsy patients, referring to a sudden loss of muscle tone triggered by strong emotional stimuli.</p> <p>Strong emotions such as laughter, anger, or surprise are typically the triggering factors, causing the patient's muscles to weaken, leading to a slumping body or even collapse.</p> <p>During cataplexy, consciousness remains clear, but the body cannot be controlled, which can cause significant fear and anxiety for the patient.</p> <p>Today, we delved into daytime sleep attacks and cataplexy, which severely disrupt the daily lives of narcolepsy patients.</p> <p>In the next post, we will learn in detail about the diagnostic methods and treatment approaches for narcolepsy.</p> <p>Thank you.</p>
High Cortisol Levels: Causes and How to Lower Them?
Hello, I am Choi Yeon-seung, a doctor of Korean medicine at Baengnokdam Korean Medicine Clinic. <br><br> In this post, we will explore <b>foods good for cold hands and feet</b>. <br><br> <a href="https://blog.naver.com/puree98/223363327170" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">In the previous post</a>, we covered a general overview of cold hands and feet. <br> Cold hands and feet is a condition where your <b>hands and feet feel cold</b>, and it predominantly affects <b>women</b>. <br><br> Having cold hands and feet can go beyond simple discomfort, sometimes interfering with daily life, and it can also be a precursor to other conditions. <br><br> <img src="https://search.pstatic.net/common/?src=https%3A%2F%2Fldb-phinf.pstatic.net%2F20240315_245%2F171048680693510z2K_JPEG%2FKakaoTalk_20240315_165319401_02.jpg" class="se-image-resource _lazy-loading-target-image" width="700" height="700" alt="Cold Hands and Feet"> <br><br> Cold hands and feet is one of the conditions that can be alleviated through lifestyle improvements and diet management. <br> Regular consumption of foods beneficial for cold hands and feet can significantly help improve symptoms. <br><br> Now, let's take a closer look at <b>foods that are good for cold hands and feet</b>. <br><br> --- <br><br> <h3><b style="">1. Warming Foods (Ginger, Cinnamon, Ginseng, etc.)</b></h3> <br> Cold hands and feet often occur due to poor overall blood circulation in the body. <br> Therefore, it's important to consume foods that warm the body and aid blood circulation. <br><br> <b>Ginger</b> has warming properties, making it effective in promoting blood circulation and raising body temperature. <br> Ginger tea, in particular, is very beneficial for relieving cold hands and feet. <br><br> <b>Cinnamon</b> has the effect of warming the body and improving blood circulation. <br> Consuming cinnamon tea or adding cinnamon powder to food is also a good method. <br><br> <b>Ginseng</b> is a representative medicinal herb that replenishes vitality and facilitates smooth blood circulation. <br> Regular consumption through ginseng tea or ginseng dishes can help improve cold hands and feet. <br><br> <h3><b style="">2. Foods Rich in Vitamin E (Nuts, Seeds, Avocado, etc.)</b></h3> <br> Vitamin E helps improve blood circulation and dilates peripheral blood vessels, thereby facilitating blood supply to the hands and feet. <br><br> <b>Nuts</b> (almonds, walnuts, etc.) and <b>seeds</b> (sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, etc.) are rich in Vitamin E, making them beneficial for alleviating cold hands and feet. <br> It's good to consume them regularly as snacks or add them to salads. <br><br> <b>Avocado</b> is also rich in Vitamin E and contains abundant unsaturated fatty acids, which help improve blood circulation. <br><br> <h3><b style="">3. Foods Rich in Iron and Vitamin C (Spinach, Red Meat, Tangerines, etc.)</b></h3> <br> Iron is an important component of blood, and a deficiency can lead to anemia, which can worsen cold hands and feet. <br> Vitamin C plays a role in aiding iron absorption. <br><br> <b>Green leafy vegetables</b> such as <b>spinach</b> are rich in iron and can also provide Vitamin C, making them beneficial. <br><br> <b>Red meat</b> (beef, pork, etc.) is rich in iron, effective in preventing anemia, and helps alleviate cold hands and feet. <br><br> <b>Citrus fruits</b> like <b>tangerines and oranges</b> are rich in Vitamin C, which aids iron absorption. <br><br> <h3><b style="">4. Warming Teas (Ginger Tea, Cinnamon Tea, Chrysanthemum Tea, etc.)