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
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