Methods of Palpation

Question 1

Touching

Answer 1

• Pressure: Light
• Depth: Skin
• Findings: Temperature, Moisture, Sweating
• Clinical Indications: Int or Ext location of disease/conditions of Yang qi, body fluids

Question 2

Seeking or Stroking

Answer 2

• Pressure: Medium
• Depth: Flesh/Muscles
• Findings: Tenderness, Swelling (size/shape)
• Clinical Indications: Location/Pattern of excess or def

Question 3

Pressing

Answer 3

• Pressure: Heavy
• Depth: Bones/Internal Organs
• Findings: Pain, mass (size/texture/shape/mobility)
• Clinical Indications: Zang Fu organs’ condition/Status of pathogen