There is something I often hear in the clinic. “I slept, but my body feels heavy from the morning, and by the afternoon my eyes start closing.” Fatigue is not simply a problem caused by weak willpower. It may be a signal from the body, with sleep, digestion, stress, blood circulation, and decreased stamina all intertwined.
What to look at first when fatigue lasts a long time
When fatigue accumulates, concentration can drop, the mind may not feel clear, and people may complain of a mild headache or dizziness. At this time, rather than simply increasing coffee or supplements, you should also check meal timing, sleep quality, bowel movements, weight changes, and any medications you are taking. Because the cause may be related to thyroid disease, anemia, blood sugar regulation issues, depression or anxiety, or a sleep disorder, testing may be done together if needed.
Tonic treatment is medical care that looks at what is lacking
In Korean medicine, a tonic is not simply a medicine that raises energy unconditionally; it is a prescription that looks at which body functions have weakened and helps support balance. Even with the same fatigue, the approach differs for someone who has little appetite and slow digestion, someone who easily feels heat, and someone whose hands and feet are cold and who is very sensitive to cold. Therefore, we decide the direction of the prescription after checking not only age and physical strength, but also digestion, sleep, urination and bowel movements, and stress responses.
How should we look at Gongjindan and Gyeongokgo?
Gongjindan is a traditional prescription made into pills by kneading musk, deer antler, cornus fruit, angelica root, and other ingredients with honey. Its prescription and method of use have been passed down in medical texts from long ago, and related research continues today. Gyeongokgo is a prescription made by decocting ginseng, fresh rehmannia root, poria, honey, and other ingredients, and can be considered for those who feel thin and exhausted for a long time or feel that their recovery is reduced. However, neither prescription is used in the same way for all fatigue.
- If your digestion is weak, you need to check whether you feel bloated after taking it.
- If you have an existing condition such as high blood pressure or diabetes, or if you take anticoagulants, you must tell the medical team.
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if the patient is a child or an older adult, the dosage and duration should be determined more carefully.
- If you are taking herbal medicine and Western medications together, do not stop any medication on your own; please consult us about the interval between doses.
We recommend a consultation in these situations
If fatigue continues for several weeks or does not improve even with sufficient rest, we recommend checking your body’s signals. In particular, medical care is needed if it is accompanied by unexplained weight loss, fever, cold sweats, chest pain, shortness of breath, black stools, or severe dizziness. If you have sudden paralysis, slurred speech, or decreased consciousness, you should call 119 or go to the emergency room before visiting a Korean medicine clinic.
When I look at fatigue, I first ask “why has recovery become slow?” rather than “which tonic should I take?” If we separate what can be addressed with lifestyle management from what may need help from a prescription, we can create a recovery plan that places less strain on the body. The longer the fatigue has been present, the more important it is to care for it step by step according to your constitution and current condition, rather than rushing.