Back then we learned some fantastic low tech methods of testing our clients health and response to stressors. Time and time again these tests have proved far more effective than anything that I have to rely on a client to answer. Clients frequently answer questionnaires with no obvious consciousness of their health. They come in complaining about all manner of symptoms yet on the paperwork they display better health that I do, (yeah yeah you can quit with the comments about me obviously having poor health).
So, while I use questionnaires, I find I make most of my discoveries by getting hands on, listening the the differences in the heart beat, performing blood pressure challenge tests, testing temperature, checking iodine and doing basic adrenal function tests all allow me to build up a picture of what's going wrong. And for those of you that know me, I'm good at building a picture of your health, or lack of it.
So, the question I've been asked this morning is "why do you take your temperature readings at the axilla (armpit), rather than orally or rectally." The rectal part should answer itself, sure it may be super accurate, but I have no desire to perform that test and I can't see my clients performing it first thing in the morning and after every meal. Although I probably have some who would think it was hilarious.
So, why not orally? I do in fact use oral temperature and highly recommend it, the only reason I use the axilla is that I don't want to have to buy endless thermometers to use on every client I see. Sure, every client should be testing their own temps, and I'm sure the majority do. As I don't live in Santa Monica (add in any other sure cool part of California where people are uber health conscious if you like but SM is a favorite of mine and my clients there are ultra responsive). I like to keep on top of (check up on) my clients health so as part of other tests I frequently check where they are at temperature wise.