ICMART

The possibility of integration of TCM in clinical practice applying computer pulse diagnostics

Dr. A. Zabirnik – M.D., Dr. A. Kuttaev – M.D
Ukraine

For successful integration of methods and means of TCM in classical medicine not only positive evidences of effectiveness of treatment are necessary, but also adequate means of diagnostics objectively confirming the traditional Chinese diagnosis, which in most cases is subjective from the point of view of modern medical science. High informativeness of pulse diagnostics and difficulty in its manual version application served as the ground for our research. Creating diagnostic system of puLse diagnostics we took into account the requirements to diagnostic methods, which are used both in scientific medical research and in practical medicine: standardization of measuring instruments and diagnostic procedure, reproducibility of obtained data, reliability of obtained diagnostic information.

The computer complex applying special software transforms sphygmogram of pulse in order to improve visualization of significant features. Processed and displayed on the monitor sphygmogram is named pulsogram (PG). According to traditional Chinese judgement, 12 PG in 6 classical points are recorded during examination. Investigation of PG of healthy volunteers of various age has shown, that the shape and amplitude of PG do not depend on sex and age, but depend on the constitution, time of day, season, psychoemotional state of person.

We have developed an original technique of the analysis of PG, which allows to make a diagnosis “according to eight managing principles” in terms of TCM. Pulse features that correspond to “external pathogenic energies”, “five emotions”, syndromes “cold”, “heat”, “dampness”, “dryness”, “wind” and their combinations have been revealed. The above mentioned features allow us to confirm the traditional Chinese diagnosis based on classical clinical methods of research. The analysis of 12 PG which correspond to 6 Zang and 6 Fu organs, enables to evaluate viscera connections and intersystem interactions and to reveal the initial causes of disease.

This method of interpretation PG was successfully applied within state scientific research programs and practice. It confirmed function ability and may be used in scientific research and in genera) practice as well for the purpose of objective evidence of the traditional Chinese diagnosis.