AcuGraph: One Year Later

A year ago I was a brand new acupuncturist, just getting settled in a new area and starting my practice. An ad for an acupuncture research position at Miridia Technology caught my eye, and that’s how I came to learn about the AcuGraph system. I’ve been working for Miridia Technology for almost a year now. Dr. Larsen asked me to make a list of things that I’ve learned in the last year for my first annual review. One of the items on my list was this:

I am confident with the AcuGraph program.

Now, I know what you’re thinking:  “Well, I’d hope you’re confident with it… You do work for Miridia Technology, after all!”  Yes, that’s a good point. Obviously, I feel confident working within the program, answering questions for users, and doing continued research to help the program grow.

But the confidence I’m talking about comes from experience in my own private practice… (yes, I also have a private practice). Let me tell you a couple of the reasons for my confidence.

1. Patients LOVE AcuGraph!

This continues to amaze me! Every time they come in, they are anxious to be graphed.  The big question is always: “What is my pie score? Am I getting better?” AcuGraph allows me to teach my patients about Chinese medicine theory with interactive charts and graphs. Everyone wins… The patients trust more in what I do because I have professional tools and I get additional information to help me make a more informed diagnosis. When the graphs don’t look the way we want them to, we talk about stress and lifestyle and how these aspects of our lives affect our bodies. I get much better “buy-in” from patients when they see the visible effects of their life choices.

2. I can see TCM Patterns in the Graph.

I came to Miridia Technology with a TCM background. I wondered how I could use the graphs to explain diagnoses such as Spleen Qi Deficiency, Kidney Yin Deficiency or Liver Yang Rising. After a year of using the graphs I have learned that with continued graphing and treatment, the pattern begins to show through in the graph history. Comparing graphs throughout the year helps me to see constitutional patterns that exist for my patient and gives me ideas for herbal formulas they may need.

• Are the Liver and Kidney showing up as deficient most of the time?  Liu Wei Di Huang Pian may be a good constitutional formula for this patient.
• How about a continual deficiency in the Spleen channel with sleep disturbances.  Gui Pi Pian may be a good choice for this patient.
• And so on…

3. There’s no substitute for evidence-based progress tracking.

After nearly a year of use it is really nice to be able to show patients the progress they’ve made clinically! One way to do this is with a “One Year Review.” AcuGraph is a great tool to show the patient how they have been progressing and changing clinically. What a great time to compare graphs for the year. Just click on the “History” button to talk about healthy goals for the New Year and find a constitutional formula that will fit their needs. Good for business—and good for the patient! Now that I’ve practiced with AcuGraph for a year, as well as helping develop new features and technologies, I can honestly say the system makes me a better practitioner, gives my patients more confidence and results in better outcomes than I would have otherwise enjoyed. It’s been a great first year at Miridia Technology! Now that I’m more experienced with AcuGraph, I’ve been asked to regularly share clinical insights, case studies, and tips here in the AcuGraphing blog. I look forward to sending you some great information in this year. Thanks for sharing in my journey…

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