Diagnostic methods
In TCM there are four diagnostic methods, namely :
Inspection is a method of diagnosis in which the doctor understands and predicts the pathological changes of internal organs by observing abnormal changes in the patient ' s vitality, colour, appearance, secretions and excretions. In their long - term medical practice, the Chinese physicians realized the close relationship between the external part of the body, especially the face and tongue, and the zang - fu organs. Any slight changes appearing in these areas can tell pathological conditions in various parts of the body. Inspection of the exterior of
the body, therefore, is of much help in diagnosis.
Auscultation and olfaction refer to listening and smelling.
Inquiring is asking the patient or the patient ' s companion about the disease condition in order to understand the pathological process. Inquiries are made systematically with questions focused on the chief complaint of the patient according to the knowledge necessary in differentiating a syndrome. Inquiring covers a wide range of topics.
Palpation is a method of diagnosis in which the pathological condition is detected by palpating, feeling and pressing certain areas of the body. It is discussed under the headings of
feeling the pulse and palpation of different parts of the body.
As human body is an organic entity, its regional pathological changes may affect the whole body, and the pathological changes of the internal organs may manifest themselves on the body surface. The Medical Book by Master of Danxi says : " One should observe and analyse the external manifestations of the patient in order to know what is happening inside the body, for the disease of internal organs must have its manifestations on the body surface. " Inspection, auscultation and olfaction, inquiring and palpation are the four approaches to understand the pathological conditions. They can not be separated, but relate to and supplement one another. In the clinical situation, only by combining the four can a comprehensive and systematic understanding of the condition of the disease be gained and a correct diagnosis made. Any inclination to one aspect while neglecting the other three is one - sided, therefore, is not suggested.
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