This is a question I get very often. Pulse taking is crucial, but does not necessary provide adequate information to make a diagnosis.
A physician collects medical history, signs, and symptoms through the four diagnostic methods. He/she then analyzes the information, and derives a syndrome. This analysis lays down the foundation for a treatment methodology and plan.
The four diagnostic methods are:
- Inspection (望): tongue color, coating, gait, facial expression, wound assessment etc.
- Olfactory and Auscultation (闻): cough and lung sounds, abnormal odors, vocals etc.
- Inquiry (问): inquire further with specific questions to confirm physician’s diagnosis.
- Palpation (切): pulse taking, physical examination such as abdomen, joints etc.
Here's an example of the diagnosis process:
Four diagnostics (Inspection, Olfactory & Auscultation, Inquiry, Palpation)
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Collect medical history, signs and symptoms (Sore throat, yellowish phlegm, fever)
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Syndrome (Upper respiratory infection of the Wind-heat type 风热型)
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Methodology (e.g. to expel Wind-heat 疏风散热)
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Treatment plan (e.g. herbal prescription such as Mulberry and Chrysanthemum Decoction 桑菊饮)