Q. Why can I receive non-face-to-face diet prescriptions from a Seoul Korean Medicine clinic even if I live in northern Gyeonggi Province?

I initially worried that prescribing diet herbal medicine non-face-to-face might be ineffective, but after gaining experience, I found it sufficiently effective in appropriate situations. Legally, non-face-to-face treatments were temporarily permitted after COVID-19 and are now allowed for chronic disease management and follow-ups. Diet concerns are not merely about weight but involve chronic metabolic conditions involving Spleen Deficiency (脾虛, biheo), Phlegm-Rheum (痰飮, dameum), and Blood Stasis (瘀血, eohyeol). Once a diagnosis is established, progress can be monitored remotely. Key elements are inquiry and tongue diagnosis (photos). For obese patients, information on diet, digestion, sleep, and bowel movements can reveal Spleen Deficiency or Phlegm-Rheum. Although pulse diagnosis is absent, adjustments based on prior records are reliable. Benefits include saving time and transportation costs and facilitating consistent follow-ups. However, initial detailed diagnosis is challenging, and building trust may take longer. Therefore, our Baeknokdam Korean Medicine Clinic recommends an initial in-person visit before transitioning to non-face-to-face care. In conclusion, living in northern Gyeonggi does not hinder receiving non-face-to-face diet prescriptions from a Seoul clinic, but remember that the first visit must be in person.