The Telehealth Experience Blog Series: Herbal Consult

The way medicine is offered has shifted with the onset of the Coronavirus affecting our global world. A common question being asked by my patients is: how can someone continue getting

treatments if there is a lock-down?

TECHNOLOGY IS HERE TO STAY

Luckily, technology is available for us to connect and communicate with each other through the internet. Phones, computers or tablet devices are now mostly equipped with an easy download of an app to be able to reach out to those resources you were once using in-person.

This is the first in a series about the

different types of Telehealth sessions available to you through Dr. JazHands Acupuncture & Therapeutic Massage.

WHAT IS AN HERBAL CONSULT?

Practitioners who have studied Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) typically includes professional training in Chinese Herbal Therapy. Of course you could always go to a grocery store and pick up different supplements and herbs; or even order them online with research as to what is a trending herbal supplement that helps a symptom you have that you might google. However, consider that it may be more effective to be sure that you are supporting your body with what it actually needs, not just simply because someone suggested it on their blog or website.

The first thing, always, is to check out the credentials of the practitioner. Herbal Therapy is not always regulated (depending on state or country) and you want to be certain they have the proper training, experience and the appropriate expertise. Once you make an appointment, there should be paperwork for you to fill out your health history. The more information the practitioner knows ahead of time, the easier it will be for them to prescribe a customized herbal formula for you with the additional information gathered during your live session. Your Chinese Herbal prescription is based on such things as current medications, past surgeries, any chronic health conditions for yourself or related family. While you may write everything down in the written intake, there may be questions that repeat when you are answering the questions during the live session. This is a method used to confirm and dive deeper into your body's constitution during the verbal intake. Various questions about your health, your body and your emotions may be asked during this time. The more information the practitioner has, the easier it will be for them to customize the formula to meet your needs and get you back into balance.

ADDITIONAL DIAGNOSTICS: The Face & The Tongue

Having your Telehealth session include video is important because Chinese Face Reading is another way that a practitioner can identify and detect specific characteristics about your health. Our faces reveal different aspects of our organ systems and health conditions. While it may not be discussed with you at time of session, a skilled TCM practitioner may use other diagnostic tools during a Telehealth virtual session such as listening to the sound of your voice, you breathing patterns, and other visual cues about your emotional state.

Next, your practitioner will also ask to see your tongue. As you see from this picture, different parts of the tongue represent different organs. When we look at your tongue's shape, size, color, moisture and coating, it gives a 'window' into how the organs are functioning. TCM practitioners are looking for patterns of disharmony that in combination with what is reported during the intake, all of which is useful information that will guide us to an herbal formula that is right for you.

If there is labwork that accompanies any condition you may be requesting an Herbal Consult for, your practitioner may ask you to share that information as well.

The entire Telehealth Herbal Consult will last between 30-45 minutes, depending on your situation, level of disharmony, and how complicated your case may be. Afterwards an Herbal Formula will be customized and created specifically for you and what ailments you may have discussed with your practitioner.

During the lock-down, your Chinese Herbal prescription can be mailed to you, and depending on your location, arrive within 3-5 business days. Special requests for drop-off or pick-up may apply. Instructions should be include or available in a follow-up communication.

Optional research references can be made available upon request, regarding any specific herbs, herbal formulas, or TCM benefits of the customized selection of herbs for the patient.

Look for the next upcoming topics covered in this TeleHealth Experience Blog Series: Acupressure Self-Care, Wellness Coaching, Qigong.

As always, if you have any questions, please feel free to reach out and send an email, text message or schedule a session online.

jazhandsmassageandacu.com | 619-721-7266 | jaz@sdherbalmedicine.com