While every client’s experience is unique, my approach to working with clients using Kampo herbal medicine is characterized by consistency and a deep understanding of individual needs.
Here is an overview of my Kampo herbal medicine consultation process.
What can herbal medicine help with?
- Digestive concerns
- Gynaecological issues
- Mental and emotional imbalances
- Insomnia
- Skin conditions
- Headaches
- Under/overstimulated appetite
- Constipation
- Absorption issues
- Bowel movements
- Diarrhoea
- Crohn’s disease
- Flu and cold symptoms
Phases of a Kampo herbal consultation
Intake & questions
First off you will fill out an intake form. Then, I conduct a thorough assessment by asking you specific questions about the ailment you would like to address.
You may be surprised by the amount of detail I go into during an assessment. I want to understand why you are here, and find answers to many other related questions.
- What is your reason for booking a treatment?
- Where is the issue located?
- How long has the issue been occurring?
- What alleviates it? What makes it worse?
- How did the issue develop?
- How does it affect your lifestyle in areas such as sleep, ability to exercise, emotions, mood, appetite, digestion, or menstruation?
- Are you taking medications for this specific problem?
- Are you taking any other medications?
- What does your diet consist of?
- What is your regularity of eating?
- What is your level of consuming alcohol, tobacco, and/or recreational drugs?
- Have you consulted with your GP or other specialists?
- Has your GP performed any tests or provided a diagnosis?
I also ask questions that may appear to be unrelated. Ultimately I am looking for patterns. The body is a whole and singular unit. In order to understand a specific health complaint I need to see it in relation to the whole.
Hands-on assessment
After the verbal intake portion of the appointment I perform tongue, pulse, and abdominal assessments. These hands-on assessments provide valuable diagnostic information.
The direct abdominal palpation diagnosis technique employed in Kampo – known as fukushin – allows for precise and accurate determination of the appropriate herbal remedy based on palpable evidence from your body.
Some of my clients are initially tentative about having their abdomen touched; it is a very sensitive area. But this is a critical part of the Kampo process.
After your assessment is complete I will review what I have learned and determine the best course of treatment. After review, I will contact you by phone or by email – typically the next day – to discuss the formulae I am prescribing.
Arrival of your herbal formula
Once your personalized herbal remedies have been determined, they will be ordered and arrangements will be made for you to receive them. Herbs typically arrive within 3-5 days of our initial assessment.
I will provide you with clear instructions on how to take the herbs as prescribed.
Check-in phone call
You will get a follow-up phone call or email from me within 2 days of first taking your remedies. While allergic reactions or digestive disturbances are rare, it is important to inform me of any discomfort or adverse effects you may have experienced.
Follow-up appointment
After two weeks of taking the prescribed herbal formula, we will meet for a follow-up session. During this session, I will re-evaluate your symptoms and overall health to assess the progress of the treatment.
Based on the outcome of the follow-up session, we will proceed with the next phase of the treatment.
Adjusting the treatment plan
If you have experienced positive changes and are progressing well, you will likely continue with the same herbal remedy.
However, if you have not noticed significant improvement, we may re-evaluate the formula and make necessary adjustments to ensure an effective course of treatment.
Ensuring a positive outcome
My goal throughout the Kampo process is to provide you with the most appropriate and tailored herbal remedies to support your well-being.
By closely monitoring your progress and making adjustments as needed, we can work together towards achieving positive health outcomes using Kampo herbal medicine.
About Daniel
I am a practitioner of traditional East Asian medicine based in Toronto, Ontario. You can find more about me on my bio or learn more about the treatments I offer.
As always, thanks for reading!
– Daniel (T’agyol) Adler