Diagnosis
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.
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.
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.
Treatments
aim to adjust and restore the Yin/Yang balance, and may incorporate
one or more therapies, including:
