THAI ACCUPRESSURE

DIAGNOSIS

Diagnosis - How to choose a routine?

A Thai acupressure routine is chosen according to the location of pain, the pattern of the pain, or the movement that creates or aggravates the pain. Find the routine that seems to describe best the condition of your client. A diagnosis by an experienced practitioner would usually last one to two minutes.

1. First find the location of the pain and then the movements that create or aggravate it

Ask your client to point to the pain. Ask him to cautiously show you the movements and postures that create or increase the pain. When the pain is thus created or increased, ask him to point again the location of pain. Locating the pain this way is more accurate.

2. Choose one routine

Choose one out of the chapter’s routines according to symptoms relevant to the Thai diagnosis, regardless of the western medical definition of the condition. Whenever the symptoms of your client match the symptoms described by one of the routines, try using it and observe your client’s reaction. If your pressure is welcome by his body, your treatment may give good results. If you notice any improvement, carry on. Some conditions are composed of two related disorders simultaneously. These cases may be treated by two routines, but bear in mind that using two routines when only one is actually needed is a waste of a precious treatment time.

3. Start the treatment and verify that you have chosen the right routine

Begin treatment and check whether or not the lines and points are relevant and effective. An important aspect of the diagnosis is taking place during the treatment itself. An experienced therapist would be able to feel to which degree the lines and points are effective and relevant. A responsive client would be able to let his therapist know if the treatment is relevant and effective. As you press the points, watch your client’s reactions. Please do not bother your client with too many questions too soon! Let him enjoy the deepening meditative state. He will often need some time into the treatment before being able to express (not necessarily with words) whether the points are relevant or not. Basically, when your client enjoys your treatment, wants to continue, asks for further treatment sessions, or feels that your treatment is “satisfying” a deep need, these are clear signs for you that your treatment is the right “medicine” for him.

DIAGNOSIS SAMPLE: LOWER BACK AREA