In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the Four Diagnostic Methods are fundamental techniques used by practitioners to assess a patient’s condition. These methods are:

1. Inspection – Observing
This involves visually examining the patient’s facial complexion, body shape, posture, skin, eyes, tongue, and secretions.
Tongue Diagnosis  is a crucial part of inspection. Practitioners observe the tongue color, shape, coating, and moisture to determine internal organ conditions.
Observation of mental state, movement, and breathing also provides clues about Qi, Blood, and organ function.

2. Listening & Smelling – Hearing and Smelling
Listening: The sound of the patient’s voice, breathing, coughing, and other bodily noises can reveal imbalances.
A weak voice may indicate Qi deficiency.
A loud, coarse voice suggests an excess condition.
Smelling: Body odor, breath, and excretions are assessed.
A strong foul odor may indicate Heat.
A rotten smell may be linked to internal organ dysfunction.

3. Inquiry  – Asking
Practitioners ask about symptoms, lifestyle, emotions, medical history, and bodily functions.
The “Ten Questions”  framework is commonly used, covering:
Chills and fever
Sweating
Head and body sensations
Urine and stool
Appetite, thirst, and taste
Chest and abdomen discomfort
Hearing and vision
Sleep
Emotional state
Menstrual and reproductive health (for women)

4. Palpation – Touching
Pulse Diagnosis : Practitioners feel the radial pulse on both wrists, assessing its rate, rhythm, depth, and strength.
There are 28 pulse types, categorized into floating, sinking, slow, rapid, strong, weak, etc.
Abdominal Palpation: Examining the temperature, hardness, or tenderness of the abdomen.
Acupoint Sensitivity: Pressing acupoints or meridians to detect pain, cold, or heat sensations.
By integrating these four methods, TCM practitioners form a holistic diagnosis, identifying patterns of disharmony and guiding treatment strategies.