Each acupuncture journey begins with a fluid, in-depth conversation as a means of data-gathering. Every symptom is recorded, however disparate they may seem, each adding a brush stroke to the diagnostic landscape until the painting — or person — can be seen as a unified whole.
Pulse reading, tongue inspection, abdominal palpation, and the gentle observation of how we carry our bodies, all form essential components in the art of the Chinese Medicine diagnosis. Only upon evaluation the total sum of these parts, can patterns pertaining to one’s internal balance of yin and yang, qi, internal fluids, internal or external pathogens, and the Five Elements [ wu xing ] be determined, to provide a clear picture of the pattern of imbalance.
A treatment principle, protocol and selected modalities are jointly arrived at, and a treatment programme is proposed as a means to restore a state of inner and outer balance. Every subsequent visit requires a new albeit shorter consultation, to identify any changes, and chart progress. Joanna takes her cue from the patient, as to how much to impart regarding the theoretical basis of treatment. Some feel empowered by knowing, others prefer to surrender to the unknown.