Have you ever wondered how acupuncturist and Chinese herbalist diagnose disease? Think about it...2,000 years ago, in ancient China, Chinese Doctors did not have blood tests, urine analysis, MRIs or X-Rays. So how do practitioners of Traditional Chinese Medicine diagnose? Today's article will give you some insight into the techniques we use...enjoy.

When new patients go in for an acupuncture treatment or herbal consultation, they are often surprised when they are asked to stick out their tongue. What in the world does their tongue have to do with their back pain, insomnia or anxiety? Diagnosis in Chinese Medicine is really different from the diagnostic procedures most Westerns are familiar with. Instead of using blood and urine tests, or imagining, Chinese Medical practitioners rely on subtle signs of imbalance in the body. The tongue, believe it or not, is actually a microcosm of the entire body and provides a lot of useful information. Practitioners examine the color, shape, size and coat of the tongue and use these observations as part of the diagnostic assessment.

Other essential diagnostic tools are observations of the complexion, eyes, hair and nails, body shape, movement and posture. Acupuncturists listen to the sound of the voice and the sounds of respiration. All of these observations are clues to help us pinpoint the proper diagnosis. Sometimes the signs are subtle. Sometime they are very obvious. Chinese Medical practitioners must be keen observers....like detectives piecing together clues.

Inquiry is another essential component in Chinese Medical diagnosis. You may be surprised by the questions you will be asked before receiving treatment. Again, you may wonder how some of the inquiries relate to your particular complaint. The body is a sophisticated system and nothing happens in isolation. It may seem strange that your back pain could be related to the dark circles under your eyes and the ringing in your ears, but these complaints are actually related.

Another very important diagnostic tool is known as examination of the pulse. Practitioners feel the radial pulse (on the wrists) to investigate the pulse quality in six different positions. There are 28 different pulse images practitioners are feeling for. Each pulse image provides insight into the patient's state of well being.

Using these diagnostic tools, practitioners investigate signs and symptoms, make the connections to the indicated imbalances in the body and then determine the appropriate treatment plan.

Practice being a keen observer of your own body. Our bodies give us feedback all of the time. Consider ways you may be able to be more attentive. Do you notice any patterns? Any connections? For example, does what you eat and when you eat it effect your sleep? If you wake up in the middle of the night, do you notice that you're waking at the same time? Maybe between 1:00 and 2:00 a.m.? If you get headaches, do they tend to come on at the same time each day, or each month? Are they usually in the same location?

In Traditional Chinese Medicine all of these details are relevant. A headache behind the eyes is different from a headache at the top of the head. Pay attention to the information your body is giving you.