Enquiring is the process in which a doctor interviews the patient. These questions relate to all emotional, physical, and energy related signs and symptoms, and can help TCM doctors to find the cause of the disease. A full medical history is usually taken, including details of past illness, operations, physical and mental traumas. While these issues may not seem pertinent to the patient at this juncture, they do provide important insights into the pattern of disharmony existing within the patient. Other important questions which may be asked are:

• Preferences for heat or cold
• Frequency and consistency of urination and defecation
• Sleep patterns
• Diet and thirst
• Menstrual cycle (length, pain associated, heaviness of bleeding, etc.)
• Headaches (when they occur, where and under what circumstances)
• Perspiration (amount, time of day, circumstances)