A good conversation with the patient is important. Taking the time to listen attentively to the patient’s complaints is essential.

The acupuncturist inquires about Western diagnostics and information from Western medicine. Furthermore, the acupuncturist tries to ask questions from their professional perspective that provide insight into the patient’s energetic functioning: is the patient hot or cold, how is their digestion, good or bad sleep, sweating, how is their menstruation, is the patient agitated or calm, tired or energetic, is there tension, stress, or pain.

With all this information in mind, they identify one or more underlying disharmonies that serve as the starting point for their treatment.