Tag: acupuncture

How will I make your diagnosis

I will follow three steps when seeing you for the first time to establish a diagnosis according to the Chinese medicine principles: I will ask you questions, I will look at your tongue and I will listen to your pulses

Diagnosis by asking

The interview takes place during the phone consultation. It is a very important part of Chinese diagnosis to identify the prevailing patterns of disharmony (the imbalances within your body) and, ultimately, find the cause of the disease or condition you want me to help you with.

After asking you to describe your condition in as much details as you can, the interview is traditionally carried out on the basis of questions covering areas such as sleep, diet, lifestyle, pain, menstrual cycle for women, etc.

Looking at your tongue

Tongue diagnosis is also very important, especially in cases of chronic disease, as it helps to understand the underlying constitution of a person. The tongue body shape and colour especially are of great significance. A normal tongue is pale red, with a body shape neither too thick nor too thin, with a thin white coating and the veins underneath the tongue are not distended.

Taking your pulses

This is done on the radial artery of your wrist. By doing so, I am feeling the flow of your blood and trying to build an image of your energy and your body fluids. The pulse can feel strong, or weak, close to the skin or to the bone, rapid or slow, etc. etc and these are all signs to help with the diagnosis.

When listening to your pulses I will establish the Rate, Rhythm (no difference with western medicine there), Depth, Strength, Width and Chinese Qualities.

Putting it all together

The diagnosis is then made by putting together all the elements and signs discovered during these three steps. An initial diagnosis is always a working hypothesis that can be adjusted depending on the response to treatment. Every response to follow up sessions will add information to your diagnosis.

All of this information about you will help me decide on the best course of treatments for your specific condition. This is a very holistic approach to diagnosing a person to restore and maintain health.

Laurence

The letters following my name

I thought that some of you might want to understand what those letters mean and what is their significance to the practice of Traditional Acupuncture

BSc (Hons) stands for Bachelor of Science Honours, meaning that I studied a specific field for three years. This BSc (Hons) is validated by Kingston University in London, but the learning takes place at the College of Integrated Chinese Medicine in Reading. After my three years of academic and practical learning, I spent six months in the College’s clinic, treating patients while fully supervised. Finally, I was supervised at distance, treating my own patients in my own practice.

If you want to know more about the College, here is their link: www.acupuncturecollege.org.uk

Lic.Ac. stands for Licentiate in Acupuncture which is the certificate of competence allowing me to practise my profession; a proof that I have completed every step of my training.

MAAC stands for Member of the Association of Acupuncture Clinicians

This is the professional body that I decided to join when created in 2020 (I was previously with the British Acupuncture Council)

You can check this professional organisation at  www.aac-org.uk

MBAF stands for Member of the British Acupuncture Federation which is the umbrella organisation for the AAC. The BAF is the largest national group of independent acupuncture organisations in the UK. We are stronger together. www.britishacupuncturefederation.co.uk

Do you feel that you are in good hands? I hope so

Laurence

January 2023

Ten facts you should know about acupuncture

1 – Acupuncture has been practised for over 5000 years and is one of the oldest forms of medicine.

2 – Acupuncture is a holistic therapy in which the whole person is looked at, not just the illness or condition.

3 – It takes at least three and a half years to qualify as a traditional acupuncturist.

4 – Acupuncture is one the most commonly used Complementary and Alternative Medicine therapies in Europe.

5 – Acupuncture is not just for treating pain; it can help with many conditions, acute and chronic.

6 – Studies have shown that acupuncture points have significantly more electrical conductivity than areas of skin without acupuncture points.

7 – Acupuncture needles are as thin as a hair and are not hollow.

8 – Acupuncture needles are pre-packaged, sterilised and single use.

9 – Acupuncture is one of the safest medical treatments, both conventional and complementary, on offer in the UK.

10 – Acupuncture has virtually no unpleasant side-effects.

If you want to know more about how acupuncture can help you, I offer free 20 minute consultations over the phone or in my practice. Contact me on 07778570891 or email me at oxfordacupuncture@gmail.com and we will arrange a convenient time.