[Leading role of channel-based syndrome differentiation in acupuncture practice]

Channel-based syndrome (pattern) differentiation has played a leading role in acupuncture practice since the time of Huangdi Nei Jing (The Yellow Emperor's Inner Classic). In the past several decades, however, the clinical application of channel-based syndrome differentiation has begun to diminish, even presenting a substitutional trend by syndrome differentiation of Zangfu organs. The authors elaborate the importance of channel-based pattern differentiation in acupuncture clinic by analyzing its theory from Huangdi Nei Jing and by summing up the methods,clinical significance and application of the basic diagnostic methods-inspection, auscultation and olfaction, interrogation, pulse-feeling and palpation, and measurement of imbalance of the cutaneous electrical and thermal parameters of meridians and acupoints.