TCM Consultation / Teleconsultation

Dos:

1. Eat a light meal – This helps avoid discomfort during the consultation.
2. Wear loose, comfortable clothing – Allows for easier examination, especially if acupuncture or pulse-checking is involved.
3. Bring any previous medical reports – Relevant health records or test results provide a comprehensive view for accurate diagnosis.

Don’ts:

1. Avoid scraping your tongue coating – The physician assesses the tongue coating as part of the diagnosis, so it’s best to leave it untouched.
2. Avoid wearing heavy makeup – The physician observes your complexion as a health indicator, so a bare face is preferable.
3. Avoid caffeine and alcohol – These can affect pulse quality and may interfere with an accurate diagnosis.

• Systemic Approach: TCM views the body as an interconnected system, focusing on the balance of energy (Qi) and the harmony of Yin and Yang rather than isolated diseases.
• Patterns of Disharmony: TCM identifies patterns like Qi deficiency, blood stagnation, or damp-heat that underlie symptoms, focusing on the root cause rather than just the symptoms.
• Organ Relationships: Unlike Western medicine, which treats organs individually, TCM considers the relationships among organs based on theories like the Five Elements, understanding how one organ’s imbalance can affect another.
• External and Internal Influences: TCM assesses how factors like climate, diet, emotions, and lifestyle contribute to health, looking at how both external and internal influences disrupt balance.
• Holistic Treatment Goal: TCM aims to restore balance in the body’s systems rather than targeting a specific disease, using treatments to harmonise Qi, Yin-Yang, and organ systems for overall well-being.

• Generally Safe and Complementary: TCM is usually safe to use alongside Western medicine, as both approaches often address health from different angles—TCM focuses on balance and root causes, while Western medicine targets specific symptoms.
• Inform Practitioners: It’s essential to inform both your TCM physician and Western healthcare provider about all medications, herbs, and treatments you’re receiving. This helps prevent potential interactions, ensuring both therapies work harmoniously.
• Herb-Drug Interactions: Some Chinese herbs may interact with Western medications, affecting their potency or side effects. For instance, herbs that thin the blood could enhance the effects of anticoagulant drugs, so practitioner guidance is important.
• Supportive and Preventive: TCM can support Western treatments by addressing side effects (e.g., using acupuncture to reduce nausea during chemotherapy) and by improving overall resilience through methods like Qi-balancing or herbal tonics.
• Holistic and Targeted Care: Combining TCM with Western medicine can offer a more comprehensive approach to health, where Western medicine handles acute issues and TCM promotes long-term balance and preventive care for enhanced well-being.

• Varies by Health Goals: The frequency of TCM consultations is tailored to your health goals and the specifics of your treatment plan.
• Acute Conditions: For acute conditions or symptoms requiring intensive care, weekly sessions may be recommended to achieve quicker results.
• Chronic or Long-Term Health Support: For chronic issues or ongoing health maintenance, bi-weekly or monthly sessions may be sufficient, allowing gradual improvement over time.
• Maintenance and Prevention: For those focusing on preventive care or general wellness, as-needed or quarterly follow-ups can help maintain balance and prevent future health issues.
• Flexible Approach: The consultation schedule is adaptable and can be adjusted based on progress, seasonal changes, and personal needs to ensure the best outcomes.

• Standard Consultation Duration: Most TCM consultations last about 20 to 30 minutes, providing enough time for assessment and treatment adjustments.
• Treatment Inclusions: If acupuncture, cupping, or other treatments are part of the session, the consultation may extend slightly to accommodate these procedures.
• Follow-Up Sessions: Follow-ups are typically shorter, focusing on progress checks and treatment adjustments, and may take around 10-20 minutes depending on needs.
• Flexible Timing: The duration can be adjusted based on the complexity of the case, ensuring each session meets the client’s specific health goals.

• Chinese Herbal Medicine: A personalised mix of herbal remedies to address specific imbalances, promote healing, and support overall health.
• Acupuncture: Insertion of fine needles at specific acupoints to stimulate Qi flow, relieve pain, and restore energy balance.
• Cupping Therapy: Using suction cups to stimulate circulation, release muscle tension, and promote detoxification.
• Tuina (Therapeutic Massage): A therapeutic massage technique to relieve pain, enhance circulation, and restore musculoskeletal balance.
• Lifestyle and Dietary Guidance: Advice on diet, exercise, and stress management to support long-term health and prevent imbalances.
• Mind-Body Practices: May include breathing exercises, Qi Gong, or meditation techniques to harmonise mind and body, enhancing mental clarity and reducing stress.