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

To be honest, I once experienced a period of great struggle after blindly fasting and over-exercising out of sheer willpower, which left me feeling dizzy and exhausted. Having gone through those 'trial-and-error' phases myself, I feel a deeper empathy for the struggles my patients face. I recommend non-face-to-face prescriptions for specific groups: first, office workers whose busy schedules make it difficult to visit during clinic hours; second, those who are hesitant and want to start lightly to see if herbal medicine is a good fit for them. However, in Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM), the causes of weight gain vary significantly by individual. Some may suffer from 'Dameum' (phlegm-fluid retention), where waste products accumulate in the body, while others may have 'Eohyeol' (blood stasis), where circulation is blocked. For those in a state of 'Bi-heo' (Spleen deficiency) with weak digestive functions, the selection of medicinal herbs must be even more cautious. Therefore, I recommend an in-person visit over a remote consultation if you have experienced severe yo-yo dieting after using Western diet drugs or if you have underlying conditions such as thyroid disease. A more precise prescription is possible when I can personally check your pulse and observe your physical constitution. Ultimately, the answer depends on 'how complex your current physical state is.' If your goal is simple weight management, a remote prescription is sufficient. However, if you need to restore the overall balance of your body, it is better to meet me in person for a detailed consultation.