Q. I live in Cheongju. How does the process work for getting a non-face-to-face prescription of diet herbal medicine?

Yes, non-face-to-face consultations are fully possible even from Cheongju. I initially wondered if a diagnosis could be made just by seeing a face, but surprisingly a lot can be assessed through the questionnaire and video. The process starts with the initial stage (1–3 days): after booking via app or phone, you receive a detailed questionnaire covering your usual diet, digestion, bowel movements, sleep, menstruation (for women), and past diet experiences. This accounts for about 70% of the diagnosis, so it's essential even if it feels tedious. Next is the video consultation (about 20–30 minutes): I examine your tongue (舌診), voice tone, facial color, and signs of swelling to assess conditions such as 'spleen deficiency' (脾虛, where weak spleen function causes fluid retention and difficulty losing weight) or 'blood stasis' (瘀血, where poor blood circulation leads to stubborn fatty deposits). I explain these in a relatable way so you understand the root issue. Your preferences and any past side effects are directly incorporated into the prescription. Then comes the prescription and dosing phase (1–4 weeks): after diagnosis, a customized herbal decoction is prepared at our contracted pharmacy and delivered to Cheongju within 1–2 days. You take it twice a day, 30 minutes after meals. The first week is an adjustment period — you may experience slightly loose stools, which is a sign the medicine is cleansing the body. From the second week, many patients feel lighter and notice reduced puffiness. Rather than rapid weight loss, the goal is normalizing qi and blood circulation (氣血循環), so the body changes first. Importantly, even remotely, I check progress via video or messages every 1–2 weeks. Honest reports like 'I can't stop late-night snacking' or 'I binged from stress' become clues to adjust the formula. I once had a remote patient who almost gave up because she felt 'lost on her own,' so I strengthened phone coaching. So please see this as a collaborative process, not just sending medicine.