Brigitte, Author at Health press

Diagnosis in TCM

by Brigitte | 2121,Mar, 2025 | medical, medicaltcm

difficulty 25% 25%

other language [switcher_langue]

An ancient and subtle art

In a small consultation room bathed in subdued light, Maître Liang, an elderly practitioner of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), is carefully observing his patient. Not a word has yet been exchanged, but already many clues are revealing themselves before his trained eyes. Because in TCM, diagnosis is an art as subtle as it is profound, going far beyond the apparent symptoms.

A legacy of Chinese wisdom

Traditional Chinese medicine does not simply identify an illness; it seeks to understand the individual as a whole. Every pain, every sensation, every bodily change is perceived as a message from the body, revealing a deeper imbalance.

Qi, the vital energy that circulates through the meridians, blood and body fluids, must flow harmoniously.

When an imbalance arises, the body speaks… You just have to know how to listen.

Observation (望诊, Wàng zhěn)

First of all, without saying a word, Maître Liang observes every detail:

The complexion and colour of his patient’s face, which mirrors his internal state.

The tongue, a veritable map of the organs, whose colour, shape and coating reveal any imbalances.

The eyes, skin and nails, which provide information about vitality and the state of the Blood.

Auscultation (闻诊, Wén zhěn)

Experience has also taught him to listen and feel. For example, the voice will be weak when there is a deficiency of Qi. It will be hoarse or loud if there is too much fluid.

He observes whether breathing is fluid or, on the contrary, jerky or wheezy.

Similarly, strong body odour is a sign of excessive heat or digestive problems.

La Palpation (切诊, Qiè zhěn)

Puis vient la palpation. Celle-ci recouvre notamment :

- La prise des pouls (脉诊, Mài zhěn), qui révèle l’état des organes en évaluant profondeur, rythme et force des battements.
- La palpation des points d’acupuncture, dont la sensibilité traduit des blocages énergétiques.
- La palpation du corps. En effet la température et la texture de la peau sont révélatrices de l’état du Yin et du Yang.

Palpation (切诊, Qiè zhěn)

Next comes palpation. This includes :

Taking the pulse (脉诊, Mài zhěn), which reveals the state of the organs by assessing the depth, rhythm and strength of the beats.

Palpation of acupuncture points, whose sensitivity reflects energy blockages.

Palpation of the body. The temperature and texture of the skin reveal the state of Yin and Yang.

Interview (问诊, Wèn zhěn)

Now that he has a general idea of the situation, Master Liang asks his patient a few questions about :

His medical and emotional history.
Lifestyle: diet, sleep, sources of stress, etc.
Body sensations: pain, shivering, digestion, elimination.

Un diagnostic personnalisé

Enfin, Maître Liang ferme un instant les yeux et réfléchit… il analyse :

La nature générale du déséquilibre : plutôt Yin ou plutôt Yang.
Le niveau d’atteinte du déséquilibre : Superficiel ou Profond.
La présence d’un excès de chaleur ou de froid. Il se peut qu’il s’agisse du contraire d’ailleurs, on parle de manque, de vide ou d’insuffisance. Il en va de même pour l’énergie.

Chaque diagnostic est unique. Un même symptôme peut avoir plusieurs origines, et seul un regard minutieux permet d’identifier la cause profonde.

Un Traitement Sur-Mesure

En recoupant les informations recueillies à travers ces différentes étapes, Maître Liang pose son diagnostic et met en place une stratégie de traitement pour rétablir l’harmonie :

L’acupuncture viendra débloquer les méridiens et relancer la circulation du Qi.
La pharmacopée chinoise prescrira plantes et minéraux pour rétablir l’équilibre.
L’alimentation thérapeutique ajustera la diète pour renforcer les organes déficients.
Le Qi Gong et le Tai Chi permettront de faire circuler l’énergie.

A personalised diagnosis

Finally, Master Liang closes his eyes for a moment and thinks… he analyses:

The general nature of the imbalance: Yin or Yang.

The extent of the imbalance: Superficial or Profound.

The presence of excess heat or cold. It may be the opposite, in fact; we speak of lack, emptiness or insufficiency. The same applies to energy.

Each diagnosis is unique. The same symptom can have several origins, and only a careful look can identify the root cause.

