Diagnosis in Tibetan Medicine

Tibetan medicine uses three diagnostic methods when examining a patient - visual observation, touch and interrogation. One of the most unique aspects of the Tibetan observation method is to perform a urine analysis during consultation, by which the doctor is able to analyze the disease immediately without sending the sample to a lab. The most common method of palpation is to feel both wrist arteries of patients. The doctors’ index, middle, and ring finger do palpation because each finger is able to detect characteristics of different internal organs.

Detailed inquiry into a patient's health, symptoms and history is also a valuable diagnostic tool, which gives the doctor a greater context for the analysis of current health issues.

Visual Observation

This involves checking a patient's skin complexion, the colour and texture of his/her blood, nails, sputum, feces, and other general conditions. Special attention is paid to the condition of the patient's tongue and urine.

Touch

Pulse reading forms the most important method employed in Tibetan medicine. After ensuring an important set of preconditions, the physician proceeds with a pulse diagnosis. This involves placing the index finger, middle finger and ring finger of a doctor on patient's radial arteries. The fingers must be held in a line close to one another yet not touching each other. The index finger must not put too much pressure on the skin; the middle and ring fingers should apply more pressure.

Interrogation

Interrogation forms the most important clinical aspect of the diagnosis. There are three main elements to a medical interrogation

1. Determining the causative factors
2. Determining the site of the illness
3. Studying the signs and symptoms

The interrogation involves the doctor asking the patient about the dietary regulations she/he has been following, and what the physical and mental behavior she/he has been experiencing etc.