| Chinese diagnostics Western medicine primarily analyzes the individual parts of the human body. Their interaction is of secondary importance. Traditional Chinese medicine uses the exact opposite approach. It is based on the doctrine of the the Five Phases of Transformation and the Ying-Yang theory, by which all elements of nature are interconnected and influence one another. In Chinese medicine, diagnosis and therapy are mutually dependent. This notion was initially ignored in the West. Instead, all endeavors were directed at attempting to prove the effectiveness of "alternative therapies." However, in the meantime, the interaction of these two factors has established itself in practice so that even the theories on which it is based have been duly recognized. At the core of Chinese medicine - and the philosophy behind it - is the life energy Chi , which flows through the body and soul. Diseases are caused by disruptions to this energy flow. The doctor ascertains them based on eight diagnostic criteria . By employing special diagnostic methodes the doctor looks for causes for the disruptions to the energy flow. The life energy Chi Chi (pronounced "chi" - literally "cosmic energy," "breath," "soul," "power," or "driving force") is the universal power of life that enables all processes of nature. In healthy people, Chi flows evenly and unhindered through the body and soul in two circulatory systems: the "meridians" or "energy channels" guide the flowing Chi. Parallel to this is another circulatory system among the inner organs. There is a close functional link between both energy circulation systems. Chi comes from three "sources" in the human body. It is carried via the breath and absorbed by the lungs ("breath Chi", Yang Chi). It is also produced in the digestion of foodstuffs (acquired Chi, Ying Chi), and it is inherited from the parents ("natal Chi" or source-Chi, Yuan Chi). Within the body, the life energy Chi fulfills important functions: : it is the source of voluntary movement, as well as respiration, the blood circulatory system and the intestines it creates warmth within the body, with which one can measure disruptions it enables psychological activity and vitality, i.e. consciousness, attentiveness, and thought it is responsible for digestion and conversion of foodstuffs it enables the storage of nutrients and the excretion of toxic waste products it protects the body from dangerous external influences, e.g. weather influences - an important factor especially in prophylactics In addition to the quality of functions, Chi also regulates their quantity. When the life energy of an organ is weakened, its function also becomes incomplete or inadequate. An excess of Chi, however, leads to hyperfunction. Disruptions in the Chi flow lead to disease According to the Chinese concept, most illnesses are due to disruptions in the life energy flow, Chi. A weakness in the Chi causes a malfunction in the corresponding organ (for example, indigestion). Typical symptoms of a weak condition are fatigue, reduced activity, paleness, cold hands and feet, excessive coldness, low blood pressure and even depressive episodes and listlessness. An abundance or superabundance of life energy causes a hyperfunctioning in the corresponding organ. Main symptoms: Fullness and agitation, hyperemia, reddening, acute, stabbing or cramping pain, or on the psychological side, restlessness, nervousness and hyperactivity. The main symptom is heat, either restricted to a single area (e.g. a joint) or in the form of fever. Stagnation or blockages of life energy appear predominantly in the peripheral regions of the body. This results mostly in overabundance conditions such as muscle tension, muscle pain, myogeloses and reduced flexibility. Additionally, headaches are also often caused by blockages. Disruptions due to an overabundance or weakness can be found either in the meridians or in the organs. In this context it is also referred to as a weakening of the Yang (in this case, function) or Ying (in this case, structure, substance) in the organs. The eight diagnostic criteria In traditional Chinese medicine, disease symptoms are first categorized based on eight concepts that form four opposing pairs (e.g. "hot - cold"). The path between both poles serves as a kind of measuring stick (e.g. "Is the state nearer to hot or to cold?). Together, these measuring sticks create the diagnostic network. If this network reveals a disruption in the balance between bodily functions, then a sickness is indicated. Biao and Li - "exterior" and "interior" The terms "biao" and "li" refer to the parts of the body where an illness appears. Not only illnesses affecting the skin, connective tissues or muscles are considered to be "exterior," but also acute head or joint pain and adverse sensitivity to changes in the weather. "Interior" illnesses are often chronic. Possible symptoms are chest pain, fever, as well as stomach and intestinale problems. The length and severity of an illness are also relevant in the categorization of an illness as biao or li. A cold may initially display "exterior" symptoms such as headache or joint pain, however, during the progression of the infection and subsequent weakening of the immune system, it penetrates into the "interior" and generates li symptoms such as coughing and inflammation of the mucous membranes. As "exterior" and "interior" illnesses are treated totally differently, the correct diagnosis is vital for a successful therapy. Shi and Xu - "full" and "empty" Chinese diagnostics uses these terms to describe the overall energy condition of a patient. "Empty" conditions are associated with a lack of Chi or with poor circulation and lead to a hypofunction of organ systems. Typical symptoms are paleness, weariness, low blood pressure, dizziness, fainting and indigestion. Degenerative diseases also belong to this group. "Full" illnesses include high blood pressure, acute pain, cramps or sleeping disorders. A doctor of traditional Chinese medicine recognizes "full" illnesses by a strong pulse, a reddened tongue and face, as well as by the nervousness and inner agitation of the patient. Han and Re - "cold" and "hot" The terms "cold" and "hot" serve among other things to differentiate between acute and chronic illnesses. "Hot" stands for acute illnesses. Possible symptoms include fever, reddening of the skin and tongue, thirst, dark yellow urine and a quickened pulse. "Cold" stands for chronic illnesses. They occur when exterior cold affects a body with weakened life energy. Typical signs are paleness of the skin and tongue, coldness, cold extremities, thin urine or slow pulse. In severe cases of disruption in Chi flow, "cold" and "hot" symptoms can appear simultaneously (e.g. cold hands and feet accompanied by a high fever). Yin and Yang - "moon" and "sun" The other diagnostic criteria are summarized in the general categories of Ying and Yang (which can only be approximately translated as "moon" and "sun"). "Interior," "empty" and "cold" are Ying categories. "Exterior," "full" and "hot" are Yang categories. The eight diagnostic categories are seldom seen in their purest forms. Normally the doctor will diagnose a combination of symptoms, from which a disruption pattern can be derived and an appropriate therapy determined. Diagnostic methods A practitioner of traditional Chinese medicine relies far more on his senses than we are accustomed to from our doctors. He reaches a comprehensive diagnosis of the overall state through intensive observing, listening, smelling, questioning and touching. He considers the personal taste preferences and emotions of the patient as well as physical appearance and acute and chronic symptoms. Tongue and pulse diagnoses play a very important role. A doctor can register disruptions in the life energy Chi based on the form, color, movement and coating of the tongue. He can determine whether a lack or abundance in Ying or Yang is present, and pinpoint it to individual organs or meridians (energy channels). By using pulse diagnostics, an experienced doctor can also gain a picture of the patient's energy state. Six pulse points - three on each wrist - provide information on the state of the related organ. Every acupuncture therapy must be preceded by a thorough diagnosis, as extensive knowledge of a patient's overall physical and psychological state is a precondition for determining a specific therapy plan. Only with such a plan can acupuncture be effectively and successfully implemented.