Tailor-made treatment

By cross-referencing the information gathered through these different stages, Maître Liang makes his diagnosis and puts in place a treatment strategy to restore harmony:

Acupuncture will unblock the meridians and restore the circulation of Qi.

Chinese pharmacopoeia will prescribe plants and minerals to restore balance.

Therapeutic nutrition will adjust the diet to strengthen deficient organs.

Qi Gong and Tai Chi will help to get the energy flowing.

The Pulse Melody

Among all these methods, pulse-taking (see box) takes pride of place. Three positions and two levels (superficial and deep) are analysed on each wrist, providing invaluable information about the organs and meridians.

Like a musician tuning his instrument, he listens to the melody of the beats, looking for the discordant note.

As you will have gathered, for Maître Liang, diagnosis is much more than a simple clinical examination; it’s an in-depth reading of the body, an interpretation of the signs that the body is constantly sending out. Every patient is an enigma, every consultation a journey through the body’s energy flows.

By understanding these subtleties, we realise that Chinese medicine is an art, an art of listening, observing and seeking harmony in all its complexity.

Pulse diagnosis

Chinese pulse taking, or mai zhen (脈診), is a fundamental diagnostic method in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Its origins date back thousands of years, with ancient texts such as the Huangdi Neijing (黃帝內經) describing its principles.

This technique was developed during the Han Dynasty (206 BC – 23 AD) at a time when respect and modesty required doctors to keep physical contact to a minimum (especially with the Empress!).

Through 6 pairs of points spread over 3 areas of each wrist and on 2 levels (superficial and deep), the practitioner listens to the harmony and quality of the pulsations like a musician checking a well-tuned instrument.

The practitioner palpates the radial artery at the wrist, in three positions (cun, guan, chi) corresponding to different organs. He assesses the depth, rhythm, strength, shape and other characteristics of the pulse, which provide information about energy imbalances and the possible presence of pathogenic factors.

There are 28 forms of pulse (slippery, rough, tense, etc.) classified into 4 categories: deep or superficial; fast or slow; long or short; thin or wide.

Pulse measurement is used in conjunction with other diagnostic methods (observation, questioning, palpation) to establish a complete energy balance.

It is particularly useful for assessing the functions of internal organs and the state of Qi, blood and body fluids.

Taking a pulse is a complex skill, a subtle art that requires a great deal of practice and fine-tuned listening skills.

Traditional doctor in 2025

by Brigitte | 2323,Feb, 2025 | Health for everyone

difficulty 25% 25%

Attitude, skills and preparation

In an age of ultra-technological medicine and advances in artificial intelligence, the role of the traditional doctor remains more essential than ever. In 2025, these practitioners draw on ancestral knowledge, sometimes combining it with modern approaches. But above all, they remain holistic healers.

The preparation of the traditional doctor, whether mental, physical or spiritual, is the key to his effectiveness and to his helping relationship with his patient. It is a form of personal ethics.

An attitude based on listening and humility

The traditional doctor is not simply a health technician. He is first and foremost a guide, an advisor and sometimes even a confidant. His role goes beyond simply prescribing natural remedies. He adopts an attitude based on :

Active listening: he takes the time to welcome and understand the patient as a whole (personal history, emotions, environment).
Humility: he recognizes the limits of his knowledge and remains open to new discoveries, without allowing himself to be locked into rigid thinking.
A benevolent energy: his attitude must reassure, soothe and inspire confidence, so that his patient believes in his ability to heal. A true traditional doctor radiates a serenity that already contributes to healing.

Skills: between ancestral knowledge and modernity

In 2025, the traditional doctor will need to possess a wide range of knowledge, far beyond that of medicinal plants.

Mastery of natural medicines: phytotherapy, aromatherapy, acupuncture, therapeutic massage, holistic nutrition.
Knowledge of energetics: work on meridians, chakra harmonization, magnetism and vibratory frequency healing.
Ability to analyze the human body: pulse reading, tongue observation, palpation, diagnosis based on visible and invisible signs.
Psychology and spiritual guidance: he understands the importance of the emotions, the mind and the spiritual dimension in healing, and knows how to guide the patient towards inner balance.

