Chinese Medicine diagnosis is a journey of understanding your body’s unique imbalances. During your initial consultation, practitioners delve into your health history, seeking to pinpoint the root disharmonies causing your health concerns. This diagnostic process is intricate and refined over years of dedicated study. It’s crucial to understand that experiencing every symptom listed for a particular diagnosis isn’t necessary for identification, and some symptoms carry more weight than others in revealing patterns of disharmony. Often, individuals present with multiple diagnoses, underscoring the importance of seeking guidance from a licensed acupuncturist rather than attempting self-diagnosis based on symptom lists alone.
To grasp the distinct approaches of Western and Chinese medicine in understanding the body, explore the “How can Western medicine and Chinese medicine describe the body in such different ways and both be correct?” section on the Acupuncture FAQ page. This resource provides valuable insights into the divergence in diagnostic perspectives between these two medical systems.
While there isn’t a single, definitive “Chinese Medicine Diagnosis Test” in the way you might think of a Western medical test, the detailed symptom evaluation forms a crucial part of understanding your health from a Chinese Medicine perspective. Below, we explore common patterns of disharmony identified in Chinese Medicine, offering a glimpse into the diagnostic process.
Exploring Common Disharmonies in Chinese Medicine
Spleen Qi Deficiency
Spleen Qi Deficiency, in Chinese Medicine, doesn’t refer to the anatomical spleen but rather a functional energy system responsible for digestion and energy production. Symptoms of this imbalance can manifest in various ways:
- Persistent Fatigue, especially after meals or consuming sweets
- Fluctuating Appetite or diminished appetite
- Strong Cravings for sugary foods or carbohydrates
- Abdominal Distension after eating
- Loose bowel movements or inconsistent bowel habits (alternating between loose stools and constipation)
- Hemorrhoids
- Heightened susceptibility to Allergies and frequent illnesses
- Issues related to Glucose Metabolism, including diabetes, pre-diabetes, hypoglycemia, and insulin resistance
- Hypothyroidism
- Anemia
- Cold extremities (hands and feet)
- Cold sensation in the nose
- A general feeling of heaviness and sluggishness
- Head heaviness or grogginess
- Poor peripheral circulation
- Varicose veins
- Low blood pressure readings
- Dizziness upon standing
- Easy bruising or prolonged bruise healing
- Spontaneous sweating without physical exertion
- Thin, watery, excessive, or pale menstrual flow
- Fatigue experienced around ovulation and/or menstruation
- Spotting before menstruation commences
- Prolapse of pelvic organs such as the uterus or bladder
- Menstrual cramps characterized by a bearing down sensation
- Tendency towards worry or excessive rumination
- Pale or yellowish facial complexion
Liver Qi Stagnation
Liver Qi Stagnation describes a disruption in the smooth flow of Qi (vital energy) within the Liver system, impacting emotions and physical well-being. Indications of Liver Qi Stagnation may include:
- Proneness to Irritability, anger outbursts, frustration, or even rage
- Predisposition to emotional depression
- Pain or discomfort localized to the sides of the abdomen or chest
- Sensation of a lump in the throat, or difficulty swallowing
- Unusual pupil dilation
- Difficulty initiating sleep at night
- Vertical ridges visible on fingernails
- Worsening of symptoms during periods of emotional stress
- Symptom exacerbation around menstruation
- Premenstrual irritability
- Bloating and/or irritability associated with ovulation
- Extended ovulation phase
- Breast tenderness or sensitivity during ovulation
- Nipple pain and/or discharge from the nipple
- Elevated prolactin levels
- Premenstrual bloating
- Menstrual cramps felt in the external genital area
- Menstrual blood that is thick and dark in color
Depressive Heat
Depressive Heat represents a condition where constrained Qi transforms into heat, leading to specific symptoms:
- Extreme irritability and agitation
- Uncomfortable sensation of heat in the chest region
- Bitter taste in the mouth, most pronounced in the morning
- Dryness of the mouth and throat
Blood Deficiency
Blood Deficiency in Chinese Medicine signifies insufficient nourishment and can manifest in outwardly visible signs:
- Pale or dry, brittle nails
- Dryness of the skin
- Chapped lips
- Hair loss
- Reduced visual clarity, particularly at night
- Scanty menstrual flow and/or delayed menstruation (cycles exceeding 32 days, menstruation lasting less than 4 days)
- Dizziness or light-headedness experienced during menstruation
- Pale color of the undersides of the eyelids
- Pale lips
Heart Qi and Blood Deficiency
This pattern involves deficiencies in both Heart Qi and Blood, impacting emotional and mental well-being alongside physical symptoms:
- Insomnia
- Memory impairment
- Heart palpitations, especially during anxiety
- Nightmares
- Low spirits or lack of vitality and energy
- Waking up early in the morning and being unable to fall back asleep
- Excessive sweating, particularly on the chest
- Tendency towards restlessness or agitation
- Proneness to fidgeting
Kidney Qi Deficiency
Kidney Qi Deficiency is associated with aging and weakened vital energy, particularly affecting the lower back and overall vitality:
- Lower back and/or knee pain
- Incontinence (urinary or fecal)
- Copious clear vaginal discharge
- Advanced age (over 60 years)
- Presence of any chronic disease
- History of repeated miscarriages
Kidney Yin Deficiency with Deficiency Heat
