Reviewed by최연승대표원장
Can I get a non-face-to-face herbal prescription for weight loss in Ilsan? I’m curious about the process.
Yes, it’s possible. The non-face-to-face process involves: ① completing a medical questionnaire, ② a video consultation, ③ prescription and delivery of herbal medicine, and ④ follow-up monitoring. Korean medicine first identifies root causes like spleen deficiency (biheo) or phlegm-fluid accumulation (dameum). The prescription is customized to your constitution and symptoms, available as a decoction or pills. See the detailed description below.
As more people consider non-face-to-face consultations, we have gradually organized the system. I was initially unsure whether consultations via screen would work, but in practice it has many advantages—patients can talk in a comfortable environment.
**Step 1 – Medical Questionnaire**
We first send an online questionnaire covering your usual body temperature, digestion, bowel movements, sleep patterns, stress levels, and past dieting history. In Korean medicine, it is important to identify root causes such as spleen deficiency (biheo, 脾虛, weak spleen function) or kidney deficiency (shinheo, 腎虛), so please include even minor habits.
**Step 2 – Video Consultation (15–20 minutes)**
Through a video platform, we observe your face, tongue, voice tone, and overall vitality. Although we cannot take your pulse directly, tongue diagnosis (seoljin, 舌診) allows us to gauge internal damp-heat (sipeol, 濕熱) or phlegm-fluid (dameum, 痰飮) levels. During this session, I explain the taste, dosage timing, and expected duration of the herbal medicine in detail, keeping the conversation collaborative rather than lengthy.
**Step 3 – Customized Prescription and Delivery**
Based on the consultation, we formulate the prescription. For example, if spleen deficiency is prominent, we modify formulas based on Bojungikki-tang (補中益氣湯); if phlegm-fluid is suspected, we start with Yijin-tang (二陳湯). All herbs are individually packaged per dose, and you can choose either a decoction (liquid) or pills. The prescription and instructions are sent by registered mail, and we notify you of the tracking number via text.
**Step 4 – Monitoring During Intake (every 2–4 weeks)**
About two weeks after starting, we check in via text or phone to assess any side effects (heartburn, constipation, headache) and changes in appetite or digestion, adjusting herbs as needed. Herbal medicine works gradually to change your constitution, so intermediate feedback is crucial.
**Step 5 – Re-prescription or Completion**
Typically, we consider 4–8 weeks as one cycle. Once you reach your goal or establish healthy habits, we naturally conclude. We do not push for prolonged use. The physician’s role is to help you gain self-control rather than create pressure to continue.
If any questions arise during the process, feel free to contact us via the consultation board or text. Having made some mistakes myself, I understand how frustrating it can be for patients, and I aim to provide clear support.