10
2 Clinical Equipment and Practice Management
2.1
Tips for Everyday Clinical Work
Attention to those aspects that help the patient to relax can significantly enhance the thera-
peutic effect of auricular acupuncture and TCM.
2.1.1 Treatment Rooms
■
Atmosphere:
A personal atmosphere – the patient should already feel comfortable in
the waiting room. Decorative features such as pictures and flowers as well as a welcom-
ing cup of tea all have a positive effect.
■
Layout:
Ideal are three treatment rooms per practitioner in order to facilitate a smooth
flow. This allows the patient to rest with inserted needles for at least 20 minutes. Ideally
walk-through rooms should not be used as treatments rooms.
■
Lighting:
Daylight is best for optimal tongue diagnosis. If artificial light has to be used
ideal is indirect, bright lighting as this does not blind the patient and promotes relaxa-
tion.
2.1.2 Clinic Hours
It is advisable to use an appointment-based system as acupuncture treatments tend to be
lengthy but calculable. Long waiting times (more than 15 minutes) related to organisational
matters should be avoided. Unforeseen circumstances or emergencies leading to delays
have, of course, to be taken into consideration.
If possible, patients should be able to contact the practitioner on weekends and public holi-
days (e.g. voicemail and call back) or a weekend cover should be organised with colleagues.
This gives the patient the confidence to be treated in an emergency and not having to rely
on conventional medicine. It also allows the therapeutic approach to remain unaffected (e.g.
trying to avoid cortisone).
2.1.3 Clinic Organisation
■
Appointment time:
The patient should be advised to come at least 5 minutes prior to
the actual appointment time
■
Initial consultation:
At least 30 minutes; comprises the medical history (
›
5.1) includ-
ing both the conventional medical history as well as aspects of TCM; review of prelimi-
nary findings brought along by the client
■
Patient information:
At the first appointment the auricular acupuncture treatments
should be discussed in some detail. Any questions should be answered and the treat-
ment process should be explained to allay any fears of this potentially unknown ther-
apy.
■
Initial examination:
Generally a systematic and complete examination of the whole
body (
›
5.2.1) including TCM-parameters (especially tongue and pulse diagnosis) as
well as RAC-palpation (
›
3.1.4)
■
Needling
(
›
3.2): Patients should always be treated lying down to prevent cardiovascu-
lar reactions (e.g. dizziness, fainting). In addition, lying down will further relax the pa-
tient.
