The initial diagnosis will last up to approx two hours. It is a key part of the process as it helps to build up a comprehensive picture of you as a whole person. You will be asked about your main complaint, other complaints, your personal and family medical history, appetite, sleep etc. You will have plenty of opportunity to talk about any issues or concerns, which are important to you. You can be assured that everything that takes place in the treatment room is entirely confidential and non judgemental.
Talking is followed by a physical examination, which includes blood pressure and an assessment of your overall temperature distribution. Other diagnostic tests will be carried out to help give a full picture. These include looking at your tongue, a gentle pressing on various areas of your stomach as well as a check if certain acupuncture points are tender to the touch or not. These along with an Akabane test to check the flow of energy in the meridians (energy channels) will give an energetic picture of yourself.
Specific attention is paid to the pulses on each wrist. In terms of Chinese Medicine we all have six pulses on each wrist. These all help plan your treatment, which is unique to each individual.
Points to remember: -
