Keep Your Fingers On the Pulse: Chinese Medical Diagnostic Methods

Wednesday, February 9th, 2011, 5:30-7pm

Greenstar’s Meeting Room
Amanda Lewis, L.Ac


In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the basic methods for learning about a patient’s health are called the “Four Examinations.” These include inspection, listening and smelling, inquiry, and palpation.

1. Inspection involves looking at the patient’s body size and shape, the color of their skin, tongue, and general appearance.

2. Listening and smelling refer to observance of the patient’s voice, expressions, breath, and any noticeable sounds or smells.

3. Inquiry requires talking with the patient about their health history, current symptoms, and the development of their primary health concerns.

4. Palpation generally refers to pulse taking and palpation of relevant parts of the body.


In this class, Amanda will provide a detailed survey of how these examinations are carried out, and how the data obtained is correlated to make an accurate diagnosis.

We’ll take a brief tour through Greenstar at the end of the class to locate any supplements and foods that were mentioned.