Q. Doctor, in which cases would it be best for me to get a non-face-to-face prescription for diet herbal medicine?

I have personal experience with the pitfalls of extreme dieting—trying to force weight loss through starvation or potent stimulants, only to end up physically exhausted and dizzy. Because of this, I emphasize that diet herbal medicine is not simply about losing weight, but about restoring the body's internal balance. Non-face-to-face prescriptions are ideal for those who cannot find time due to work or for returning patients who have previously been treated at our clinic. If your current health status is stable and your primary goal is appetite suppression, we can provide precise adjustments remotely. Conversely, an in-person visit is essential for those with specific Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM) indications. This includes patients with severe Spleen Deficiency (脾虛, Bi-heo), where digestive power is significantly impaired, or those with an accumulation of Phlegm-Fluid (痰飮, Dam-eum) and Blood Stasis (瘀血, Eo-hyeol) that hinders circulation. In these cases, a physical examination and pulse diagnosis are necessary to ensure a safe and accurate prescription. Ultimately, the decision depends on how exhausted your body currently is. If your overall condition is good, feel free to start with the convenience of a remote prescription. However, if your body is sending you warning signs, the best course of action is to make time for a face-to-face consultation.