During the first visit of Chinese diagnosis, a considerable amount of time is spent asking the patient for details about his or her general condition. These questions relate to all emotional, physical, and energy related signs and symptoms, and can help the practitioner form a more complete picture of the patient's condition.

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)

In addition, the practioner may inquire regarding the nature of any pain or discomfort, as reactions to heat or cold may point to patterns of excess and deficiency, such as imbalances in Yin and Yang. For example, if pain is relieved by heat, a cold condition (Yin) is indicated. If the reverse is true, such as a discomforts alleviated by cold, a Yang condition could be present.

The site(s) of the pain are also noted as they may indicate a blockage or stagnation of qi within the meridians of the body.