Rigorous mental preparation

A good traditional doctor doesn’t just treat others: he must first and foremost be in harmony with himself. His mental preparation rests on several pillars:

Daily meditation: to maintain a clear mind and sharp intuition.
Energy practices: Tai Chi, Qi Gong or yoga to reinforce your own vibratory balance.
Developing intuition: working with nature, dreams and subtle sensations.
Stress management: breathing techniques, purification rituals (incense, energy baths, spiritual fasting).

A peaceful mind enables the therapist to perceive imbalances in others and transmit healing energy. In fact, the higher his vibratory frequency, the more powerful his help will be.

A strong and balanced body

A traditional doctor is a living example of health. His lifestyle must be aligned with the principles he teaches his patients:

Natural, living food: unprocessed, nutrient-rich, seasonal foods.
Regular physical exercise: martial arts, nature walks, swimming – anything that strengthens the body without exhausting it.
Rest and natural cycles: respect your biological clock and avoid excess.
Purification rituals: saunas, herbal baths, sweating practices to eliminate toxins if necessary.

A healthy environment connected to Nature

Unlike Western medicine, which is often practiced in a sterile, even cold environment, the traditional doctor knows that the environment plays an essential role in healing. He favors :

A warm consultation setting with natural light, close to nature whenever possible.
The use of natural elements in his treatments: spring water, clay, essential oils, sounds and vibrations.
Contact with lunar and solar cycles to optimize his treatments.

A doctor of the future serving the knowledge of the past

In 2025, the traditional doctor is a bridge between ancient knowledge and the realities of the modern world. They do not necessarily reject technology, but prefer a human, preventive and natural approach. Their strength lies in their mental and physical preparation, which enables them to be aligned and effective caregivers.

In 2025, the traditional doctor is a bridge between ancient knowledge and the realities of the modern world. They do not necessarily reject technology, but they favour a human, preventive and natural approach. Their strength lies in their mental and physical preparation, which enables them to be aligned and effective caregivers.

It is through his own inner balance that he can pass on to his patients the conditions for true healing.

The doctor’s oath

Many doctors in Western medicine still take their oath on an adaptation of the Hippocratic Oath, the Declaration of Geneva (1946), a text that is regularly updated.

It is interesting to note that it includes a commitment by doctors to take care of their own health, a notion that did not appear in Hippocrates’ oath: “I will take care of my own health, well-being and education in order to provide irreproachable care”.

Physician’s Oath or Declaration of Geneva

‘As a member of the medical profession,

I solemnly undertake to devote my life to the service of humanity;

I will consider the health and well-being of my patient as my first priority;

I will respect my patient’s autonomy and dignity;

I will ensure the utmost respect for human life;

I will not allow considerations of age, illness or disability, creed, ethnic origin, gender, nationality, political affiliation, race, sexual orientation, social status or any other factor to come between my duty and my patient;

I will respect the secrets entrusted to me, even after the death of my patient;

I will practise my profession with conscience and dignity, in accordance with good medical practice;

I will uphold the honour and noble traditions of the medical profession;

I will show due respect and recognition to my teachers, colleagues and students;

I will share my medical knowledge for the benefit of the patient and the advancement of health care;

I will look after my own health and well-being and maintain my training in order to provide irreproachable care;

I will not use my medical knowledge to infringe human rights and civil liberties, even under duress;

I make these promises on my honour, solemnly, freely.’

Foods and colors

by Brigitte | 2222,Jan, 2025 | Health for everyone

difficulty 25% 25%

A balanced diet with colors

Color has always played an important role in human life. Indeed, colors have an impact on our body and mind through the vibration they emanate. “Every color excites a particular disposition in the soul” wrote Goethe.

Some, like blue, are known to stimulate and encourage creativity. Others have soothing virtues. Interior designers, like Feng Shui masters, use them to design their living spaces.

When it comes to food, colors also have their say. In fact, colors play more than just an aesthetic role. They reveal nutritional and energetic properties that influence our physical and mental health, and therefore our well-being.

Traditional Chinese medicine has taken colors into account in its dietetics. Recently, phytochemistry has also explored the composition of the various natural pigments that color our fruits and vegetables. And it demonstrates their nutritional value. The study of these two approaches proves the value of putting more color on our plates.

The TCM approach

Chinese dietetics has always been interested in colors, as well as flavors, food textures and so on. It has classified foods by color according to the theory of the Five Elements. Each color is associated with a season and two organs.

