Checking Tongue and Pulse

Several patients have asked why I don't check their tongue and pulse in every visit.  This depends on the reason the patient is coming in, age of patient, how many western medications they are on, if they are on chinese herbs and where they are in the acupuncture and/or herbal treatment plan.

As as example, if I am using acupuncture to help relieve pain from sciatica, checking the tongue every appointment will not provide me with valuable information that I can not ascertain from palpation and observation.

Furthermore, if I am using acupuncture to support IVF, checking the tongue and pulse which will be skewed from western stimulation medications will not change the treatment I will provide.