How does TCM Diagnose and Treat Illness?
How Does Traditional Chinese Medicine Diagnose and Treat Illness?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approaches the diagnosis and treatment of illness through a unique system of theories and practices. These include dialectical methods such as the concepts of Yin and Yang, the Five Elements, the Eight Principles, and the Six Stages, alongside diagnostic techniques like pulse diagnosis, tongue diagnosis, abdominal diagnosis, eye diagnosis, and hand diagnosis. TCM aims to identify and address imbalances in the body’s internal energy, or Qi, and restore harmony through treatments such as acupuncture and herbal medicine. Once the internal balance is restored, the body can heal itself from illness.
However, as previously discussed, the effectiveness of TCM is heavily dependent on the practitioner. While TCM theories are well-established, the application and outcomes can vary significantly depending on the practitioner’s skill and understanding. Each practitioner may adopt different approaches in terms of acupuncture points and herbal prescriptions, leading to varying degrees of success.
To illustrate the TCM approach, let’s look at two clinical cases: one involving acupuncture and the other herbal medicine.
Case 1: Acupuncture for Sciatica
A 65-year-old Vietnamese female patient complained of right-sided sciatica for over two months, with a pain level of 7-8 out of 10. The pain and numbness radiated to the inside of her foot, making walking difficult. Pulse diagnosis revealed a wiry and rapid pulse.
From a TCM perspective, the pain location followed the Gallbladder meridian, and the pulse indicated Liver Qi stagnation transforming into heat. The Liver and Gallbladder are internally-externally related, so my treatment involved using a single acupuncture point, Huantiao (GB30), which is commonly used for sciatica on the Gallbladder meridian. Since there was heat, I used a reducing technique.
Initially, the patient was skeptical because I only used one needle, unlike previous acupuncturists who needled all the painful areas. However, I focused on addressing the core issue with precision. After the treatment, the patient experienced significant pain relief.
Why did the pain decrease or even disappear? In TCM, the concept of meridians suggests that blockages cause pain and numbness. By selecting the right acupuncture point and unblocking the meridian, the stagnation was relieved, and the pain reduced. This process does not rely on Western medical theories, and while the scientific community has not universally validated the existence of meridians, the clinical efficacy of acupuncture is undeniable.
Case 2: Herbal Medicine for Multiple Symptoms
A man in his 50s, of Chinese descent, presented with a variety of symptoms: cough with phlegm, frequent urination, low libido, poor mood, chest tightness, poor sleep, lack of appetite, acid reflux, high blood pressure, hay fever, and psoriasis. Treating these symptoms individually in Western medicine would require visits to multiple specialists.
In TCM, his condition was diagnosed as complex, involving Liver Qi stagnation, exterior cold, Kidney deficiency, blood stasis, and phlegm in the Lungs. I prescribed a combination of classical herbal formulas targeting these patterns, and the patient saw improvement in all symptoms. Notably, I did not specifically treat his psoriasis, acid reflux, or high blood pressure, but he reported significant improvements in these areas as well.
Why did this happen? External symptoms and diseases often share underlying internal imbalances. By identifying and addressing the core imbalances, related conditions, such as those affecting the skin, digestive system, and cardiovascular system, also improved. This holistic approach is a hallmark of TCM.
In conclusion, TCM’s diagnostic process is deeply rooted in its unique methods, such as inquiry, pulse diagnosis, and abdominal diagnosis, which are distinct from Western medical examinations. Through these methods, TCM practitioners identify the root causes of illness and apply personalized treatments to restore balance and health.