Zang Fu Pattern Identification Study Guide

Zang fu pattern identification (Zang Fu Bian Zheng zang fu bian zheng) is a method that is used to analyze the signs and symp!toms of disease according to the physiological functions and pathological characteristics of the zang fu organs, individually and in concert with other organs. On this basis, one can infer the etiology, pathology, location and nature of a disease. It also reveals the condition of the body’s normal (antipathogenic) qi and its ability to battle pathogenic qi.

All physiological functions and pathological changes are associated with the zang fu organs. Most often, the occurrence and development of disease is the result of zang fu organ dysfunction. Zang fu pattern identification is one of the core diagnostic methods in traditional Chinese medicine and is the foundation for clinical analysis and differentiation of every disease, particularly for interior and chronic conditions.

Zang Fu Pattern Identification Study Guide provides an in-depth description and analysis of the physiological characteristics, common etiological factors and pathological patterns of each of the zang fu organs. Part I explores the five zang or ‘solid’ yin organs, and Part II the six fu or ‘hollow’ yang organs. Similar patterns are differentiated from one another.

Part III examines the most common compound or complex patterns involving pathology between two or more associated organs. Part IV addresses more difficult questions that require deeper exploration. Rounding out the book in Part V is a comprehensive self-examination with 200 questions and answers based on the material in the text.