Channel-based syndrome(pattern) differentiation has played a leading role in acupuncture practice since the time of Huangdi Nei Jing(The Yellow Emperor's Inner Classic).In the past several decades

however

the clinical application of channel-based syndrome differentiation has begun to diminish

even presenting a substitutional trend by syndrome differentiation of Zangfu organs.The authors elaborate the importance of channel-based pattern differentiation in acupuncture clinic by analyzing its theory from Huangdi Nei Jing and by summing up the methods

clinical significance and application of the basic diagnostic methods-inspection

auscultation and olfaction

interrogation

pulse-feeling and palpation

and measurement of imbalance of the cutaneous electrical and thermal parameters of meridians and acupoints.