TCM Diagnosis
Treatment begins with an extensive clinical questioning of the client's medical history, while taking note of all physical, mental and emotional symptoms. The onset and duration of the main ailments are important, but seemingly less relevant symptoms which are momentarily not of great concern, may also have an influence on the pattern as a whole. A general inquiry regarding sleeping habits, digestion, body temperature, perspiration, appetite, menstrual cycle, etc. are always included in every first consultation.
Pulse and tongue diagnosis provide further valuable information to help complete the clinical assessment. The entire set of signs and symptoms establish a personal diagnosis. What western medicine defines as an illness can have a variety of causes according to Chinese medicine. This is why TCM applies a personal treatment protocol for each individual according to their personal needs.
The principles of yin and yang, the flow of qi, zang-fu, the 5 elements (wu xing) and ba gang are the fundamental tools in Chinese Medicine for a comprehensive diagnosis.