What to expect:
All appointments begin with a diagnosis. Preventing patterns of disharmony from occurring is the objective of Traditional Chinese Medicine. If illness does occur, it is treated through a unique system of diagnosis called the Four Examinations (Looking, Listening/Smelling, Asking, and Touching).
A brief description of each follows:
1. Looking Examination -
This examination involves the observation of all aspects of the person: complexion, demeanor, manner of walk, body shape, and skin anomalies. The Looking Examination frequently focuses on the tongue. Specific changes in the tongue's color, shape, and coating reflect specific changes in the health of the organs and body as a whole.
2. Listening/Smelling Examination -
This examination relates specific sounds and smells of an illness to a specific Pattern of Disharmony.
3. Asking Examination -
The patient is asked questions about sensations of hot and cold, level of thirst and bowel movements. The practitioner also asks detailed questions about diet, exercise, lifestyle, work habits and other queries. The answers help the doctor diagnose the patient.
4. Touching Examination -
Areas of discomfort or pain are felt by the doctor to determine the cause of the illness. The pulse is usually felt. In Chinese Medicine, the pulse is used as a diagnostic tool. There are different positions of the pulse that the doctor examines.
Each pulse position is related to an organ system. There are 27 different pulse qualities that supply information. An example of a pulse is a wiry pulse. A pulse with a wiry quality like a guitar string which may indicate the persons Qi energy is stagnant
The doctor and her assistants take the information from the Four Examinations and determine the underlying pattern of disharmony. We also use Western Medical diagnostic tools such as blood pressure analysis. The appropriate treatment is chosen at that time.