Types of Treatments We Offer
Overview of Treatments || Acupuncture || Naturopathy || Herbal Medicine || Nutrition || Counselling
TCM Remedial Massage || Bowen therapy || Weight Loss Programs || Diagnostic Techniques
Thorough case taking is the most important diagnostic tool in natural medicine.
Most patients will know - consciously or subconsciously - what their problem is and what body systems are involved. A practitioner, by listening and asking appropriate questions, will be able to determine what body systems need support. Natural therapies focus on promoting health, rather than treating disease - and diagnosis aims to identify areas of weakness instead of specific diseases.
Health systems from all cultures contain elements that focus on treating illness, as well as promoting health. The exception to this is western medicine, which has shifted its emphasis to the treatment of disease only. Natural medicine is incredibly effective at treating specific conditions – alone, or in conjunction with allopathic medicine. However, what natural medicine does best is promote overall health, and allow the body to heal itself.
Treatment, from this point of view, involves strengthening body systems. This can vary from person to person, and there may be a number of different treatments for the same condition. For example, asthma that is exacerbated by exertion will be treated differently to asthma made worse by stress.
The following tests may be included in a consultation with your practitioner, but no one is used as a stand-alone diagnostic tool. Each provides a snapshot of specific indications, which are used to support diagnosis and inform treatment recommendations.
If there is one (or more) diagnostic test you are particularly interested in, please let us know at the time you book your appointment.
Blood pressure
This is a standard clinical measure of general wellbeing and cardiovascular health.
Pulse diagnosis and tongue examination
These are both valuable diagnostic tools, used in Chinese medicine to determine where a problem lies and the nature of said problem. For example, certain signs will indicate whether there is a hot or cold condition (requiring cooling or heating herbs), whether there is a problem of excess (e.g. due to over eating), or deficiency (e.g. due to poor sleep).
Iridology
This is the study of the iris (the coloured part of the eye). Different parts of the iris represent different parts of the body; examination can determine constitutional strengths and weakness. Unlike the tongue and pulse, the iris does not change quickly with changes in health.
Cell function / body composition test
This test accurately measures fat mass, muscle mass and fluid balance in the body. It can be a useful tool for weight loss, or when monitoring someone returning to health after severe illness. This also measures actual cellular integrity, which may indicate whether the body is aging faster than it should.
Live blood analysis
Here, a small sample of blood (taken from a finger prick) is viewed under a microscope. Red and white blood cells can be viewed and the quality of these assessed. Certain signs visible in the cells can indicate oxidative stress, digestive stress, inflammation, and anaemia. Live blood analysis does not take the place of conventional blood tests - conventional pathology is quantitative, whereas this test is qualitative.
Magnagraph
This measures capillary flexibility, which may indicate tension in the circulatory system or possibly hardening of the arteries. The test will also show irregular pulse patterns. It is often used in patients with diagnosed, or suspected, cardiovascular conditions. It is useful when monitoring a condition, and assessing whether a treatment is effective.
Conventional pathology tests
These may be ordered by your practitioner, if further information is required. For example: in order to determine the cause of anaemia, to check cholesterol levels, measure inflammatory markers, or compare hormone levels.
Comprehensive digestive stool analysis
This is a comprehensive examination of the stool (performed at a laboratory) which examines the presence of parasites, the pH of the stool, the balance of friendly to unfriendly bacteria and the by-products of digested carbohydrates, fats and protein (indicating digestive ability).
IgG food sensitivity test
This functional pathology test assesses the presence of allergy or sensitivity to over 90 different foods. It may be requested if your practitioner believes there is a strong link between a dietary sensitivity and your condition.
Hair mineral analysis
This laboratory test measures the mineral and heavy metal content of hair. It is particularly beneficial when heavy metal accumulation is suspected – a hair measurement is more indicative of actual body stores, whereas blood measurements show more recent exposure.
Other diagnostics
During the course of a consultation, your practitioner will take note of any sign or symptom that may relate to your health. That is because different parts of the body correspond to different conditions. For example:
- White spots on the fingernails may indicate zinc deficiency.
- A crease in the ear lobe is linked to poor heart function.
- A longer 2nd toe (i.e. longer than the big toe) indicates digestive weakness.
- Pulses in the ankles and feet signify poor circulation. As do puffy hands and fingers, swollen ankles, and cold extremities.
All body symptoms and signs represent something, the skill and art of the practitioner is being able to make sense of them all and devise an effective treatment plan.
The diagnostic tools described above will be used when appropriate, and may not apply in all cases or with all practitioners.