Illness Differentiation & Syndrome Differentiation

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On this list we mainly deal with syndrome differntiation (Yang Deficiency,

Qi Deficiency, Blood Stasis, etc.) but also pays attention

to illness differentiation (like the common cold). Any one or combination of

different syndromes can underlie (be the Root of) an illness. For example,

there are several TCM syndromes (Roots) which can be the Root of stomach

ulcers. In order for treatment to be effective, the correct syndrome or

syndromes which underlie the problem has to be determined. Otherwise

treatment will be ineffective or even worsen the condition.

 

In Fluid Physiology and Pathology in Traditional , Steven

Clavey says about medicine in China: " All patients will have two levels of

diagnosis: an Illness Differentiation (sometimes called a diagnosis) and a

Syndrome Differentiation. For example, (in the department of Internal

Medicine) Gan Mao (the common cold) is the illness, while the syndromes

involved in this type of illness could be wind-heat, wind-cold, either of

the above combined with damp, or with summerheat, or with a constitutional

qi deficiency or yin deficiency. These are the standard syndromes described

in this illness, and each has a standard treatment principle and formula

established. " (p.xxv)

 

There are no one-size-fits-all treatments for illnesses in TCM. The exact

treatment for the common cold or stomach ulcers or whatever will vary

according to which underlying syndromes are present. The TCM treatment for a

common cold with an underlying Root of wind-cold will be different from that

for the common cold with an underlying Root of wind-heat. Treatment also

will vary if Dampness is combined with either of the two. Treatment also

will vary if the person is catching colds easily because of an underlying Qi

Deficiency. Or, an underlying Yin Deficiency.

 

Victoria

 

 

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