TCM E-Learning - Lecture 1 FINAL.pdf

NMT100: TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE – WEEK 3 E-LEARNING LECTURE 1: INTRODUCTION TO TONGUE AND PULSE Author: Dr. Romi Fung, ND, M.Sc, Ph.D (cand.) IN THIS E-LEARNING SERIES Introduction to TCM Tongue and Pulse Application of Tongue and Pulse LEARNING OBJECTIVES Learn the characteristics observed in...

NMT100: TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE – WEEK 3 E-LEARNING LECTURE 1: INTRODUCTION TO TONGUE AND PULSE Author: Dr. Romi Fung, ND, M.Sc, Ph.D (cand.) IN THIS E-LEARNING SERIES Introduction to TCM Tongue and Pulse Application of Tongue and Pulse LEARNING OBJECTIVES Learn the characteristics observed in tongue diagnosis Learn the basics of pulse palpation WHY TONGUE AND PULSE? Observation of the tongue and pulse palpation is a pillar of diagnosis Tongue diagnosis is remarkably reliable; reflection of the true condition of the body The tongue's appearance is useful for monitoring the improvement or decline of your patient's condition The pulse is also able to assess what is happening internally LET'S TAKE A LOOK! TONGUE DIAGNOSIS EXAMINING THE TONGUE Body Colour Body Shape Tongue Coating Tongue Moisture Spirit/Shen TONGUE BODY COLOUR Colour of the tongue itself, beneath the coating Reflects the condition of the Yin Organs, Blood and Nutritive Qi Reflects the true condition of the body irrespective of temporary conditions (e.g. physical exertion or emotions) TONGUE COLOUR? TONGUE BODY SHAPE Not just the physical contours of the tongue Consistency, texture and mobility Observing whether the tongue is thin or swollen, long or short, and whether specific parts of the tongue are swollen Features of the tongue TONGUE SHAPE? TONGUE COATING AKA. Fur or moss Consists of the tips of the papillae Physiological by-product of the stomach’s digestion Tongue coating can provide information about variety of internal conditions TONGUE COATING? TONGUE MOISTURE Indication of the body’s fluids A tongue can be dry, moist, or wet TONGUE MOISTURE? THE NORMAL TONGUE Colour: Pale red and ‘freshlooking’ Shape: Supple, neither too flabby nor too stiff. Not cracked, does not tremble or quiver when extended, and neither swollen nor thin. Coating: Thin and white Moisture: Slightly moist, neither too dry nor too wet. Spirit/Shen: Radiant, brilliant PULSE DIAGNOSIS The state of balance of the body as a whole, i.e. the state of the Qi, Blood, Yin and Yang, and even the constitution. The state of individual Organs (esp. Yin Organs). PULSE DIAGNOSIS TCM practitioners feel the pulse and note the rate. Feel for width or amplitude, length, how close it is to the surface, how deep and close to the bone, the strength, and other qualities. TAKING THE PULSE 3 fingers on the radial artery of your patient Patient should be: Relaxed; neither tense nor flaccid Middle finger at the level of styloid process TAKING THE PULSE What you looking for: Rate (How fast or how slow) Strength (How strong or how weak) Fullness (How thick or how thin) Location REFERENCES Maciocia, G. (2021). Tongue Diagnosis in Chinese Medicine. Third Edition. Maciocia, G. (2015). The Foundations Of Chinese Medicine A Comprehensive Text. 3rd Edition.