Q. I'm curious about how to get a non-face-to-face diet prescription from a Korean medicine clinic.

The non-face-to-face Korean medicine diet prescription process is simpler than you might think. I initially wondered, 'How can you prescribe without feeling the pulse?' but after doing it, I found that a thorough history alone provides substantial information. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown: 1. Inquiry and Questionnaire: Apply for a 'non-face-to-face diet consultation' via our website or phone, and we’ll send you a brief questionnaire. We ask detailed questions about height, weight, usual eating habits, digestion, constipation, sleep, and stress. In TKM, identifying causes like spleen deficiency (biheo: weakened spleen function) or phlegm-fluid (dameum: unnecessary residues in the body) is crucial, so we also check details like post-meal bloating or appetite. 2. Video Consultation (Remote Treatment): We talk for about 15–20 minutes via video. Based on the questionnaire, I further assess your constitution and symptoms. For example, I ask about weight gain patterns while looking for factors like blood stasis (eohyeol: poor blood circulation) or qi stagnation (giche: blocked qi flow). Although I cannot feel your pulse, sending a tongue photo (seoljin) greatly helps. 3. Personalized Herbal Prescription and Shipping: Depending on the consultation, I decide on the form of herbal medicine—decoctions, pills, or powders—and prescribe accordingly. Please note that herbal medicine is not covered by insurance. The prescription is individualized, prepared at the pharmacy, and shipped to you. 4. Management During Intake: About 1–2 weeks after starting, I do a mid-term check via text or call. You may experience reactions like bloating or loose stools, which I can adjust. Korean medicine diet focuses on balancing the body’s metabolism rather than rapid weight loss, so a slow, comfortable pace is key. 5. Progress Check and Re-prescription: Typically, I check progress every 2–4 weeks and adjust or maintain the prescription as needed. Although remote, consistent communication and management lead to high satisfaction. I understand the initial doubt—'Will it really work?'—but trusting the process can be worthwhile.