📝 Detailed Answer
As a practitioner, I have also experienced the frustration of watching my diet and exercise routines collapse due to a demanding work schedule. Understanding that feeling led me to offer remote prescriptions. I generally recommend this approach for two types of patients:
First, those stressed by uncontrollable appetite. In Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM), this is not viewed as a lack of willpower, but as 'Dameum' (痰飮)—a state where metabolic stagnation occurs due to the accumulation of waste and abnormal fluids in the body. In such cases, prescriptions designed to boost metabolism are highly effective.
Second, those who lack the energy to even start a diet. This is referred to as 'Bi-heo' (脾虛), or Spleen Deficiency. When the function of the Spleen is weak, digestive and absorptive capacities drop, leading to extreme lethargy even with slight fasting. These patients cannot simply starve; they need to regulate weight while tonifying their vital energy.
Conversely, I strongly recommend an in-person visit if you have sudden severe edema or circulatory blockages caused by 'Eohyeol' (瘀血)—stagnant or 'dead' blood. In these cases, combining a direct pulse diagnosis (Jinmaek) with acupuncture therapy provides much faster results.
In summary, remote prescriptions are an excellent choice for those seeking a balance between time efficiency and continuity of care. Let's determine together which category your body currently falls into.