Green – Wood (Spring)

Organs: Liver and gallbladder
Green is associated with growth, renewal and upward energy. Green vegetables such as spinach, broccoli and kale support the liver by detoxifying the body and stimulating circulation.

Red – Fire (Summer)

Organs: Heart and small intestine
Red symbolizes warmth and vitality. Red foods, such as tomatoes, strawberries and red peppers, strengthen the heart and promote blood circulation. They also provide an energizing boost.

Yellow – Earth (Late summer)

Organs: Spleen and stomach
Yellow foods (squash, corn, sweet potato) stimulate digestion and support the energy of the spleen, which is considered the main source of vital energy in TCM.

White – Metal (Autumn)

Organs: Lungs and large intestine
White is associated with purity and refinement. White foods, such as turnips, garlic and cauliflower, strengthen the immune system and support the lungs.

Black or violet – Water element (Winter)

Organs: Kidneys and bladder
Black represents depth and rest. Black foods, such as black beans, black mushrooms or black sesame, nourish the kidneys and promote regeneration.

This energetic approach to color allows us to choose foods according to seasonal rhythms and the body’s internal needs.

The phytochemical approach

The vibrant colors of fruits and vegetables are due to natural pigments, which are also bioactive compounds with health-promoting properties. Interestingly, as with TCM, they’re not just there to look pretty. Here are some of the main families of pigments and their effects on our health.

Carotenoids (red, orange, yellow): Found in carrots, pumpkins, mangoes, etc., they are rich in antioxidants and contribute to eye and immune health.

Flavonoids (blue, violet, yellow): Abundant in blueberries, grapes, eggplants, citrus fruits, etc., they have anti-inflammatory properties; they strengthen blood vessels and protect against premature aging.

Chlorophyll (green): Found in green leafy vegetables, it promotes detoxification and healthy blood.

Lycopene (red): Found in tomatoes, watermelons and pink grapefruit. This powerful antioxidant is recognized for its protective properties against cardiovascular disease and certain cancers, notably prostate cancer.

Anthocyanins (blue, violet, dark red): Found in blueberries, black grapes and eggplants, these water-soluble pigments prevent neurodegenerative diseases and promote better cognitive health. They also have anti-inflammatory properties.

It’s interesting to note that these two approaches, however far apart they may be, converge on a common observation. Paying more attention to color in the composition of our meals ensures an optimal intake of nutrients. This in turn improves the overall balance of our organism.

Colors thus provide a wide range of benefits for our health and balance. What’s more, through their visual impact, colors also have the virtue of whetting our appetites and delighting our senses.

The five colors of TCM

Holistic medicine

by Brigitte | 2727,Dec, 2024 | Health for everyone

difficulty 25% 25%

A global mind-body approach

Holistic medicine encompasses all approaches to health care that focus on the individual as a whole. The word “holistic” comes from the Greek “holos”, meaning “whole” and “entire”.

Holistic medicine looks beyond symptoms and illnesses. Its diagnosis focuses on the various facets that make up the individual: body, emotions, psyche, environment, etc. It considers the individual as a whole.

In fact, it considers that an individual cannot be treated effectively without taking into account all the factors that influence him or her, including history, environment, quality of relationships…

Holistic medicine looks for the root cause of observed disorders.

Ancient medicines

If we go back in time and look at ancient medicine, we find this holistic aspect. Indeed, the spiritual dimension of the human being plays an essential role. And the relationship with a God or divinities is essential to healing.

In ancient times, the first medical practices were related to the priestly sphere. Religious and even magical rituals formed the core of therapeutic aspects in the most ancient societies.

Of course, the use of medicinal plants can be found in all traditional cultures. Written sources and iconographic representations evoke healers who are often priests, shamans and doctors all rolled into one. They are multi-faceted figures.

Traditional medicines

Many traditional medicines have endured through the ages. They all have this holistic dimension in common.

These include:

Chinese medicine,
Ayurvedic medicine (India),
African medicine,
Native American medicine,
Traditional European medicine (phytotherapy),
Tibetan medicine,
Traditional Japanese medicine (Kampo),
Aboriginal medicine.

These medicines continue to be widely practised around the world, some as a complement to conventional medicine, others as the main system of care. They are based on ancestral knowledge handed down from generation to generation.