</b></h3> <br> Warming teas are effective in warming the body and aiding blood circulation. <br><br> In addition to the aforementioned <b>ginger tea</b> and <b>cinnamon tea</b>, <br> <b>Chrysanthemum tea</b> has the effect of warming the body and relieving tension, which helps alleviate cold hands and feet. <br> It is particularly good for cold hands and feet caused by stress. <br><br> --- <br><br> It's easy to think of cold hands and feet as merely an uncomfortable symptom, but it can lower one's quality of life and even be a sign of other underlying conditions. <br> Therefore, consistent management is important, and we recommend maintaining a healthy diet by referring to the foods introduced today. <br><br> The effects may vary depending on individual constitution and health status, so if your symptoms are severe or you have any questions, it's advisable to consult with an expert. <br><br> Choi Yeon-seung, a doctor of Korean medicine at Baengnokdam Korean Medicine Clinic, provides <b>accurate diagnosis</b> and <b>customized treatment</b> for those suffering from <b>cold hands and feet</b>. <br> Please feel free to contact us anytime. <br><br> Thank you.
When Your Eyes Are Dry | Incheon Dry Eyes
Dry Eyes Invisible grains of sand are rolling around in my eyes. It feels like invisible grains of sand are rolling around in my eyes....
When You Need Treatment for Bulimia and Anorexia | Incheon Eating Disorders
Hello, this is Baekrokdam Korean Medicine Clinic. As the weather gets colder, immunity tends to drop, and there's a surge in common cold and flu patients. The flu, in particular, can lead to pneumonia in severe cases, requiring special attention. Today, we will delve into the symptoms and prevention methods of the flu, as well as how Baekrokdam Korean Medicine Clinic treats the flu. <b>What is the Flu?</b><br> The flu is an acute respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus. Unlike the common cold, it is characterized by severe systemic symptoms such as sudden high fever, chills, muscle aches, and headaches. <b>Symptoms of the Flu</b><br> The main symptoms of the flu are as follows: <ul> <li>High fever of 38 degrees Celsius or higher</li> <li>Chills and body aches</li> <li>Headaches, muscle aches, joint pain</li> <li>Respiratory symptoms such as sore throat, cough, and runny nose</li> <li>Fatigue, lethargy</li> </ul> It is particularly dangerous for children, the elderly, and those with chronic diseases, as it can lead to complications such as pneumonia. <b>Flu Prevention Methods</b><br> Prevention is crucial for the flu. Please follow these prevention guidelines: <ul> <li>Hand washing: Wash hands with soap under running water for at least 30 seconds after going out, before and after meals, etc.</li> <li>Mask wearing: Wear a mask in crowded places or when using public transportation.</li> <li>Cough etiquette: Cover your mouth and nose with your sleeve when coughing or sneezing.</li> <li>Adequate rest and sleep: Get enough rest and sleep to boost immunity.</li> <li>Balanced diet: Boost immunity by consuming foods rich in vitamins and minerals.</li> <li>Flu vaccination: Get a flu shot every year.</li> </ul> <b>Flu Treatment at Baekrokdam Korean Medicine Clinic</b><br> At Baekrokdam Korean Medicine Clinic, we provide the following traditional Korean medicine treatments for the flu: <ul> <li><b>Herbal Medicine Prescription:</b> We prescribe herbal medicines tailored to an individual's constitution and symptoms, which boost immunity, alleviate inflammation, and have antipyretic and analgesic effects.</li> <li><b>Acupuncture:</b> Needles are inserted into acupoints to promote the circulation of Qi and blood, strengthen immunity, and relieve pain.</li> <li><b>Moxibustion:</b> Moxa is used to warm the body and promote blood circulation, which helps boost immunity and improve symptoms.</li> <li><b>Cupping Therapy:</b> Cupping helps discharge waste products from the body and improves blood circulation, which is effective in relieving muscle aches caused by the flu.</li> </ul> Early treatment is important for the flu. If you experience suspected flu symptoms, please visit Baekrokdam Korean Medicine Clinic for a consultation. Our Baekrokdam Korean Medicine Clinic will always do its best for your health. Thank you.
