The main difference between Western medicine and TCM lies in their functional approach: Traditional Chinese Medicine focuses on regulation and support, while conventional medicine focuses on replacing functions. Thus, one could argue that conventional medicine should be used primarily for serious bodily disorders, while TCM should be used for functional disorders. TCM can help support and regulate bodily functions that affect metabolism and the immune system.

It is believed that acupuncture was already used 200 v.Chr. was fully developed. The first acupuncture needles were pieces of metal coated with verdigris. A rounded side was used to press and massage the skin's surface at various points. The pointed side was used for piercing under the skin. The points/body pathways described at that time largely correspond to the meridians known today.

There are 12 paired main meridians—running on both sides of the body—named after the organs they supply energy with and with which they are directly connected, plus one meridian each on the front and back midline of the body. Acupuncture points are located on these meridians.

According to TCM, the prerequisite for the success of acupuncture treatment is the selection of the appropriate meridians and acupuncture points with the help of traditional Chinese diagnostics.

TCM diagnostics include

• Facial diagnostics - the external appearance
• Tongue diagnostics - shape, color, moisture and texture are crucial
• Pulse diagnostics - is the center of TCM diagnostic methods.

An experienced TCM practitioner uses all of their senses to diagnose the condition. They try to determine which functional area the disorder might lie in based on the patient's voice, breathing, cough, and body odor.

After reading this article, you will notice that the diagnostic methods used in TCM, Ayurveda and herbal medicine have many parallels.