How does Traditional Chinese Medicine Diagnose Disease?

Each organ carries certain physical, emotional and mental aspects of the individual.  The flow of Qi integrates the body into a whole system; if this energy circulation is disrupted an imbalance within the organ system is created.  The body will show signs and symptoms along the organ’s Qi pathway that identifies which organs are affected.  The Acupuncture Physician uses inquiry, inspection (sight), auscultation (listening) and olfaction (scent) and palpation (touch) to analyze these manifestations as well as the patient’s environmental influences, emotional or physical stresses, diet and lifestyle to discern the pattern of disharmony.  Pulse diagnosis reveals the strength of Qi and body fluids in each of the organs.  Pulses are taken on both wrists.  The Acupuncture Physician also uses tongue diagnosis to determine organ function and presence of imbalance.  Tongue color, shape, size and presence, thickness and color of the tongue coating indicate the body physiology and pathology. TCM views body resistance to illness as more important than the causative agent.