Comprehensive Guide to Chinese Medical Diagnosis

Author: Zhang Zongfang
Publisher:
Publish Date: 1999-01-01
Features: In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) diagnostics, methods such as observation, tongue diagnosis, and pulse-taking have been highly valued by generations of medical practitioners, with numerous specialized works available. However, there are relatively fewer specialized works on inquiry-based diagnosis. As one of the four diagnostic methods, inquiry-based diagnosis holds significant importance in clinical practice. It was already highly emphasized during the era of the Neijing (Yellow Emperor's Inner Canon).
The Suwen·Zheng Si Shi Lun states: "When diagnosing a disease, one must not inquire about its origins, nor about irregular dietary habits or excessive physical activity, or injuries caused by toxins. If one fails to address these first, suddenly taking the pulse at the wrist—how can the disease be accurately identified? Falsely diagnosing and naming the condition is the limit of a mediocre practitioner."
The Suwen·Shu Wu Guo Lun says: "When diagnosing a disease, one must inquire about dietary habits, daily routines, sudden pleasures or hardships, and whether the suffering began with joy followed by sorrow."