English
A person not experienced in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) may be surprised by the lack of medical equipment found in a physician’s office. Stethoscopes, urine test strips, X-ray screens, lab tests or even thermometers are not traditionally used by TCM physicians, although more and more physicians are incorporating Western diagnostic data into their assessment of patients.
In general, a TCM physician relies largely on sensory perceptions such as vision, hearing, touching and smelling to examine and gather clinical information from patients. The Chinese believe the body is an organic whole, and all parts are connected with each other by meridians. The internal is related with the external, and the exterior with the interior. Pathological changes inside the human body are reflected externally as abnormalities of the complexion, emotions, appearance of the tongue, or pulse irregularities.
There are four examination methods: Questioning/history taking, inspection, auscultation (listening) & olfaction (smelling), and palpation. The four methods have their unique clinical functions and cannot be replaced by one another. Sometimes, false manifestations of a disease occur which emphasize the importance of integrating all diagnostic methods. A skillful physician is able to distinguish where the origin of health problem comes from by using the examination techniques explained in this article.
> Characters of TCM Diagnostics
> Question / History Taking
> Inspection
> Listening and Smelling
> Palpation and Pulse Study
