📝 Detailed Answer
I also initially wondered, 'Can this really work?' since accurate diagnosis typically requires an in-person visit to the Korean medicine clinic to check the pulse and tongue. However, many working patients often say they travel frequently or lack time, so we introduced a non-face-to-face option. Advantages: First, no travel time allows consultations during lunch breaks or after work. Second, it's quite useful for follow-up patients who describe changes in their condition so we can adjust existing prescriptions. Third, it offers a low-barrier start for those curious about whether herbal medicine suits them. Disadvantages: Weight loss herbal medicine requires comprehensive assessment of patterns like spleen deficiency (脾虛, where weak spleen function leads to poor digestion and edema), phlegm-rheum (痰飮, accumulation of excess fluid and waste), and blood stasis (瘀血, poor blood circulation). Non-face-to-face consultations easily miss subtle signs such as skin color, tongue texture, or pulse tension. Therefore, first-time patients or those with recent drastic changes in health are advised to visit in person. Also, medical law imposes restrictions on non-face-to-face prescriptions; they are not possible in all cases. In conclusion, if a busy schedule prevents in-person visits and you have experience with similar herbal medicine in the past, non-face-to-face can be a good choice. Conversely, if you are new to Korean medicine or have multiple overlapping health issues, an in-person diagnosis is more accurate. The most realistic answer is that it depends on the situation.