Q. Can I receive a non-face-to-face (telemedicine) prescription for diet herbal medicine in Incheon? I'm curious about the process.

Many people worry, 'Can a diagnosis be accurate without an in-person visit?' I felt the same at first. However, for diet herbal medicine, the key factors are functional aspects like lifestyle, eating patterns, bowel movements, sleep, and stress—rather than complex pulse diagnosis (脈診). A detailed questionnaire and video consultation are sufficient to determine the treatment direction. Here is the specific process: **Step 1: Complete the Medical Questionnaire** On our website or app, select 'Obesity/Weight Management.' You will answer about 30 questions covering appetite, digestion, constipation/diarrhea, cold sensitivity, fatigue, etc. Be sure to include previous diet attempts (including medications like Wegovy or Saxenda) and any side effects. This helps identify conditions like Pi Xu (脾虛, Spleen Deficiency), where the spleen's function is weakened, making it hard to convert food into energy and easy to store as fat. **Step 2: Video Consultation with a Korean Medicine Doctor (10–15 minutes)** At the scheduled time, you have a 1:1 video call. The doctor may ask to see your tongue; the tongue coating (舌苔, she tai) reveals conditions like Tan Yin (痰飮, Phlegm-Fluid) or Shi Re (濕熱, Damp-Heat). For example, a swollen tongue with scalloped edges often indicates poor water metabolism mixed with Yu Xue (瘀血, Blood Stasis) and Tan Yin. This helps distinguish whether you have a 'constitution that resists weight loss' or a 'constitution that cannot control appetite,' guiding a tailored approach. **Step 3: Customized Herbal Prescription** Based on the consultation, a personalized herbal formula is prescribed. Most cases address metabolic decline due to Pi Xu or Qi and Blood circulation (氣血循環, Qi Xue Xun Huan) issues. For instance, if appetite is excessive, herbs like Yi Yi Ren (薏苡仁, Coix Seed) and Ze Xie (澤瀉, Alisma) are used to drain Dampness. If digestion is poor and bloated, Cang Zhu (蒼朮, Atractylodes) and Hou Po (厚朴, Magnolia Bark) are used to strengthen the Spleen. There is no single 'magic pill'; the formula adjusts monthly based on your condition. **Step 4: Preparation and Delivery** Once prescribed, a partner pharmacy prepares the decoction (as extract granules or ready-to-drink sachets) and delivers it safely the next day. Detailed instructions for use and storage are included. **Step 5: Follow-Up After 2 Weeks** The first two weeks are an adjustment period. You may experience temporary gas or more frequent bowel movements. Usually, a follow-up consultation is scheduled after 2–4 weeks to adjust dosage or add tonics. If you worry about rebound weight gain, we can reduce the medication and provide lifestyle tips. Even with telemedicine, consistent feedback is important. If your condition changes significantly, contact us via KakaoTalk. For Incheon residents, delivery arrives the next day, making it very convenient.