Differentiation of Syndroms

Indentification of a syndrome entails making further analysis and synthesis of the clinical data obtained by applying the four diagnostic methods in order to determine the stage to which the disease has developed, its location, and the degree of opposing force between the body resistance and the pathogenic factors. Thus it can be seen that identification is made not from a simple list of symptoms and signs but from a reflection of the pathogenesis of the disease. Correct differentiation is requisite to applying correct therapeutic methods and attaining the anticipated clinical results.

There are a number of methods for differentiating syndromes of which three are introduced here briefly: 1. Differentiation of syndromes according to eight principles, 2. Differentiation of syndromes according to the theory of zang-fu and 3. Differentiation of syndromes according to the theory of channels and collaterals. Each of these three lays stress on a particular aspect, at the same time connecting with and supplementing one another. Differentiation of syndromes as also mentioned in preceding chapters on etiology and methods of diagnosis should be taken into consideration in clinical work.

I.DIFFERENTIATION OF SYNDROMES ACCORDING TO EIGHT PRINCIPLES

The eight principles in differentiation of syndromes are exterior and interior, cold and heat, xu (deficiency) and shi (excess), and yin and yang. This method is widely applicable clinically. Diversified as clinical manifestations and pathological changes may be, application of this method makes it possible to grasp the key link and solve the complicated problems