Acupressure

Most people have heard of the field of acupuncture by now, but the scope of Chinese medicine practice encompasses so much more than needles.  Let’s explore this ancient therapy in modern day practice.

The practice of Chinese medicine starts with a diagnosis. The practitioner asks many questions to assess the patient’s health history; this includes asking about digestion, appetite, diet, sleep patterns, bowel movement urination, pain, reproductive health, lifestyle, and stress levels. The acupuncturist will also be noting voice pitch, hair luster, skin color and tone, as well as posture and mood of the patient as these give additional clues to the patient’s diagnosis.  Additionally, the tongue and pulse are assessed within the framework of Chinese medicine to provide significant information about the patient’s pattern of balance/imbalance.  After taking this history, a diagnosis and treatment plan is determined and the practitioner will include different interventions in that plan to move the patient toward better health and balance.  continue reading »