A. Even if you are near Woonjeong, in-person visits are possible, but the non-face-to-face process works well. Day 1: Online consultation followed by a 15–20 minute phone or video consultation. Days 3–5: Herbal medicine arrives by courier, start taking it. Week 2: First follow-up via text or phone. Week 4: Decide whether to re-prescribe. Usually, you start with a 2-week supply, and the prescription varies depending on conditions like spleen deficiency (biheo) or dampness-phlegm (seodam).
📝 Detailed Answer
Even with non-face-to-face, the process is quite thorough. Initially, you apply via our website or phone, and we send you a questionnaire. You fill in details about your constitution, digestion, sleep, past diet history, and if you have used Western medications like Wegovy or Saxenda, include any side effects. I used to wonder if this would be sufficient, but patients actually find it convenient to fill out at their own pace and receive consultation. The consultation lasts about 15–20 minutes via phone or video. From a Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM) perspective, the most common reason for failed dieting is spleen deficiency (biheo) — weakened spleen function leading to slow metabolism and accumulation of dampness-phlegm (seodam). Therefore, herbal medicine is not simply about 'losing weight' but about tonifying the spleen and eliminating dampness. For example, for those with poor digestion and a heavy body, we use Bojungikgi-tang (補中益氣湯) series; if blood stasis (eoheol) due to stress is suspected, we use Hyeolbuchukeo-tang (血府逐瘀湯) series as a base, adjusted according to pattern discrimination. Once the prescription is ready, the pharmacy prepares the herbal medicine and sends it by courier. Usually, you receive it within 3–5 days after application, along with instructions on how to take it and precautions. After about 2 weeks, you should feel changes, and we do a mid-point check via text or phone, asking about comfort in the stomach and any changes, and adjust the prescription if needed. At week 4, we have another consultation to review overall progress and decide whether to continue for 2–3 months. Even with non-face-to-face, medical records and prescriptions are managed legally the same as in-person, so you can rest assured. However, one tip: consistency is important with herbal medicine. Some people stop after 2 weeks, doubting its effectiveness. I also did that, but you need at least a month to see constitutional changes. And of course, it is not just the medicine; gradually adjusting diet and lifestyle also helps. If you have more questions, we can discuss them in an in-person or non-face-to-face consultation.