|
| |
 |
The subject of etiology is the study of the causative
factors of disease, whilst the study of pathogenesis concerns the actual
bodily processes whereby disease occurs, develops and changes.
Traditional Chinese medicine holds that there is normally a state of relative
equilibrium between the human body and the external environment on the one hand,
and among the zang - fu organs within the body on the other hand. If
external influences exceed the powers of adaptability of the organism, or
if the body itself is unable to adjust to changing conditions, then this
relative equilibrium will be lost, and disease will develop
|
|
In TCM there are four diagnostic methods : 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. 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. Inquiring
covers a wide range of topics : Chills and fever, Perspiration,
Appetite, Thirst, Taste, Defecation, Urination, Pain, Sleep, Menses, Leukorrhea.
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
|
|
Differentiation of syndromes is the method in
traditional Chinese medicine of recognizing and diagnosing diseases. This
method entails making a comprehensive analysis of the symptoms and signs, in order to clarify
their internal relationships. There
are a number of methods in traditional Chinese medicine for
differentiating syndromes
|
|
