📝 Detailed Answer
Even though it's non-face-to-face, the process is quite thorough. At first, I wondered, 'How can they prescribe without taking the pulse?' But the questionnaire reveals a lot.
1. **Consultation Appointment** – Book a 'non-face-to-face diet herbal medicine' consultation via the hospital website or phone. A simple symptom checklist is sent in advance.
2. **Questionnaire** – Check 30-40 items covering appetite, digestion, bowel movements, sleep, cold sensitivity, swelling, fatigue, etc. Please include your body constitution (cold/hot, dry/damp), current medications, and past dieting history.
3. **Pattern Identification & Prescription** – The doctor analyzes the questionnaire to identify patterns such as Spleen Deficiency (脾虛, poor metabolism due to weakened spleen function), Phlegm-Fluid (痰飮, excess moisture/waste accumulation), or Blood Stasis (瘀血, poor circulation). For example, 'gaining weight despite eating little' points to Spleen Deficiency; 'swelling with phlegm' suggests Phlegm-Fluid. A modified formula (加味方, adding herbs based on individual symptoms) is prepared. Since the pulse cannot be checked, the doctor asks even more detailed questions.
4. **Preparation & Delivery** – Once the prescription is confirmed, the herbs are made into extract or pill form and shipped with dosage instructions and precautions.
5. **During Medication** – Feel free to text or call if you experience unusual symptoms or have questions. Even complaints like 'this medicine smells terrible' are welcome.
6. **Follow-up** – After 2-4 weeks, a new questionnaire or brief phone call checks progress. Rather than focusing on weight change, we prioritize bodily responses (swelling, digestion, feeling of lightness) and adjust the prescription accordingly.
Even without face-to-face contact, the pattern identification mechanism remains the same. However, we do not make promises like 'you will lose XX kg in a month.' Think of it as helping your body regain its natural balance.