When an individual comes in to see me, or any naturopathic physician for that matter, it is generally not to be told “you are fine, just take these pills and call me in the morning”.  Often times, they have already seen a stream of physicians and or health care providers before me and are still searching for an answer to their mystery of “why do I feel like this?” and “what can I do about it?” 

As a licensed N.D. and doctor of traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture, I have been trained to use my senses to read, feel, sense, smell and listen carefully to each individual as they subtly or overtly disclose information which assists me in gathering data.

My physical evaluation includes a comprehensive consultation, during which time I learn as much as I can about the patient’s lifestyle, nutritional preferences, family history and history or their current health.  I then check the PH of the person to determine their level of acidity or relative alkalinity.  Too much acidity may pre-dispose to conditions ranging from fatigue to degenerative disease.  As part of a T.C.M. evaluation I read the pulses, not just for rate & rhythm but to determine the energy of the organs.  Each radial pulse has six positions, three superficial and three deep, each corresponding to a different organ system.  I can feel the pulses at each position and learn about the subtle energy of the body.

Likewise examining the tongue will give me useful information.  I note the color and quality of the body as well as the coating.  The tongue, like the eyes is a blueprint of the body and each area represents a different part.  The color can relay information about the  of the blood and relative health of the organs.  The tongue coating  reveals excess or  deficiency syndromes, phlegmatic conditions and chronicity of the ailment  The iris and sclera of the eyes as well as the color of the skin around and under the eyes reveals a great deal of information about an individuals general health as well. 

The hair, skin and nails gives out information about the nutritional status of the individual.  Palpation of the abdomen, liver, lymph nodes and muscular-skeletal structure gives further information.  Auscultation of the heart, abdomen and lungs provides further information about the well being or dis-ease of the individual.  Specific blood panels may be ordered when more information is called for to determine the course of treatment.

Once I have a clear diagnosis and treatment protocol in my mind, I often check my findings by comparing them with what I can learn electronically.  For this, I employ equipment called EAV, or electrodermal acupuncture Voll meter. With this non invasive equipment, I can assess the energy or the organs and glands at a cellular level, using the endpoint acupuncture points that correspond to the different organs of the body. This is interesting to the patient, because they are then able to see on a meter, what I have just discovered by using my diagnostic skills and senses.

What is most useful about this equipment, is its ability to assist me in being certain of which naturopathic medicinal agent will best suit the constitution of the patient in present time.  So often patients come to me saying that they take this vitamin or that herb or that their friend recommended something and they don’t know if they should take it.  Sometimes patients report on their follow up visit with a shopping bag full of supplements that have not yet solved their health issues.

This is a critical mistake, not to make, as taking the wrong supplements can exhaust your body’s energy or may create allergic responses.  Hence the saying, “buyer beware”.  Not all natural supplements are created equally.  What you take is as important as what you eat, drink or think! 

Over the counter supplements, may or may not have the medicinal qualities of those prescribed by your licensed naturopathic physicians. Naturopathic physicians are trained for four or more years on the medicinal use of herbs, vitamins and supplement.  Please be pro-active and seek out the advice of a licensed N.D. when it concerns your delicate body’s natural balance.  Any substance, even a “ natural” one can tip the scale.

For more information, please visit our website at NaturalHealingHawaii.com, or call us at 8808-373-9966 for a consult.