Pattern DifferentiationIntegrative MedicineDiagnosticsClinical SkillsWestern-TCM Bridge
How to Translate Western Medical Diagnoses into TCM Syndromes
Medically Reviewed by Derek Doran, BHSc (Acupuncture) · AHPRA Registered · AACMA Member · Updated April 3, 2026
March 26, 202614 min readBy MediChi Editorial
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the first step in translating a Western diagnosis to TCM?
Start with the symptom cluster, not the diagnostic label. Identify the predominant symptoms, modifying factors, tongue, and pulse — then match the resulting picture to a TCM pattern such as Liver Qi stagnation or Spleen Qi deficiency.
Are there Western diagnoses that don't fit TCM patterns?
Every condition can be described in TCM terms, because TCM categorises by energetic imbalance rather than disease name. Even purely structural problems (fractures, tumours) carry pattern signs in the surrounding tissue and constitution.
How does an AI tool like Medi-Chi handle this translation?
Medi-Chi cross-references the Western diagnosis with classical TCM literature and modern integrative sources to generate the most likely patterns, with point prescriptions and herbal formulas, plus citations the practitioner can verify.
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Derek Doran, BHSc (Acupuncture)
AHPRA Registered (CMR0002211465) · AACMA Member
Derek is the founder of MediChi and a registered acupuncturist with clinical expertise in integrating Western diagnoses with Traditional Chinese Medicine treatment protocols.
Clinically reviewed: April 3, 2026
