chinese medicines
green medicine
by specific condition
how it's done
observation
listening & smelling
questioning
palpation
chinese medicine
causes of disharmony
the meridian system
the five elements
vital substances
yin yang theory
zangfu organs
acupressure
acupuncture
meditation
qigong
tai chi

 

 

 





Traditional Chinese Medicine Diagnosis Methods

The diagnostic process of Chinese medicine involves four areas, known as the Four Examinations. These are:

Observation of the patient's complexion, eyes, tongue, nails, gait (overall physical appearance), openness, and emotional demeanor.

Listening and Smelling, the focus being on the sound of the voice and breathing, as well as any odors associated with the body, or breath.

Questioning for information on present and past complaints including appetite, digestion, bowel movement, bladder, sweat, pain, patterns of sleep, family health history, work, living habits, physical environment, and emotional life.

Palpation, or touching the body to determine temperature, moisture, pain or sensitivity, and the taking of the pulse. The chinese method of pulse taking involves placing three fingers on each wrist to measure a total of 12 pulses, each associated with a corresponding meridian. Fourteen different pulse characteristics (slow, rapid, full, empty, etc.) are compared with each of the 12 pulses, and are used to determine which organ is not working properly.

Treatments aim to adjust and restore the Yin/Yang balance, and may incorporate one or more therapies, including:

  • acupuncture
  • herbal remedies
  • exercise
  • diet
 
 
Related Topics

acupuncture

herbal medicine
listening and smelling as part of diagnosis

 

 

back to top




view recent articles





© 2001/2011 A World of Health Network - All Rights Reserved.

The information provided on this site is provided for educational purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice. Should you have any serious health concerns, you should always check with your health care practitioner before self-administering any natural remedy.

health products