Patients want and expect a diagnostic report. Why?
-
- Reports give valuable information. They tell you what you need to know.
- All other medical practitioners give a report of findings.
- If the patient sees it in writing, then it’s TRUE.
I remember my days as a practitioner BEFORE AcuGraph. New patients would come into my office because they were fascinated with Acupuncture. After I was done with their TCM evaluation it was time to give them a diagnosis.
Liver Qi Stagnation
Spleen Qi Deficiency
Liver/Kidney Yang Deficiency
Phlegm Damp Obstructing the Channels
Lung Yin Deficiency
Etc.
They would look at me with that confused look and say, “What does that mean???”
I’d spend the next 15-20 minutes TRYING to explain TCM pattern diagnosis. Acupuncture terminology can be confusing. Sometimes it’s even confusing to me as a practitioner. You can imagine how confusing it can be for the patient.
AcuGraph makes diagnostic explanations really simple. Patients no longer look at me with their head tilted in confusion when I explain their diagnosis.
After graphing the patient, I send them home with a report of findings—which includes a general list of the types of symptoms that MAY occur because of imbalances showing in the graph analysis.
Patients love it–because it’s terminology they can relate to.
I love it–because it allows me to spend more time treating my patient instead of lecturing on TCM.
When we released AcuGraph 4, we changed the terminology in the graphing report. It was my job to write it up in a language that was easy to understand, yet informative. I loved this project!
Here are some examples of the meridian analysis information found in an AcuGraph Report of Findings in AcuGraph 4.
*****
HEART (Low)
The Heart Meridian regulates the heart, blood circulation, facial complexion, and mental/emotional functions.
Your Heart Meridian energy is deficient. Deficient energy in this meridian may be associated with the following symptoms:
- Anxiety, emotional disorders;
- Palpitations;
- Disorders of the tongue, throat, face, or complexion;
- Expressionless face;
- Inability to speak;
- Weakness, cramping, pain, swelling or stiffness of the arm, breast, chest or navel.
SPLEEN (High)
The Spleen Meridian works in conjunction with the Stomach Meridian to assimilate energy from food through digestion. The Spleen Meridian also affects the pancreas, blood formation, hormones, and saliva. It nourishes the lips and tongue and controls the muscles and the four limbs. Your Spleen Meridian energy is excessive. Excessive energy in this meridian may be associated with the following symptoms:- Bloating, gas, poor appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, colic, distention and pain in the abdomen;
- Chest congestion, phlegm;
- Difficult urination, thick vaginal discharge, menstrual disorders, genital disorders;
- Heaviness in the body, weakness of the muscles and limbs;
- Cramping, pain, swelling or stiffness of the inner leg, genitals, ribs or mid-back.
LIVER (High)
The Liver Meridian controls the blood volume and regulates menstruation, bile secretion and energy flow throughout the body. It nourishes tendons, ligaments and cartilage. It also contributes to the body’s resistance to pathogens. Your Liver Meridian energy is excessive. Excessive energy in this meridian may be associated with the following symptoms:- Menstrual disorders: heavy painful periods, menstrual clots, PMS, breast distention;
- Digestive disorders: belching, nausea, vomiting, abdominal distention, diarrhea, bitter taste, jaundice, inability to digest fats, and feeling of a lump in the throat;
- Tendon and ligament disorders: stiffness, rigidity and pain of the joints, tremors and convulsions, rib pain, dark purple nails;
- Eyes: red, burning, twitching, watery or painful;
- Seminal emissions, ejaculatory disorders, priapism, impotence, swollen testicles;
- Cramping, pain, swelling or stiffness of the foot, leg, genitalia, abdomen, ribs, chest, throat, eye, face, or head.
BLADDER (High)
The Bladder Meridian functions with the Kidney Meridian to regulate water metabolism and excretion. Your Bladder Meridian energy is excessive. Excessive energy in this meridian may be associated with the following symptoms:- Low back pain, inability to raise the arm at the shoulder, stiffness or pulled muscles in the shoulder, strained muscles in the clavicle, occipital headaches, knee disorders;
- Urinary or bowel disorders, hemorrhoids, rectal prolapse;
- Cramping, pain, swelling or stiffness of the eye, nose, head, face, neck, shoulder, back, buttock, sacrum, leg, or foot.
*****
What do you think? Would your patients love reading a diagnostic report they can understand? Mine do. It’s made all the difference in my practice…
AcuGraph changed how my patients look at me. Instead of looking at me with confusion, they now look at me with confidence–Confidence that I understand their needs and I can help them.
How about you? I’d love to hear feedback from practitioners who have incorporated AcuGraph into your practice. How do your patients look at you?
Have a great week!
Wondering if the AcuGraph will work for your practice? Take a look at this video.
……………. 
Kimberly Thompson, L.Ac.