Without going into the specifics of each of these medicines, there are some common notions:

Harmony between man, nature and spiritual forces,
The use of medicinal plants,
The importance of overall energy balance.

In Europe, naturopathy was developed in the 19th century on the basis of these ancestral medicines.

“Instead of focusing on the symptoms of disease, holistic therapy treats the human being on six levels: physical, emotional, mental, socio-cultural, environmental and spiritual,” explains Daniel Kieffer, founder of the Collège Européen de Naturopathie Traditionnelle Holistique (CENATHO).

Disease prevention

Holistic medicine naturally includes prevention. Indeed, although it can “repair”, it is first and foremost there to enable the patient to regain balance and remain in good health.

Illness is seen as the result of disharmony. Yet the body’s capacity for self-healing is akin to the natural search for balance. This is a key factor in holistic medicine. And that’s why it focuses on the individual, not the disease itself.

This means that the holistic doctor also plays an advisory role. In this way, he or she guides the patient towards a more appropriate lifestyle (diet, exercise, even emotional management…).

Finally, in a holistic conception of health, the patients do not delegate responsibility for his or her own health to the doctor. On the contrary, they are invited and encouraged to take charge of their own health, and become the main players in it.

Attentive listening

A holistic approach focuses on an individual’s overall well-being. That’s why therapists listen sensitively to their patients, so as to hear them beyond the ailments they verbalize.

This quality of listening presupposes an attentive and benevolent attitude. It requires taking the necessary time. In this way, the holistic therapist creates a relationship of trust that is conducive to healing.

Holistic medicine also recognizes that each patient is unique. While two patients may often present similar symptoms, the root cause may be entirely different for each.

Natural techniques

Holistic medicine encompasses a wide variety of healing tools, including:

herbal prescriptions in various forms,
manual techniques (energy massage, magnetism),
acupuncture,
aromatherapy,
homeopathy, etc.

They also include recommendations on diet, environmental quality, the practice of qi gong or meditation, breathing techniques and so on.

They use 100% natural, non-invasive techniques.

In tune with the times

Today, more and more people are turning to these holistic medicines. They’re in with the times.

Indeed, there is a growing interest in organic and local food, permaculture and other eco-responsible farming methods. More and more people are taking charge of their own health through practices such as yoga, sport, meditation, fasting and the use of essential oils. Many are returning to the countryside, and working towards energy and food self-sufficiency.

However, holistic medicine is naturally rooted in a tradition in which Nature is central. Man is part of an ecosystem on which he is interdependent (climate, food, air and water quality, etc.). These holistic medicines are therefore naturally ecological, since they aim to achieve a better balance between man and his natural environment, a source of good health.

A healthy habitat

As we have seen, the patient’s environment plays a role in his or her health. The home is a particularly important factor, as it’s where patients spend time, sleep and recharge their batteries.

This is why the health of our homes and living spaces has given rise to disciplines that are arts in their own right. These include feng shui and geobiology.

Feng Shui

Feng Shui is an ancestral Chinese art that aims to harmonize the energies of a space to promote the well-being, prosperity and health of its occupants. It is based on the principles of Qi (vital energy), yin and yang, and the five elements (wood, fire, earth, metal, water). Feng Shui analyzes the layout of rooms, the arrangement of furniture and the external environment.

After a very detailed analysis, the Feng Shui master makes a sort of diagnosis and suggests adjustments. These aim to improve energy circulation, avoid energy blockages in the home, and seek balance in the various aspects of life (love, work, health, prosperity…). This holistic discipline sees the home as a reflection of inner balance.

Geobiology

Geobiology is the study of environmental influences on living beings. This discipline explores telluric radiation (underground watercourses, geological faults) and the vibratory energies emanating from the Earth. It also studies the impact of artificial electromagnetic fields generated by electricity, WiFi and other antennas located close to home.

The aim is to detect and neutralize zones that are harmful to health, using tools ranging from pendulums and divining rods to electronic detectors. Here too, the geobiologist will make the necessary corrections to re-establish a balance more conducive to the health of local residents.

