Q. I'm curious about what I need to get a non-face-to-face diet herbal prescription in Gwangju.

Many people are considering non-face-to-face diet herbal prescriptions. I used to wonder if a tongue photo alone could provide a reliable diagnosis, but with systematic preparation, it is entirely possible. However, because remote consultations offer less information than in-person visits, patients need to send detailed materials. In Korean medicine, weight loss is not simply about cutting calories. Obesity is understood through patterns such as spleen deficiency (脾虛, where the spleen fails to properly process food), phlegm retention (痰飮, accumulation of metabolic waste), and blood stasis (瘀血, poor circulation). To identify these patterns remotely, the following information is essential: ✓ Health questionnaire — include meal timing, binge-eating tendencies, preference for greasy foods, digestive symptoms (heartburn, bloating), coldness, sleep quality, and stress levels. Stool consistency, frequency, and color are particularly important for differentiating spleen deficiency from phlegm retention. ✓ Tongue photo — we assess color, coating, and shape. For example, a pale tongue suggests spleen deficiency, while a thick white coating indicates phlegm or dampness. Take the photo in natural light with the tongue slightly extended, and avoid food or coffee for at least 30 minutes beforehand. ✓ Current medications/supplements — if you have recently used Western weight-loss drugs like Wegovy or Saxenda, please report the specific drug, dosage, and any side effects. These may interact with herbal medicine and alter the treatment approach. ✓ Body measurements — weight and height are basic; measuring waist circumference is crucial because abdominal obesity is closely linked to phlegm retention and blood stasis. If available, body composition analysis results (e.g., InBody) are helpful. Based on this data, the Korean medicine doctor performs pattern identification (辨證) to prescribe a customized herbal formula. Even remotely, the herbs can be delivered to your home as decoctions or pills. However, please note that legal restrictions may apply to initial non-face-to-face consultations in some cases, so be sure to check with the clinic before scheduling.