Given that its early history is rooted in Daoism, Chinese medicine maintains a patient/client-centered approach with the belief that individuals heal themselves and the primary role of the clinician is to facilitate awareness and guide these individuals with the necessary “knowledge” that would lead them into wellness. Tools that convey such “knowledge” include acupuncture, herbs, diet, tui-na (massage therapy), qigong, tai ji quan and other modalities that have been highlighted or unique to the specific schools of Chinese medicine that have emerged over the centuries.

Upon meeting a practitioner of Chinese medicine, a patient may experience a number of diagnostic parameters utilized by the clinician, in addition to whatever brought the individual to the consultation. Common in the therapeutic encounter would be looking at one’s complexion, tongue, skin, posture, overall demeanor and movement; asking questions in reference to the chief complaint, as well as other pertinent information, such as medical history, sleep, appetite and diet, excretions, pain and its characteristics, etc.; discerning any abnormal breathing rhythm, body odor, emotional expression, etc.; and palpating areas of concern and the pulse located on the radial artery at both wrists. These evaluation methods allow the clinician to differentiate the condition and through these techniques, a Chinese medical diagnosis can be deduced or inferred. It is also common for clinicians to interface and integrate their findings with Western medicine.