How to see TCM doctor?（如何看中医？）
TCM= traditional Chinese medicine
WM= modern western medicine
Two significant differences between TCM and WM
1. General medicine VS local medicine:
TCM is general (holistic) medicine, no dividing into separate departments, each qualified TCM doctor is general practitioner
WM is local medicine, dividing into separate departments, specialist (general practitioner as primary care)
2. Disease Concept: human feeling VS machine feeling
TCM is human feeling-oriented medicine, paying attention to patient’s syndrome/symptom. No symptom no disease.
WM is machine feeling-oriented medicine, paying attention to mark\test\examination obtained with medical devices, regardless of patient’s feelings, machinery results determine if or not one has disease. No mark no disease. （mark=positive findings）
With understanding the above features of TCM，you will easily know how to see a TCM doctor.
If only feeling uncomfortable, you are suitable for seeing TCM doctor no matter what disease you have
Describe your feelings as detailed as possible. TCM doctor bases on your feelings to prescribe.
1.tell the most obvious feelings, in what situations attack\worsen\relieve
2.fear cold or hot, neither or both
3.hand and foot feel cold or hot (palm)
4.no sweating or sweating much, sweating with being afraid of wind or not
5.taste in your mouth:bitter\dry\thirsty\sour\tasteless
6.head\face\chest\abdomen feelings
7.appetite\stool and urine\sleep\physical strength\mood\menses
8.tongue: fat or thin, wet or dry, color and thickness of coating on the tongue
9.pulse: not decisive , just for reference. If seeing TCM doctor through internet, it can be ignored.
（2016-6-2 兰州小西湖）