Q. How is constitution examination done at a Korean medicine clinic? Do they also set up a diet plan?

In an initial Korean medicine diet consultation, constitution examination is performed systematically. I always explain that 'constitution' refers to a person's unique pattern of body shape and function. Step 1 is the interview: we ask about usual meal times, preferred foods, hunger levels, and stress responses. I used to skip this part, but after some trial and error, I realized it is the foundational core of constitution diagnosis. Step 2 is observation (望診): we check facial color, degree of under-eye dark circles, and tongue color and shape. A thick tongue coating may indicate a dampness (濕)-rich constitution, while red tongue edges suggest accumulated heat. Step 3 is pulse diagnosis (脈診): by feeling the force, speed, and tension of the pulse at the wrist, we assess the flow of internal energy. Step 4 involves body shape observation and abdominal palpation (腹診): we examine the shoulder-waist-hip ratio and palpate specific abdominal areas for tension or resistance, while also conducting the traditional Korean Sasang constitution classification. Thus, constitution is not absolute; I often explain, 'You seem to have a Fire-deficiency type with some overlapping dampness.' Then we determine the obesity type—such as spleen deficiency (脾虛), blood stasis (瘀血), or phlegm-fluid (痰飮)—and establish a dietary therapy (食養) plan along with lifestyle correction guidelines.