1、1Diagnostic Techniques of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Part I)Jiu Daiji and Diagnosis of the Initial Period Diagnosis in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) uses the accumulation of clinical experience gained by generations of medical practitioners. TCM diagnostic theory and methods originatedearly:
2、 according to legend, Jiu Daiji (a physician who lived 5,000years ago in the age of the legendary emperor/farmer/herbalistShennong) was expert at rendering a diagnosis by observing thecomplexion and taking the pulse of the patient. He is known asthe founder of TCM diagnosis. Observation: One of the
3、Four Diagnostic Methods TCM doctors determine the patients physical condition byfirst observing certain organs, such as the eyes, facial expression,complexion, and coating on the tongue.Bian Que and the Four Diagnostic Methods In the fifth century g.c. the famous doctor Bian Que 2summarized the four
4、 diagnostic methods based on his clinical experience: observation, listening and smelling, interrogation, andpalpation and pulse taking. Listening and Smelling: One of the FourDiagnostic Methods This consists of listening to the patients voice, breathing andcoughing; also smelling the patients body
5、and his/her excretedproducts. Interrogation: One of the Four Diagnostic Methods The doctor asks the patient, or person accompanying him orher, about the patients history of illness and health, and currentcondition. Pulse Taking A doctor uses the fingertips to take the patients pulses, tostudy the ra
6、te, rhythm, fullness, evenness and amplitude of eachpulse, to ascertain the patients exterior syndromes or interiorsyndromes, deficiencies or excesses, and the cold and 3heat syndromes. Pressure (Palpation and Pulse Taking):One of the Four Diagnostic Methods The pressure method includes taking the m
7、any forms of pulse,and palpation of certain body parts. The doctor, by touching andpressing, locates and feels the size, shape and firmness of organsto ascertain pathological changes. Comprehensive Analysis of the Data Gainedby the Four Methods of Diagnosis The Four Diagnostic Methods are the main avenues of clinicaldata collection, and these data should be objective, accurate,systematic and comprehensive. To make a correct diagnosis, thedoctor makes a comprehensive analysis of all the data gained bythe four methods, to come to a reliable clinical conclusion.
