Traditional Chinese Medicine can provide insight into the cause and nature of most conditions. Rather than focus purely on the symptoms of disease, TCM considers the problem holistically in the context of the whole body, to identify weakness and imbalances that may have contributed to the disorder. It aims to correct the root cause of the problem, as well as relieve the presenting symptoms.
At the initial consultation it is necessary to assess and understand the whole person along with the signs and symptoms of the problem itself. A full case-history will be taken using the traditional diagnostic skills: questioning, looking, listening, palpation, observing the tongue and feeling the pulse to establish a diagnosis.
In depth medical history - a thorough investigation of the current presenting condition and all the accompanying signs and symptoms, along with an assessment of the functioning of all the main bodily systems, quality of sleep, incidence of pain and restricted movement, mental well-being, stress and lifestyle factors and past medical and familial medical history.
Pulse diagnosis - an ancient art of feeling the quality of the radial pulse in three positions at three levels which indicates the vitality of qi and blood and highlights imbalances in the meridian organ systems.
Vascular Autonomic Signal (VAS) - physiological changes in the pulse to determine active auricular (ear) points, active body acupuncture points and blocked scars.
Tongue Diagnosis - the shape, colour and coating give information about the health of organs and systems and highlights pathogenic factors such as heat and damp.
Palpation - skilled assessment of tender meridians and acupuncture points along with muscle and joint issues and abdominal tension gives further information to assist diagnosis.
Autonomic Response Testing (ART)/biofeedback muscle testing - an advanced assessment tool for identifying incoherent qi in the meridian system and its flow through the corresponding organs, via subtle change in muscle strength. The autonomic nervous system responds directly to reveal structural, biochemical, nutritional, and energetic insufficiencies and imbalances, as well as identify infectious agents (viruses, bacteria, Lyme etc), toxicity (metals, glyphosate etc), and food/chemical sensitivities. These can be corrected with acupuncture, reflexology, emotional work, increasing hydration, herbs, nutrition, Bach flower remedies and lifestyle advice.
Blockages to healing - Old scars, chronic inflammation (tonsils), unidentified dental issues, dysfunction in intra-hemispheric communication of the brain (neurogenic switching), suppressed emotions/psychological trauma, functional point dysfunction. VAS pulse testing and/or ART (muscle testing) can prioritise the root cause of what is preventing a return to homeostasis and lead to dramatic healing.
