TCM Diagnosis

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), diagnosis is based on dialogue, observation, and detailed pulse and tongue analysis. These measures provide precise insights into the flow of energy within the body.

While conventional Western medicine focuses on disorders or diseases of individual organs or areas, TCM considers the person as a whole. This perspective includes all dimensions that affect health: physical condition as well as mental and emotional well-being and the social environment.

Dialogue is an essential part of the diagnosis. The therapist at TCM Töss discusses the patient's health development, disposition, and medical history.

Topics also include sleep, dietary, and work habits, as well as questions about the relationship environment. Observations of the patient's appearance or behavior lead to further significant clues.

In pulse diagnosis, TCM defines three positions on both the left and right wrist where the therapist feels the pulse at different depths. TCM recognizes 28 different pulse qualities, each revealing specific information about your health.

Common pulse characteristics include:

• Tense or wiry - Often indicates stress or liver imbalances
• Slippery - May suggest dampness or phlegm in the body
• Weak or soft - Can indicate deficiency of Qi or blood
• Strong or forceful - May point to excess conditions
• Slow - Often relates to cold or deficiency patterns
• Rapid - Can indicate heat or inflammation
• Deep - Suggests internal or chronic conditions

Each pulse quality helps us understand what's happening inside your body and guides treatment decisions.

Tongue diagnosis analyzes the surface condition of the tongue, including size, color, cracks, elevations, or tooth marks on the tongue body, as well as the coating. These observations can provide insights into organ function and potential dysfunctions.

The clues gathered from dialogue, observations, and analyses form a comprehensive picture of the individual and the distribution of energy in the body. The diagnosis reveals where the flow of Qi is impaired or blocked, and which functional systems are affected. The therapist then uses this information to determine the appropriate treatment methods.

After your comprehensive TCM diagnosis, we typically recommend one or more of these treatments:

• Acupuncture - The most common treatment following diagnosis, using specific points based on your energy imbalances
• Herbal Therapy - Custom herbal formulas tailored to your diagnosed constitution and specific health concerns
• TCM Nutrition - Dietary recommendations based on your body type and diagnosed imbalances for long-term health support

Visit our acupuncture clinic, TCM Töss, in Winterthur Töss to learn more about our holistic diagnostic and treatment methods. Schedule an appointment today and let our experienced therapists take care of you.