望 Inspection (Looking)
Observing appearance, demeanor, complexion, tongue, and body condition.
Key Aspects
- Spirit Observation: Assessing vitality through eyes and demeanor
- Complexion: Color of face indicating organ health
- Body Build: Constitution, posture, movement patterns
- Tongue Diagnosis: Color, shape, coating, moisture
Tongue Areas and Corresponding Organs
| Tip | Heart/Lung |
|---|---|
| Sides | Liver/Gallbladder |
| Center | Spleen/Stomach |
| Root | Kidney/Bladder |
聞 Auscultation and Olfaction
Listening to sounds and smelling odors.
Listening
- Voice quality
- Breathing sounds
- Digestive sounds
- Emotional sounds
Five Element Sounds
| Wood | Shouting |
|---|---|
| Fire | Laughing |
| Earth | Singing |
| Metal | Weeping |
| Water | Groaning |
問 Inquiry (Asking)
Systematic questioning about symptoms, history, and lifestyle.
The Ten Questions
- Chills and fever
- Perspiration
- Head and body
- Chest and abdomen
- Food and taste
- Defecation and urination
- Sleep
- Ears and eyes
- Past history
- Present symptoms
切 Palpation (Touching)
Feeling the pulse and palpating the body.
Pulse Positions and Corresponding Organs
| Left Cun | Heart |
|---|---|
| Left Guan | Liver |
| Left Chi | Kidney Yin |
| Right Cun | Lung |
| Right Guan | Spleen |
| Right Chi | Kidney Yang |
Pulse Qualities and Their Indications
| Floating | Exterior conditions |
|---|---|
| Deep | Interior conditions |
| Slow | Cold patterns |
| Rapid | Heat patterns |
| Empty | Deficiency |
| Full | Excess |
| Slippery | Phlegm, pregnancy |
| Wiry | Liver problems, pain |
Note: TCM diagnosis requires extensive training. Always consult qualified practitioners for accurate diagnosis and treatment.