Diagnosis (辨证 biàn zhèng) refers to the process of differentiating the pattern (or "syndrome") behind a patient's signs and symptoms. Unlike Western medicine, which often identifies a disease name, TCM diagnosis aims to identify the underlying imbalance in the body's Qi, Blood, fluids, Zang-Fu organs, meridians, or energetic relationships. The goal is to uncover the root cause (本 běn) and manifestation (标 biāo) of illness, leading to an individualized treatment strategy.

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Pattern differentiation is the core diagnostic method in TCM. It synthesizes clinical data (signs, symptoms, tongue, pulse) into a coherent diagnosis of imbalance, considering:

• What is out of balance (Yin/Yang, Qi, Blood, etc.)

• Where the imbalance is located (organ, meridian, level)

• The nature of the imbalance (cold, heat, excess, deficiency)

• The cause (external, internal, lifestyle, emotion, constitution)

 

Diagnostic Process in TCM

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Diagnosis is based on the Four Examinations (四诊 sì zhěn):

1. Looking (望) – tongue, complexion, behaviour

2. Listening/Smelling (闻) – voice, breath, body odour

3. Asking (问) – symptoms, history, emotions, habits

4. Palpation (切) – pulse diagnosis, palpation of body

 

This information is used to synthesize one or more patterns (证 zhèng) that define the condition and guide treatment.

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TCM diagnosis is a process of pattern recognition, not disease naming. It integrates the Eight Principles, Zang-Fu theory, and other models like Qi-Blood, Six/Four Levels, San Jiao, Five Elements, and emotional patterns to form a complete picture of a patient's health. It guides treatment toward restoring balance, supporting Zheng Qi, and expelling pathogenic factors, offering a holistic and individualized approach to healing.