TCM History & Theory - Acupuncture - Herbal Medicine - Modern Chinese/Oriental Medicine  - What does it treat? - Diagnosis - Regulation in British Columbia

HOW IS A DIAGNOSIS MADE IN TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine)?

by Dan Schalm R.Ac, R.TCMP

In TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine), the diagnostic process is considered in four areas - known as the Four Examinations. These are:

Looking

complexion, eyes, tongue, nails, hair, gait, stature and affect

Hearing and Smelling

sound of voice and breath, odor of breath, skin

Questioning

current complaints, health history, family health history, patterns of sleep, appetite, digestion, bowel movement, bladder, sweat, pain, emotional features, lifestyle features and gynaecological features

Touching

palpation of the body to discover body temperature, body moisture, pain; and taking of the pulse.

TCM History & Theory - Acupuncture - Herbal Medicine - Modern Chinese/Oriental Medicine  - What does it treat? - Diagnosis - Regulation in British Columbia