In TCM, "pattern" (证, pinyin: zhèng) refers to a "pattern of disharmony" or "functional disturbance" within the functional entities the TCM model of the body is composed of.[85] There are disharmony patterns of qi, xuě, the body fluids, the zàng-fǔ, and the meridians.[86] They are ultimately defined by their symptoms and "signs" (i.e., for example, pulse and tongue findings).[87]
In clinical practise, the identified pattern usually involves a combination of affected entities[88] (compare with typical examples of patterns). The concrete pattern identified should account for all the symptoms a patient has.[89]