FAQ
What a Chinese Medicine Examination and Consultation Involves
The first visit to a Chinese Medical practitioner includes a consultation and treatment that begins with a thorough medical history and interview to find fundamental clinical imbalances. Through careful history taking, physical examination, and laboratory testing I consider multiple factors:
- Effects of your Environment – These include the air you breathe and the water you drink, your diet, what you eat and its’ quality, your levels of physical activity and exercise, exposures to toxins and traumas you have experienced which affect your health.
- Mind-body elements – Psychological, spiritual, and social factors all can have a profound influence on your health beyond your physical symptoms.
- Genetic makeup – Current research shows that your genes are influenced by everything in your environment, as well as your experiences, attitudes, and beliefs.
DNA is is alive and changing. Because you can change your environment, your beliefs and attitudes, it is possible to change the way your genes are activated and expressed.
All lab results, Western medical findings, and existing diagnosis will be reviewed and considered as well. You will be examined according to Chinese medicine’s diagnostic tools of the appearance of the face and body, the shape and color of your tongue, the quality of the pulses and palpation of specific areas such as the abdomen and face which tell me the state of your overall health. An initial Chinese medical diagnosis will be made.
A clear explanation of the Chinese medical diagnosis and principles will be given to you. As I listen to you, I get a clear understanding of who you are, the underlying causes of imbalances as well as your symptoms before the treatment begins.
A unique treatment plan will be suggested which may include all or some of the modalities of Chinese medicine, acupuncture, functional medicine, and integrative therapies along with other modalities that you may currently be using. As part of a comprehensive integrated treatment plan I will make recommendations for you and offer choices that may benefit you. Some choices include, massage, nutritional counseling, meditative and other self-care practices to develop you mind and body’s healing abilities and optimize your wellbeing.
The number of treatments depends on the type of illness, and or imbalance you have such as acute or chronic issues. The complexity and the time you have experienced the condition, your state of health, and your response to treatment also influence the healing process. Some symptoms will resolve in the first treatment while others will take longer.
I am happy to consult collaboratively with other providers to integrate your care at the most thorough level.
What To Expect From Treatment
You enter a light filled natural setting designed to facilitate your healing process. It has been created to be a healing environment in which you can feel free to relax and open to your own rhythms.
Clear explanations of what is being done and why it being done-from both Eastern and Western perspectives-will be given. Feel free ask questions about your diagnosis, treatment, and care. I will listen and respond.
Your understanding is an important part of your healing.
To prepare for treatment, please eat by an hour or two before treatment. It is a good idea to wear or bring comfortable, loose clothing.
Treatment with acupuncture needles will occur while lying in a quiet room with soothing sounds; it will range from 30 to 45 minutes. Frequently a sense of wellbeing and relaxation occurs during and after treatments. If possible take time to relax after your treatment.
Treatment brings changes that you will experience within your system. After treatment you can continue to build and develop the positive patterns in your every day life that you have begun experiencing through treatments.
As you begin actively participating in your health care, you are empowering yourself to practice health and wellbeing.
Safety is an important part of my healing practice. I provide a meticulously clean and organized environment, carefully chosen treatments and the highest standards of training and qualifications. I only use sterile, single-use, stainless steel needles. Herbs are selected and thoroughly researched so you can be confident they are the best GMP quality available.
