Q. I live in Pyeongchon, but I'm so busy with work. Can I get a prescription for weight loss herbal medicine through a remote consultation?

I understand how difficult it is to visit a clinic regularly amidst a busy schedule, especially for those in Pyeongchon or further away. Currently, you can indeed receive a prescription for weight loss herbal medicine through a non-face-to-face consultation. The biggest advantage is convenience; it saves valuable time and lowers the psychological barrier to starting a diet. However, there are drawbacks. Without observing your complexion or performing pulse diagnosis (Maek-jin), it is more challenging to accurately identify internal pathological factors such as Phlegm-fluid (Dam-eum), which refers to accumulated metabolic waste, or Blood Stasis (Eo-hyeol), representing stagnant circulation. The essence of Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM) lies in reading subtle changes in a patient's condition, which is naturally more limited over the phone. Therefore, during remote consultations, I tend to ask very detailed questions regarding digestion and edema to determine if you have a Spleen Deficiency (Bi-heo) constitution, where a weak digestive system leads to easy weight gain. Ultimately, the most effective strategy is to visit the clinic initially for an accurate diagnosis and then utilize remote consultations for ongoing management and maintenance.