Tongue Diagnosis Guide

Author: Cao Bingzhang
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2005-01-01
Features: The author extensively collected ancient and modern literature on tongue diagnosis, referred to some modern medical works, and combined personal insights to compile this book. The book is divided into five parts. The first part (Volume 1) is a general discussion on tongue diagnosis; the second part (Volume 2) is a general outline of observing the tongue; the third part (Volume 3) is on identifying tongue signs and treatments, introducing methods of observing and diagnosing from various schools and treatment methods for tongue diseases; the fourth part (Volumes 4-5) is a detailed discussion on different types of tongue coatings, covering their pathological conditions and associated diseases. It also includes 119 color illustrations of tongue coatings; the fifth part (Volume 5) is on miscellaneous discussions and prescriptions, selecting and medical cases on tongue diagnosis from various scholars, with an appendix of key prescriptions for tongue diagnosis. The book contains rich content but occasionally includes speculative arguments. The original stone-printed edition is preserved. After 1949, there were photocopied editions. In terms of content, the book extensively gathers and compiles a wealth of information. During the compilation process, the author referred to over 150 ancient and modern Chinese medical books, over 30 Eastern and Western medical books, and more than 30 medical journals and magazines, making it a comprehensive collection of tongue diagnosis discussions from both China and the world. It is one of the more comprehensive works on tongue diagnosis. In terms of academic thought, the author believed, "Western medicine emphasizes empirical evidence, while traditional Chinese medicine emphasizes Qi transformation." Although their theoretical systems differ, they share the same principles in tongue diagnosis, as "the reasoning is the same." Therefore, the author advocated "combining Western and Chinese insights" in tongue diagnosis.