Tongue examination

by Brigitte | 2323,Nov, 2024 | medical, medicaltcm

difficulty 25% 25%

An essential TCM diagnostic tool

Chinese physicians make extensive use of tongue examination. It forms an integral part of his diagnostic tools, along with observation, questioning, palpation and pulse taking. This tongue examination is based on a holistic vision of the human body as unified and harmonious, with each organ and function interdependent. In this context, the tongue is seen as a microcosm of the body.

The ancient Chinese observed that by examining the tongue, one could gain insight into the state of the internal organs and meridians. Classical texts of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), such as the Huangdi Neijing – The Yellow Emperor’s Internal Classic – explain that the tongue reflects the individual’s Qi (vital energy) and Blood. The shape, color and texture of the tongue reveal information about the health of internal organs such as the heart, spleen, liver, lungs and kidneys.

This diagnosis, which dates back thousands of years, helps to understand energy imbalances in the body. This approach makes the tongue examination a fundamental pillar in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for assessing a person’s overall health.

What can we see on the tongue?

By observing the tongue, we can assess the deep roots of the body and mind at the origin of energetic imbalances detrimental to health.

The tongue of a healthy, “normal” individual is bright. It is light red in color and supple. It is neither swollen nor too thin, has no cracks, and should not tremble when pulled. The coating is thin and slightly white, a little thicker behind the tongue. The tongue is slightly moist, but not overly so; no traces of liquid should be visible. The sublingual veins (under the tongue) should not be swollen or too purplish.

In this way, the Chinese doctor diagnoses the state of the organs according to the color of the tongue, its shape, the state of the body fluids, as well as thermal syndromes.

A map of internal organs

Location of internal organs: The tongue is divided into zones corresponding to the various internal organs. For example, the tip of the tongue is associated with the heart, while the center represents the spleen and stomach.

Color: The color of the tongue reflects the state of Qi and Blood in the body. A pale tongue may indicate a deficiency of Qi or Blood, while a bright red tongue could suggest excess heat in the body.

State of body fluids: The appearance of the lingual coating (the layer on the surface of the tongue) reveals the state of fluids in the body. A thick or absent coating may indicate fluid stagnation or dryness.

Thermal syndromes: the color, texture and structure of the tongue help determine whether the disease is caused by excess heat or cold in the body.

Benefits of the tongue examination

Tongue examination offers several advantages for TCM diagnosis:

It is non-invasive. The examination allows practitioners to gather information about internal health without the need for intrusive tests.
The assessment is holistic. In effect, the state of the whole body through a single organ is examined. The language reflects the health of the various systems, enabling a global assessment.

It gives precisions to the energetic diagnosis. The different aspects of the tongue enable us to diagnose specific imbalances, such as excess heat or cold, Qi stagnation and blood deficiencies.

A powerful aid to follow-up. Observing the tongue enables us to monitor the consultant’s progress. It enables us to see the progress of a treatment and to adjust care according to visible changes.

It’s fair to say, then, that the examination of the tongue in TCM is an art. This refinement in the art of healing provides access to a subtle understanding of internal imbalances. Mastery of this art is a powerful tool for interpreting the body’s signs. Complementing the other axes of diagnosis, it reinforces the link between external signs and energetic health.

Key observation points

During the examination, several aspects of the language are analyzed, each revealing valuable information about the individual’s internal state.

Clinical case

A consultant’s tongue is slightly bluish, with a thick, moist yellow coating. There is also a crack in the center of the tongue. The pulse resembles a kind of elusive wave to the touch, and is said to be slippery. (A slippery pulse is fluid, like water flowing under the fingers. It often has a livelier cadence that reinforces the impression of continuous movement).

What is this person suffering from, and how can it be treated?

In Chinese medicine, a slippery pulse (滑脉, huá mài) associated with a thick, moist, yellow lingual coating often indicates an accumulation of moisture and heat, especially in the spleen and stomach.

A bluish tinge to the tongue, on the other hand, may indicate blood or qi stagnation, often linked to cold or disrupted qi circulation. The central fissure is generally linked to weakened spleen and stomach energy, which may be exacerbated by humidity and heat blocking their function.

Based on these signs, it seems likely that the person is suffering from what is known as a “humidity-heat syndrome” with a deficiency of the spleen and stagnation of qi or blood.

Principles of treatment

Treatment would aim to:

Eliminate humidity and heat from the body.
Strengthen the spleen to restore its capacity for transformation and transport.
Circulate qi to relieve stagnation.