In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the questioning (or investigation) consists of a series of questions intended, in the first place, to better understand the patient’s affection: its age, its frequency, its intensity, the factors which modulate it, etc. It then makes it possible, in conjunction with the other examinations, to assess the overall state of health of the person, which is called the “field”. This field investigation also helps to determine the strength of the patient’s current constitution. This depends both on its basic constitution – inherited from its parents – and on the way in which it has been preserved and maintained. This will allow you to choose the best treatment strategy, in addition to predicting the chances of success.

The practitioner therefore inquires about the patient’s medical history, his family history and any results of past medical tests; Western data is always taken into consideration and will influence the final energy diagnosis. We can also ask unusual questions – more Chinese – such as “are you cold by nature?” “Or” do you have a craving for certain types of food? “.

Finally, the questioning gives the patient the chance to express himself on the emotional context that colors his experience. This one may, without knowing it, have a very good idea of ​​what he is suffering from, but often this knowledge is hidden at the edge of the unconscious… the human soul is made like this. Through methodical questions, the practitioner guides the patient so that he verbalizes his suffering and that it can be interpreted and treated by Chinese medicine.

The second part of the interrogation is the investigation of the patient’s ground. This part is called the “Ten Songs”, because in the past its themes were memorized with the help of a rhyme. It relates to the different organic spheres (see Five Elements) and will not only be decisive for the treatment, but also for the prognosis and the advice to be given to the patient.

In Western terms, one could say that the ten themes form a sort of synthesis of all physiological systems. We find there questions concerning the following areas:

• fever and chills;
• sweat;
• head and body;
• thorax and abdomen;
• food and Flavors;
• stool and urine;
• sleep;
• eyes and ears;
• thirst and drinks;
• pains.

The investigation does not require the exhaustive exploration of each of the themes, but can be oriented mainly towards the organic sphere in connection with the reason for consultation. For example, in the case of Mr. Borduas’ headache, the practitioner questions the patient precisely about his thirst and the possibility of a taste in the mouth. The information gathered directs the diagnosis towards Liver Fire, the symptoms of thirst and bitter taste being characteristic of this energy syndrome.