Q. I live in a small town without a Korean medicine clinic. Is it possible to get a non-face-to-face diet prescription?

The question of whether non-face-to-face prescription is possible is one I have received many times. If you live in an area without a Korean medicine clinic, you must be even more curious. First, let me mention the advantages: you save time and place, and regular consultation is possible without cumbersome travel. This is especially less burdensome for office workers or those raising children. Herbal medicine can be received by courier, and lifestyle habit correction or dietary advice can be sufficiently delivered via video. However, there are clear disadvantages. Korean medicine diet is not simply a 'reduce eating' approach; it first examines the body's energy circulation and digestive function. For example, if there is a spleen deficiency (biheo) state, spleen function must be strengthened; if there is much phlegm-fluid (dameum), removing phlegm is the priority. Such diagnoses become more accurate by directly feeling the pulse, palpating the abdomen, and examining the tongue. With non-face-to-face video only, detailed information such as color, touch sensation, and reaction to pressure may be missed. I have had cases where, after several non-face-to-face consultations, I thought, 'Ah, it would have been better to see this directly.' In conclusion, it depends on the patient's condition. If the goal is relatively mild weight control or lifestyle improvement, non-face-to-face can be sufficiently accessible. However, if you have experienced yo-yo dieting from previous attempts, or have accompanying symptoms such as digestive disorders or menstrual irregularities, it is recommended to receive an in-person consultation at least once. Factors like blood stasis (eoha) or phlegm-fluid (dameum) are more important to examine directly the longer they have persisted. A 'mixed approach' of receiving non-face-to-face consultation initially and then visiting a nearby city if needed is also a practical choice. I do not insist forcefully, but please consult with a medical professional who knows your body condition best.