Do TCM physicians diagnose every illness just by taking the pulse?

Doctor's Answers 1

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:

  1. Inspection (望): tongue color, coating, gait, facial expression, wound assessment etc.
  2. Olfactory and Auscultation (闻): cough and lung sounds, abnormal odors, vocals etc.
  3. Inquiry (问): inquire further with specific questions to confirm physician’s diagnosis.
  4. 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)

Collect medical history, signs and symptoms (Sore throat, yellowish phlegm, fever)

Syndrome (Upper respiratory infection of the Wind-heat type 风热型)

Methodology (e.g. to expel Wind-heat 疏风散热)

Treatment plan (e.g. herbal prescription such as Mulberry and Chrysanthemum Decoction 桑菊饮)

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