When the body whispers - before it screams
Maybe you've been there: you feel unwell, exhausted or have diffuse pain, but the doctor says: "Your values are fine." That's frustrating. But just because a lab value is within the norm doesn't mean that your system is in balance.
I take a deeper look during the TCM diagnosis at Fly-TCM in Winterthur. I take the time that is often lacking in the hectic medical world. I read the subtle signs of your body like a map to understand why a symptom is there - not just how to suppress it in the short term.
What is the difference between TCM diagnosis?
Western medicine often looks for the disease (the "defect"). Chinese medicine looks for the pattern (the disharmony). I don't see you as a collection of organs, but as an interconnected energetic system.
For example: headaches, irritability and insomnia are often not three different problems for me, but an expression of the same pattern (e.g. "rising liver yang" due to stress). If I recognize the pattern, I can treat the root.
My 4 pillars of knowledge
My diagnostics do not require any technical equipment. I use empirical methods of perception that are thousands of years old:
1. the anamnesis (the interview)
I talk to you in detail. Not just about your main pain, but about your sleep, your digestion, your temperature, your emotions and your lifestyle (diet, job, stress). These are all pieces of the puzzle.
2. tongue diagnosis
Your tongue doesn't lie. It is the only muscle I can see directly and reflects the state of your internal organs. I pay attention:
- Color: A pale tongue indicates a lack of blood (fatigue), a red tongue indicates heat (inflammation).
- Coating: Shows how well your digestion is working or whether there is "mucus" in your system.
- Shape: Tooth impressions on the edge often reveal worry and lack of energy.
3. pulse diagnosis
The TCM pulse is much more than just the frequency (beats per minute). I feel both wrists at three positions at different depths. I feel the quality: is the pulse "stringy" (stress), "slippery" (dampness) or "empty" (exhaustion)? There are 28 different pulse qualities that tell me the state of your organs.
4. the Antlitz & body diagnosis
Lackluster eyes, a soft voice, skin texture or posture give me further clues about your vitality (Qi). Various characteristics are reflected in our constitution according to the 5 elements and can also be recognized by our external appearance.
When is a major diagnostic test useful?
In principle, diagnostics are the first step in every series of treatments at Fly-TCM. However, it is particularly valuable for
1. unclear complaints ("functional disorders")
If you feel ill but "nothing has been found" in conventional medicine (e.g. irritable bowel syndrome, constant tiredness, psychosomatic complaints).
2. chronic conditions
Migraines, allergies, skin problems or recurring back pain. I have to crack the underlying pattern in order to achieve long-term success.
3. prevention & check-up
Especially for pilots and high performers: you regularly maintain your airplane or car - why not your body? The TCM diagnosis recognizes imbalances (e.g. impending burnout) long before they become visible in the blood count.
Who is the initial consultation for?
For all people who want to take personal responsibility. Who want to understand what makes their body tick and what they can do themselves (through diet or lifestyle) to stay healthy.
Security & limits
My diagnostics are energetic and functional. It does not replace imaging procedures (MRI, X-ray) or laboratory tests in cases of suspected serious organic damage (e.g. bone fractures, tumors, heart attacks). I do not make any conventional medical diagnoses. If in doubt, I will always send you to a doctor first for clarification.
Procedure & costs in Winterthur
The initial consultation (anamnesis + diagnosis) usually takes around 30-45 minutes and usually leads directly to the first treatment. I use massage to identify the first knots and problem areas, after which I acupuncture or use another technique. Please allow a total of 75-90 minutes for the first appointment. Comfortable and loose clothing (possibly shorts) is an advantage.
The costs are based on the time required (tariff 590). The alternative practitioner service is usually reimbursed by supplementary insurance (EMR). Please clarify your cover.
At a glance: TCM diagnostics
- ⏱ Duration: Part of the initial appointment (total approx. 75-90 min.).
- 👅 Methods: Stick out your tongue, feel your pulse, listen.
- 💡 Aim: To understand the "why" behind the symptom.
- 📍 Location: Fly-TCM practice Winterthur.
- 🎯 Perfect for: The start of any therapy & for diffuse complaints.
Do you finally want clarity about your health?
Book an appointment for an initial consultationFrequently asked questions
Do I have to come to the tongue diagnosis on an empty stomach?
Not completely sober. But it helps a lot if you don’t eat anything that discolors the tongue (e.g. blueberries, coffee, curry, sweets, liquorice) about 1 hour before the appointment. You should also refrain from brushing your tongue on the morning of your appointment so that we can assess the natural coating.
Do I have to bring my medical reports with me?
Yes, with pleasure! If you have recent blood tests, MRI reports or diagnoses from your doctor, please bring them with you. The TCM diagnosis does not contradict conventional medicine, it complements it. The more information I have, the more precise the picture will be.
Does treatment take place at the first appointment?
Yes, in almost all cases. I use the first part of the consultation and diagnosis time to draw up the treatment plan and then start directly with the first treatment (e.g. acupuncture) so that you go home feeling better.
What if you feel "something bad" in your pulse?
Don’t worry. The TCM diagnosis does not see “death sentences”. I feel states of energy (e.g. “too much heat” or “too little strength”). However, if I notice any abnormalities that should be clarified by conventional medicine (e.g. very irregular heartbeat), I will openly recommend that you see a doctor.
Diagnosis via the tongue - isn't that esoteric?
No, that is pure empiricism. The tongue has a strong blood supply and is connected to the internal organs via meridians. Conventional medicine also recognizes changes in the tongue (e.g. “raspberry tongue” in scarlet fever or yellow eyes in jaundice). TCM has simply refined and systematized these observations over 2000 years.
