It is very important to inquire about the patient's medical history for the syndrome differentiation of anorexia. The morbid site of anorexia lies in the spleen and stomach. Clinically, anorexia can be divided into three syndromes of splenic dysfunction in transportation and transformation, deficiency of the stomach yin, and qi deficiency of the spleen and stomach according to the causes and symptoms of the disease. All the three syndromes are marked by anorexia and food refusal.

The commonly-seen symptoms of splenic dysfunction in transportation and transformation include eructation, nausea, normal physique, whitish or thin and greasy fur; the commonly encountered symptoms of deficiency of stomach yin include  dry mouth with preference to drink, dry skin, constipation, red tongue with a little or peeled fur; the commonly seen symptoms of qi deficiency of the spleen and stomach include lustreless or sallow complexion, emaciation, poor digestion, profuse stool with undigested food, enlarged and tender tongue with pale colour, slow-forceless pulse.