Diagnostic methods and aims:
In Tibetan medicine, a diagnosis is made by various techniques such as
- Pulse reading
- Urine analysis
- Constitutional identifies
- Equalisation of a position of body, mind, and energy
Pulse reading
Diagnosis is made through the pulse, by touching the skin, muscles, and bones, and by examining the patient’s condition, which points to the three energies. Pulse reading is the essential method of diagnosis employed in Tibetan medicine. The physician’s expertise is crucial in this process, as they must ensure that a set of preconditions is met before proceeding with a pulse diagnosis. This involves the doctor placing the index, middle, and ring fingers on the patient’s radial arteries.
The Amchi, a traditional Tibetan physician, examines the patient’s left hand using their right hand, a key step in the diagnostic process.
a. The tip of the index finger on the right side detects heart diseases, and on the left side, intestinal disorders.
b. The tip of the middle finger on the right side detects diseases affecting the spleen, and on the left side, stomach diseases.
c. The tip of the ring finger on the right side detects left kidney diseases, and on the left side, hormonal & genetic disorders.
The patient’s right hand was examined by the left hand of the Amchi.
d. The right tip of the index finger detects lung diseases, and the left side of the finger affects the large intestine.
e., the right tip of the middle finger detects liver diseases, and the left side detects diseases related to bile/gall bladder imbalance.
f. The right tip of the ring finger detects right-sided kidney diseases, and the left-sided conditions affect the urinary bladder.
g. additional pulses, such as cognitional, prognostication, seasonal, wondrous, life duration/life force pulse, and spirits pulse, should be determined under particular conditions.
The right-hand pulse should be examined first in female patients, and the left-hand pulse first in male patients. This is because the tip of the female heart is tilted towards the right, and vice versa with males.
Urine analysis
Urine is like a mirror; the physician can detect imbalances through the color of the urine, vapor, bubbles, sediments, odor, and scum. Therefore, urine must be analyzed with complete preliminary preparation.
Tongue observation
The tongue will be red, dry, and rough in a wind disorder. In a bile disorder, the tongue will be covered by a thick, pale yellow coating of phlegm. In phlegm disorder, the tongue will have a pale, thick layer of inactivity and a dull, smooth, and moist texture.
Anamnesis/questioning
a. determining the causative factors.
b. determining the present symptoms and medication.
c. determining the dietary habits, lifestyle, and stress level.
d. studying the cause and condition of the illness.
e. studying the signs and symptoms.
f. studying their diet, physical, and stress levels they have experienced.