Diagnostic Techniques of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Part I).docVIP

Diagnostic 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: 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 Four Diagnostic Methods 　　 　　TCM doctors determine the patient’s 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 summarized the four 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 patient’s voice, breathing andcoughing; also smelling the patient’s body and his/her excretedproducts. 　　 　　Interrogation: One of the Four Diagnostic Methods 　　 　　The doctor asks the patient, or person accompanying him orher, about the patient’s history of illness and health, and currentcondition. 　　 　　Pulse Taking 　　 　　A doctor uses the fingertips to take the patient’s pulses, tostudy the rate, rhythm, fullness, evenness and amplitude of eachpulse, to ascertain the patient’s exterior syndromes or interiorsyndromes, deficiencies or excesses, and the cold and heat syndromes. 　　 　　Pressure (Palpation and Pulse Taking):One of the Four Diagnostic Methods 　　 　　The pressure method includes taking the many forms of pulse,and palpation of certain body parts. The doctor, by touching andpressing, locates and feel