Kidney Yin Deficiency with Deficiency Heat combines depleted Yin essence with internal heat signs:
- Night sweats
- Hot flashes or sensation of heat in the chest, palms, or soles of the feet
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- Soreness in the lower back
- Thirst or dry mouth without a strong desire to drink
- Frequent but scant urination, with urine appearing yellow
- Premature graying of hair
- Dark circles under the eyes
- Dry eyes
- Predisposition to fearfulness and anxiety
- Vaginal dryness
Kidney Yang Deficiency
Kidney Yang Deficiency represents a lack of warming and energizing Yang energy, leading to cold signs and fatigue:
- Lower back and/or knee soreness, pain, and/or weakness
- Nocturia (urination more than once during the night)
- Cold feet (distinct from cold hands and feet)
- Low libido
- Predisposition to fearfulness and insecurity
- Loose, urgent bowel movements in the morning
- Premenstrual back pain
- Profuse cervical mucus or vaginal discharge
- Menstrual blood that appears dull in color
- Menstrual cramps that are alleviated by applying heat
Blood Stasis
Blood Stasis indicates impeded blood flow, leading to pain and various physical manifestations:
- Pain that is fixed in location, sharp, and/or severe
- Fixed lumps that are painful to touch
- Worsening of symptoms during nighttime
- Varicose veins, hemangiomas (red moles), and/or spider veins
- Chronic hemorrhoids
- Periodic numbness of hands or feet, particularly at night
- Dark spots in the field of vision
- A complexion with a sooty or dusky hue
- Vascular abnormalities and/or blood clotting disorders
- Lower abdomen that is tender upon palpation
- Abnormal lumps palpable in the lower abdomen
- Mottling of the extremities
- Midcycle ovarian pain
- Black or brown menstrual flow
- Menstrual cramps described as piercing or stabbing
- Presence of blood clots in menstrual flow
- Endometriosis and/or uterine fibroids
Cold Uterus
Cold Uterus is a condition often related to Kidney Yang Deficiency and Blood Stasis, specifically affecting the uterus:
- Presence of signs of Kidney Yang Deficiency and Blood Stasis (as listed above)
- Lower abdomen that feels cold to the touch
Phlegm Dampness
Phlegm Dampness describes an accumulation of dampness and phlegm, leading to sluggishness and various symptoms:
- Fatigue experienced after meals
- Coughing up phlegm
- Post-nasal drip
- Cystic or pustular acne
- Urgent, bright yellow, and/or foul-smelling stools
- Chronic prostate enlargement or prostatitis
- Aching joints, especially aggravated by movement
- Obesity
- Fibrocystic breasts
- Stringy tissue or mucus present in menstrual flow
- Frequent yeast infections and genital itching
Excess Heat
Excess Heat indicates an overabundance of heat in the body, leading to symptoms of overheating and dryness:
- Strong preference for iced beverages
- Frequently feeling warmer compared to others
- Nighttime sweating
- Dryness of the mouth and throat
- Rapid pulse
- Red acne, particularly premenstrually
- Short menstrual cycle (less than 28 days)
- Vaginal irritation or burning sensation
Damp Heat
Damp Heat combines the characteristics of both dampness and excess heat, leading to complex symptoms:
- Presence of signs of dampness and/or excess heat (as listed above)
- Burning sensation in the anus after bowel movements
- Burning sensation during urination
- Nasal discharge that is yellow or yellowish-green
- Chronic prostate enlargement and/or chronic prostatitis
- Vaginal itching and/or inflammation, especially in the two weeks leading up to menstruation
Stomach Fluid Dryness
Stomach Fluid Dryness indicates a lack of fluids in the stomach, leading to dryness and thirst:
- Thirst with a preference for chilled drinks
- Dryness of the mouth and/or throat
- Chapped lips
Stomach Heat
Stomach Heat signifies excessive heat in the stomach, often related to digestion and appetite:
- Strong appetite or hunger returning less than 2 hours after a meal
- Sores in the mouth and/or on the tongue
- Bleeding gums
- Bad breath (halitosis)
Stomach and Intestine Damp Heat
Stomach and Intestine Damp Heat combines dampness and heat in the digestive system, leading to digestive disturbances:
- Burning sensation in the anus after bowel movements
- Loose stools or diarrhea that is either very dark or bright yellow in color
- Very foul-smelling stools
- Urgent or explosive bowel movements
Internal Wind
Internal Wind describes a pattern of erratic movement and neurological symptoms:
- Trembling hands
- Spasms, twitches, or cramps occurring anywhere in the body
- Severe lack of coordination
- Vertigo or motion sickness
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Headache accompanied by vertigo, numbness, spasms, or tingling
- Seizures or after-effects of stroke
- Symptoms that worsen with wind exposure, changes in barometric pressure, or transitioning from lying down to an upright position
Conclusion: Understanding Your Body Through Chinese Medicine
While this overview provides insights into common Chinese Medicine diagnoses and associated symptoms, it’s essential to remember that this is not a substitute for a professional consultation. Think of this information less as a “chinese medicine diagnosis test” and more as a guide to understanding the patterns Chinese Medicine practitioners look for. If you recognize several symptoms that resonate with you, seeking a consultation with a licensed acupuncturist is a valuable step towards personalized diagnosis and treatment. They can conduct a comprehensive assessment, taking into account your unique presentation and health history to create a tailored treatment plan. Understanding these patterns can empower you to engage more deeply in your healthcare journey and appreciate the holistic approach of Chinese Medicine.
