One common question we get in the clinic is ‘why are you checking my pulse.” Pulse and tongue diagnosis are two of the more important diagnostic tools in Chinese Medicine. Both methods have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. We talked about tongue diagnosis in a previous newsletter and now we want to shed some light on pulse diagnosis. The pulse diagnosis can give the acupuncture a better understanding of the deeper issues, not just the acute problems. Effective pulse diagnosis is an art, it must be mastered with time and experience.

The pulse is measured at three levels and three positions on each arm. This is why an acupuncturist uses three fingers to take a wrist pulse, as apposed to a two in modern medical practice. The positions on each wrist correspond to different organs and meridians in the body. In addition to position we take note of the pulse on each level meaning the pulse on a superficial level, where we press lightly against the wrist, to the deep level where we will press firmly against the wrist.  This also can speak to the overall health of the organs, meridian and the vital energy (qi) of Read More

I love it when I find a good article about the benefits of Traditional Chinese Medicine.  Working in the clinic I see everyday the people that are benefitting from acupuncture and herbs.  It is a wonderful way to approach many health issues.

This article is about herbs, specifically Huang Qin Wang and how it helps reduce the side effects of chemotherapy.

Wall Street Journal – Chinese herbs

Give us a call if you want to learn more about how herbs can help you.

Lori Read More

Someone came to see me in late January when he was beginning to feel the effects of the winter blues, or Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).  In years past he has suffered from SAD and he was determined to find some relief without prescription medication.  He had tried acupuncture in the past for an unrelated issue was pleased with his results. After finding some information online about acupuncture and SAD he contacted our clinic. At his first visit we talked about his condition as well as his overall health.  He considered himself a pretty healthy person. He was relatively active; he ate well and did not have trouble sleeping.  His energy was low, he often felt fatigued.  He related that to his SAD and perhaps his busy schedule.  He was juggling two demanding jobs as well as trying to sell his house. A few weekly treatments later he noticed considerable improvement in his depression and fatigue.   Along with acupuncture treatments we talked about ways he can help improve his condition.  He continued to improve and I saw him less frequently.  He was doing very well, until mid-march when he confessed his spring allergies were really bothering him.  He was suffering from Read More