In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), Inspection, Auscultation, Inquiry, and Palpation are integral diagnostic methods. This includes observing the patient’s physique, facial color, tongue coating, secretions, excretions, etc., as well as listening to sounds, inquiring about symptoms, and palpation. This method allows for a comprehensive understanding of the patient’s physical condition, enabling the formulation of corresponding treatment plans.
Firstly, Inspection: Inspection is the initial step in TCM diagnosis. Through observations of the patient’s physique, facial color, tongue coating, secretions, and excretions, the nature of the illness can be preliminarily assessed. Body posture reflects conditions like obesity, emaciation, or edema. Facial color variations, such as red, pale, yellow, or green, provide additional clues. The examination of the tongue coating reveals information about the digestive system, while secretions and excretions reflect internal dampness. These observations aid the doctor in determining the nature and severity of the illness.
Secondly, Auscultation: Auscultation involves listening to sounds and smelling odors. Listening to sounds helps in understanding changes in the patient’s cough, breathing, and voice, providing insights into the condition and the respiratory system. Smelling odors helps discern if there are specific smells associated with fever or acidity, aiding in determining the nature of the illness. Additionally, the doctor inquires about the patient’s medical history, including the onset of symptoms, symptom manifestations, changes in the condition, as well as past medical and family history. Gathering this information helps the doctor comprehensively understand the patient’s condition and formulate accurate treatment plans.
Finally, Palpation: Palpation is a crucial aspect of TCM diagnosis, involving pulse palpation and physical examination. Pulse palpation involves feeling the patient’s pulse to understand the circulation of qi and blood and the nature of the disease. TCM believes that pulse changes reflect internal changes, such as deficiency of qi and blood or excessive heat. Physical examination through palpation involves feeling the patient’s body to understand changes in the condition and internal circumstances, such as the presence of masses or pain.
In conclusion, TCM’s Inspection, Auscultation, Inquiry, and Palpation are comprehensive and systematic methods. Through observation, inquiry, and palpation, doctors can gain a comprehensive understanding of the patient’s condition, facilitating the formulation of corresponding treatment plans. This method is highly flexible and accurate, effectively treating various diseases. Additionally, TCM emphasizes prevention and regulation through practices like diet, exercise, and rest to maintain overall health and reduce the occurrence of diseases.
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