Q. I live near Konkuk University. Who would you recommend non-face-to-face prescriptions for weight loss herbal medicine to?

To be honest, before becoming a practitioner, I struggled with dieting myself—cycling through starvation and binge eating, which left me bloated and lightheaded. I truly empathize with that frustration. I recommend non-face-to-face prescriptions based on two primary categories: First, those needing 'appetite control.' This applies to those who experience severe 'false hunger' or stress-induced binge eating. In Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM), this is often viewed as an accumulation of Phlegm-Fluid (Dam-eum, 痰飮), where metabolic waste blocks the flow of energy. In such cases, prescriptions that boost metabolism and promote the excretion of waste are highly effective. Second, those experiencing 'low energy' (Qi deficiency). These are patients who feel completely drained when taking diet pills or those with a weak digestive system who feel exhausted after eating slightly less. This is viewed as Spleen Deficiency (Bi-heo, 脾虛), where the body fails to absorb and transport nutrients properly. For these individuals, rather than aggressive weight-loss agents, we prescribe tonifying herbal medicines that support energy levels while managing weight. Additionally, we must examine Blood Stasis (Eo-hyeol, 瘀血), where stagnant blood flow leads to chronic swelling. A 'strong' drug is not always the answer. You must first fill the gaps in your body's health to ensure weight loss without the yo-yo effect. I encourage you to determine your current state through a thorough non-face-to-face consultation.