Preface

Acting as a bridge connecting basic knowledge with clinical practice, the subject of Diagnostics in Chinese Medicine is a requisite course set for students from all majors of Chinese medicine. However, it is known for being difficult to completely understand and fully grasp. Since the diagnostic methods involve both fundamental theory and clinical knowledge and experience of various departments, it is difficult for students to grasp their depth by having just captured the fundamental theories. Its vast knowledge is also difficult to grasp since it covers all fields of medical expertise, which are rarely connected to each other in biomedicine. Therefore, this book is arranged in a highly comprehensive way and includes numerous complete figures and tables. In general, the tables list diagnostic methods and principles and relate them to concrete signs and symptoms as well as different disease's syndrome differentiation. Their connection to the diagnostic system is also significantly emphasised. The content of this complex information was put into simple and straightforward vocabulary to increase the understanding and comprehension of the readers.

Designed for overseas students, the main contents of this book include: the four diagnostic methods in Chinese medicine, pattern differentiation according to the eight principles, pattern differentiation according to pathogenic factors, pattern differentiation according to qi, blood and body fluids, pattern differentiation according tozang-fu organs, and other types of pattern differentiation. In addition, the comprehensive application of the four diagnostic methods with pattern differentiation, case record writing, a training course for the four diagnostic methods, as well as a case study are involved, too. This book is written based on the national textbooks of Chinese medicine in China, and combined with the National Elaborate Course given by Professor Chen Jia-xu at Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, to clearly explain the diagnostic principles in order to stimulate faster learning and deepen the understanding of the complicated concepts and principles. In order to facilitate teaching and studying, a DVD is attached which vividly presents various images of the inspection examination.

To continually increase the quality of this manual, I always welcome and greatly appreciate the opinions and corrections from the readers and experts of the field. I also would like to express my sincere gratitude to all who provided assistance and guidance in the compilation of this edition.

Prof. Chen Jia-xu Ph.D. TCM

Beijing University of CM

2019