Observation

Getting healthy begins with awareness of oneself physically, mentally and emotionally.  Observe your physical symptoms in as much detail as possible including appearance, sensations, location, timing, and things that make it better or worse.  Similarly, observe your mental and emotional symptoms.  In what thought or emotional patterns are you getting stuck?  When do the thoughts or emotions arise?  How long do they last?  How do they interfere with your life?  This information is helpful to better understand the root cause of your disease.

Other information to gather:

The Diet Diary

I often recommend patients do a diet diary for at least three days up to a week.  In the diet diary, note specifically what foods are eaten each day.  Include your snacks and beverages as well.  If you have physical or mental symptoms, it is helpful to write them down also.  Note the time.  You may also include exercise.  The diet diary is a baseline from which to start the work of getting healthy.  From it, your practitioner can see if there are obstacles to your health, and make recommendations to improve your wellbeing.