Q What is the sequence of steps for Korean traditional medicine treatment? I would like to know what is checked during the initial visit.
A During the first visit, the condition of the heart, liver, and spleen organs, as well as the constitution (Sasang/4-axis), are evaluated through a questionnaire, pulse diagnosis, and abdominal palpation. Based on the results, customized herbal medicine is prescribed, and acupuncture and pharmacopuncture are administered in combination. The condition is re-evaluated every 2 to 4 weeks to adjust the prescription, and once the condition stabilizes, the process transitions to the maintenance phase.
Detailed Answer
Step 1 — Initial Consultation Evaluation: Symptom questionnaire, pulse and abdominal palpation, 4-axis functional evaluation (balance of heart, liver, and spleen; state of Qi and blood). Step 2 — Constitution/Pattern Diagnosis: Confirmation of differential diagnosis patterns such as liver Qi stagnation, heart and gallbladder deficiency, and heart and spleen yang deficiency. Step 3 — Customized Treatment Plan: Prescription of herbal medicine (herbal medicines to alleviate anxiety and palpitations, or those that nourish both the mind and the spleen/stomach) + acupuncture for autonomic nervous system regulation. Step 4 — Re-evaluation/Adjustment: Response is checked every 2 to 4 weeks, and the prescription is fine-tuned. Step 5 — Maintenance/Graduation: Independence through maintenance treatment to prevent recurrence or lifestyle management alone.
Korean Medicine Clinic Perspective
At Dongjedang, we view the completion of treatment not as suppressing symptoms, but as cultivating the body's power to restore balance on its own. Since prescriptions vary completely depending on the differential diagnosis pattern even for the same autonomic nervous system dysfunction, we dedicate sufficient time to the initial consultation evaluation.
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