Questioning
During
the first visit, a considerable amount of time is spent
asking the patient for details about his or her general
condition. These questions relate to all emotional, physical,
and energy related signs and symptoms, and can help the
practitioner form a more complete picture of the patient's
condition.
A full
medical history is usually taken, including details of past
illness, operations, physical and mental traumas. While
these issues may not seem pertinent to the patient at this
juncture, they do provide important insights into the pattern
of disharmony existing within the patient.
Other
important questions which may be asked are:
- Preferences
for heat or cold
- Frequency
and consistency of urination and defecation
- Sleep
patterns
- Diet
and thirst
- Menstrual
cycle (length, pain associated, heaviness of bleeding,
etc.)
- Headaches
(when they occur, where and under what circumstances)
- Perspiration
(amount, time of day, circumstances)
In addition,
the practioner may inquire regarding the nature of any pain
or discomfort, as reactions to heat or cold may point to
patterns of excess and deficiency, such as imbalances in
Yin and Yang. For example, if pain is relieved by heat,
a cold condition (Yin) is indicated. If the reverse is true,
such as a discomforts alleviated by cold, a Yang condition
could be present.
The
site(s) of the pain are also noted as they may indicate
a blockage or stagnation of qi within the meridians of the
body.
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