Are you out of balance?

By Bitterroot Acupuncture & Herbarium, 12-07-07

	Caroline Burdulis & Bryan Watrous

Pattern Diagnosis is the “hallmark” of TCM, the world’s oldest, continually practiced, literate, professional medicine, serving one fourth of the world’s population. A “pattern” is a constellation of signs and symptoms that are generally found to exist simultaneously. In other words, various symptoms tend to occur together, that is, they form a “pattern”. There are many types of patterns within TCM.


Western Medical disease diagnosis is similarly addressed in TCM with Pattern Diagnosis. The symptoms are grouped together into their TCM “patterns” and then addressed with acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine to resolve the patterns and therefore the Western Medical disease.
Self-Diagnosis Test


Traditional Chinese Medicine “TCM” believes that all aspects of a person must be in balance to achieve happiness and good health. Since symptoms signify an imbalance, and imbalances lead to disease, these symptoms should be resolved. The earlier these imbalances are treated, the easier they are to resolve. This is the best way to prevent disease and ensure a happy and healthy life.


The first two patterns listed below generally represent the onset of disease in TCM. As you progress down the list, the potential for a Western Medical disease diagnosis increases.


Pattern Diagnosis is the “hallmark” of TCM, the world’s oldest, continually practiced, literate, professional medicine, serving one fourth of the world’s population. A “pattern” is a constellation of signs and symptoms that are generally found to exist simultaneously. In other words, various symptoms tend to occur together, that is, they form a “pattern”. There are many types of patterns within TCM.


Western Medical disease diagnosis is similarly addressed in TCM with Pattern Diagnosis. The symptoms are grouped together into their TCM “patterns” and then addressed with acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine to resolve the patterns and therefore the Western Medical disease.


A person usually does not have all the symptoms in a particular “pattern”, but having two or three symptoms is enough to indicate the presence of that pattern. Below is a list of common patterns and their corresponding symptoms. Take the test and see if you have any patterns of imbalance.


Most Frequently Diagnosed Patterns of Imbalance

Two or more symptoms indicate the presence of that particular pattern



Spleen Qi Deficiency


* fatigue, especially after eating meals or eating sweets

* abdominal bloating after eating

* a tendency to loose stools, but possibly constipation

* cold hands and feet

* a lack of strength in the four extremities

* dizziness when standing up

* easy bruising

* a swollen tongue with teeth marks at it’s edges


Liver Depression Qi Stagnation


* abdominal, rib side, or breast distention, and/or pain.

* irritability and/or frustration

* emotional depression

* premenstrual or perimenstrual aggravation of these symptoms


Stomach Heat


* increased or rapid hungering

* mouth and/or tongue sores

* bleeding gums

* bad breath

* yellow coat on tongue


Blood Deficiency


* pale or dry, brittle nails

* dry skin

* decreased visual acuity at night

* pale undersides of the eyelids

* pale lips

* pale or sallow yellow complexion


Heart Qi and Blood Deficiency


* insomnia

* disquieted emotions or sense of being

* vexation and agitation

* impaired mempory

* lack of mental vigor and physical strength

* heart palpitations, rapid heart rate

* a swollen tongue, with a crack or crease down it’s center reaching to the tip


Kidney Yin Deficiency with Deficiency Heat


* night sweats

* hot flashes or heat sensations in palms, soles of feet, and/or chest

* ear ringing and/or dizziness

* low back soreness

* thirst or a dry mouth but no desire to drink

* frequent but scanty yellow urination

* a pale red tongue or pale tongue with red tip and dry tongue coat


Kidney Yang Deficiency


* low back and/or kness soreness, pain, and/or weakness

* nocturia (nighttime urination)

* cold feet

* decreased sexual desire

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