Q. I live in Seongbuk-gu; do I absolutely have to visit the clinic in person? Is it possible to get diet herbal medicine prescribed via a remote consultation?

I fully understand how daunting it can be to make time for a clinic visit amidst a hectic schedule; I've experienced that stress myself. Remote prescriptions offer unmatched convenience, allowing you to consult without time constraints or long waiting periods, regardless of your location. However, there are clinical trade-offs. The core of TKM diagnosis is 'Mang-Mun-Mun-Jeol' (望聞問切), which involves observing the patient, listening/smelling, questioning, and palpating the pulse. Through a screen, it is difficult to meticulously examine the complexion, tongue coating, or pulse. This makes it challenging to accurately distinguish whether your symptoms stem from Spleen Deficiency (脾虛, weakened digestive function) or an excess of Phlegm-Fluid (痰飮, accumulated waste impeding circulation). Furthermore, determining whether the edema or lethargy experienced during weight loss is a simple result of weight change or a circulatory disorder caused by Blood Stasis (瘀血) requires a physical examination for maximum accuracy. If you are seeking light weight management or maintaining a previous prescription, a remote consultation is efficient. However, if you have a history of yo-yo dieting or are experiencing general health imbalances, I recommend visiting the clinic at least once for a comprehensive diagnosis. Let's discuss the best approach tailored to your current situation.