The Diagnostic Tools in Traditional Chinese Medicine

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The Diagnostic Tools in Traditional

 

In TCM (Traditional ), we have many diagnostic tools

that we are able to pull from. Over centuries, different schools of

thought have been formulated in order to reach the same goal:

complete wellness. That is the balance between mind, body and spirit.

Unlike Western medicine, where a system or healing approach becomes

antiquated and is disregarded, the Eastern cultures have created

a " tool belt " of therapies, from which to pull from. All of which

help to bring about change in the body. Here are just a few " tools "

used to reach a diagnosis.

 

Do not be unsettled by some of the ancient names of this paradigm.

Although there names have been preserved to convey the message and

preserve the past, all practitioners of follow a

variation of these " tools " in modern healing today.

 

 

Six External Evils - the six external evils, like the seven emotions

(see below), are causes of illness and disease. Also known as the six

climatic factors, the six excesses and the six evil qi. The six

external evils are terms from nature that are used to describe the

condition. These include wind, cold, summer heat, dampness, dryness

and fire. Terms are also used metaphorically to indicate the behavior

of a particular ailment or condition. As these conditions can affect

us externally, they also occur internally.

 

Wind - causes the sudden movement of a condition. Examples are a rash

that is spreading, onset of colds, fever, chills, vertigo, spasms or

twitches. Wind is broken down into several categories such as acute

situations; ie Wind Heat or Wind Cold, as in a cold or flu and also

Internal Wind, which can situations such as Bell's Palsy, spasms or

twitching.

 

Cold - is the term used to describe decreased functioning of an organ

system and presents as any of the following: body aches, chills, poor

circulation, fatigue, lack of appetite, loose stools or diarrhea,

poor digestion, pain in the joints, slow movements and speech,

aversion to cold and craving for heat. It is present in all " hypo "

conditions such as hypoadrenalism, hypoglycemia and hypothyroidism.

 

Heat and Summer Heat - overactive functioning of an organ system

resulting in symptoms of thirst, aversion to heat and craving for

cold, infection, inflammation, dryness, red face, sweating,

irritability, dark yellow urine, restlessness, constipation

and " hyper " conditions such as hypertension.

 

Damp, dampness - excessive fluids in the body with symptoms of

abdominal bloating, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, lack of

thirst, feeling of heaviness or being sluggish, and stiff, aching or

sore joints.

 

Dry / Dryness - characterized by dry hair, lips, mouth, nose, skin

and throat, extreme thirst and constipation.

 

Fire - results from malfunction of the internal organs or from

extreme mood swings. Symptoms include fever, red or bloodshot eyes,

swelling, sore throat and flushed face. May also include dry mouth,

bleeding or inflamed gums, and a desire for cold drinks.

 

 

Another diagnostic tool is the:

Eight Principles - four sets of factors used by TCM practitioners to

assess a person's health. Represented by internal/external,

cold/heat, excess/deficiency, and yin/yang (they should all be in

balance with their counterpart).

 

 

Another diagnostic tool is the:

Organs - a major source of confusion in understanding the Traditional

. Although the organ names in TCM are the same as in

Western Medicine, they cover a wide range of systems and functions:

 

*Heart - covers blood circulation, brain and nervous system as well

as spiritual and mental health.

 

*Liver - includes digestion, circulation, clearing toxins from the

blood, regulating the endocrine system, and creating harmony in

mental and emotional states.

 

*Spleen - responsible for the digestive system, blood production and

circulation, water metabolism and concentration.

 

*Lung - is in charge of respiration, water metabolism, blood

circulation and some functions of the immune system.

 

*Kidney - includes urinary and reproductive systems, growth and

development, endocrine system, hormones, brain and nervous system,

metabolism, bones, hair, and respiratory functions.

 

 

Another diagnostic tool is the:

Seven Emotions - the seven emotions are sadness, fright, fear, grief,

anger, joy (extreme excitability) and pensiveness. These are all

considered as potential causes of illness.

 

 

Another diagnostic tool is the:

The Five Phases (Elements) - certain fundamentals of

must be understood when working with one's constitution. One such

fundamental is the Five Phases (Elements) Theory, which states there

are five interrelated elements: fire, earth, metal, water and wood.

They act and react in cycles with each other to bring balance and

physiological change.

 

 

For even better understanding of these diagnostic tools, you may

consider visiting:

 

http://www.peacefulmind.com/proacumed.htm

 

http://www.proacumed.com

 

http://www.tcmcentral.com

 

http://www.yinyanghouse.com

 

http://www.acufinder.com

 

 

Andrew Pacholyk, MS, L.Ac

http://www.peacefulmind.com

Therapies for healing

mind, body, spirit