Improving My Thin Build, I Want to Gain Weight Too | Incheon Weight Gain Herbal Medicine
“Gain some weight!” While this might sound like the most enviable worry in the world, for those actually experiencing it, it's an undeniable source of stress. A body type that doesn't gain weight, no matter how much they eat. They have low stamina, clothes don't fit well, and they're often misunderstood as being 'sensitive' or 'lacking energy.'...
The Blind Spot of Zero-Calorie Foods: Why Sweetness Leads to Weight Gain
Zero-calorie sweeteners may show 0kcal on the label, but your body responds to metabolic signals, not numbers. Understanding the cephalic insulin response and gut microbiome disruption reveals why artificial sweetness can actually promote fat storage.
Loss of Appetite in Older Adults: It's Not Just Aging
Hello. This is <b>Baengnokdam Korean Medicine Clinic</b>. At Baengnokdam Korean Medicine Clinic, located in Seogwipo City, Jeju, a <b>specialist in Korean Rehabilitation Medicine</b> strives to help patients recover from pain and restore their health, based on accurate and meticulous care. We offer various Korean medicine treatments, including <b>herbal medicine</b>, <b>acupuncture</b>, <b>moxibustion</b>, <b>cupping</b>, and <b>Chuna manipulation</b>, tailored to each patient's individual characteristics and symptoms. These treatments address a wide range of conditions such as <b>pain</b>, <b>chronic pain</b>, <b>internal medicine diseases</b>, <b>surgical diseases</b>, <b>gynecological diseases</b>, <b>pediatric diseases</b>, <b>orthopedic diseases</b>, <b>neurological diseases</b>, <b>skin diseases</b>, <b>mental health diseases</b>, <b>rehabilitation treatment</b>, and <b>post-traffic accident sequelae</b>. Our clinic's main treatment areas are as follows: <br> <b>✔️ Pain Conditions</b> Lower back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, knee pain, joint pain, frozen shoulder, tennis elbow, golfer's elbow, carpal tunnel syndrome, plantar fasciitis, etc. <br> <b>✔️ Rehabilitation Treatment</b> Post-traffic accident sequelae, post-surgical rehabilitation, sports injury rehabilitation, post-stroke rehabilitation, etc. <br> <b>✔️ Internal Medicine Diseases</b> Digestive diseases, respiratory diseases, circulatory diseases, chronic fatigue, headaches, dizziness, insomnia, obesity, etc. <br> <b>✔️ Gynecological Diseases</b> Menstrual pain, irregular menstruation, menopausal syndrome, postpartum care, post-miscarriage care, etc. <br> <b>✔️ Pediatric Diseases</b> Growth delay, poor appetite, rhinitis, atopic dermatitis, night crying (infantile colic), herbal tonics for weak children, etc. <br> <b>✔️ Other Conditions</b> Skin diseases, mental health diseases, neurological diseases, etc. At <b>Baengnokdam Korean Medicine Clinic</b>, we prioritize our patients' healthy lives and strive to provide the best medical services through <b>detailed diagnosis</b> and <b>customized treatment</b>. If you have any questions or require a consultation, please feel free to contact us anytime. We will provide kind and dedicated assistance. Thank you.
Hyperhidrosis and Cranial Hyperhidrosis: Causes and Treatment
Today, I'd like to talk about hyperhidrosis. Hyperhidrosis is a condition characterized by excessive sweating. It can be broadly categorized into localized hyperhidrosis, where sweating occurs only in specific areas of the body, and generalized hyperhidrosis, which involves sweating throughout the entire body. Localized hyperhidrosis refers to sweating that occurs only in specific areas...