The term “diagnosis” in Tibetan medicine not only implies identification of the disease state but also identification of the process of disturbance of body energies before they are fully manifested. A Tibetan physician starts to read the condition of the patient the moment the patient steps into the office. Methods of diagnosis are based on interrogation, investigating the pulse and urine of the patient, recognition of his constitution, age, season, and environmental conditions. Ear reading is often used in children because their normal pulse rate is so fast and thin that the symptoms of disturbance are impossible to diagnose through pulse diagnosis at the radial artery.

Interrogation is the simplest but most useful tool in diagnosis. Traditionally it has been regarded as the most important since it can give the most complete picture of a patient. Gathering detailed information about dietary and lifestyle factors, economic conditions, one’s profession, social status or family background is vital to gaining an overall picture of the patient’s illness.

Urine diagnosis is a unique feature of Tibetan medical practice. The Tibetan physician uses a white porcelain container for urine diagnosis and stirs the urine sample with a stick. He then carefully observes the color, vapor, smell, bubbles, sediments and film. Careful observation of the urine at three different stages is very useful. Often urine changes its color, smell, film, etc. at different temperatures. The time and manner of these transformations provide ample diagnostic information for the physician.

Diagnosis by touch includes reading the pulse and observing abnormalities in skin texture and temperature. Among all the diagnostic methods used in Tibetan medicine, it is pulse diagnosis that has sparked the greatest interest. Tibetan pulse reading may look simple, but it is an art that requires many years of hard work under the guidance of a competent teacher or master. According to tradition, the pulse should be read only at sunrise. Moreover, the patient and physician should ideally observe a number of dietary and behavioral restrictions the day before the pulse is read. Today’s lifestyle makes it impossible to adhere strictly to these guidelines but nevertheless it is vitally important for the patient as well as the physician to relax for about a quarter of an hour before the pulse is taken. The physician examines the general beat of the radial artery in terms of its strength, speed, nature, depth, firmness, etc. These are characterized as strong, weak, superficial, sunken, fast, slow, taut or loose. Each of these characteristics is further analyzed and described in association with the general state of disturbance of three principle energy systems and are further categorized according to specific diseases. The nature of the pulse also depends upon seasonal variations that ultimately affect the interpretation of the pulse. For example, during Spring the liver pulse is predominant and the peculiar pulse nature during the Spring season should be thin and taut.

By using a combination of interrogation, touch and visual diagnosis, the Tibetan physician is able to create a complete picture of the patient’s condition and to suggest a remedy tailored to the needs of the individual based on the wisdom of this ancient system of medicine.

Content last modified on Apr 14, 2003