Ch 1: Intro to TCM

Question 1

What is Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) an integral part of?

Answer 1

TCM is an integral part of world medicine, contributing to the development of global healthcare through its unique theoretical system and clinical practices.

Question 2

During which periods was the theoretical system of Chinese Medicine initiated?

Answer 2

It was initiated during the Warring States period (475–221 B.C.) and the Qin and Han dynasties (221 B.C.–220 A.D.).

Question 3

What are the two main influences on the formation of TCM’s theoretical system?

Answer 3

1. Influence of ancient philosophical thinking, including doctrines of qi monism, yin-yang, and the five elements.
2. Infiltration of ancient natural sciences, such as astronomy, geography, and physiology.

Question 4

Name two philosophical principles foundational to TCM theory.

Answer 4

Yin-yang and the five elements.

Question 5

What is the role of the Chinese lunar calendar in TCM?

Answer 5

It links the waxing and waning of the moon to the cycles of qi and blood in the human body, influencing health and disease.

Question 6

Name the four classic books that signify the primary formation of TCM’s theoretical system.

Answer 6

1. Huangdi’s Inner Classic of Medicine (黄帝内经)
2. Classic on Medical Problems (难经)
3. Treatise on Cold Pathogenic and Miscellaneous Diseases (伤寒杂病论)
4. Shennong’s Classic of Medicinal Herbs (神农本草经)

Question 7

What are the two parts of Huangdi’s Inner Classic of Medicine?

Answer 7

Ling Shu (灵枢) and Su Wen (素问).

Question 8

What is the significance of the Treatise on Cold Pathogenic and Miscellaneous Diseases?

Answer 8

It established the system of treatment based on syndrome differentiation and laid the foundation for clinical medicine.

Question 9

What does Shennong’s Classic of Medicinal Herbs classify?

Answer 9

It classifies 365 medicinal substances into upper, middle, and lower grades based on their effects.

Question 10

What are the two fundamental characteristics of TCM’s theoretical system?

Answer 10

1. Conception of holism (整体观念).
2. Treatment determination based on syndrome differentiation (辨证论治).

Question 11

What does the conception of holism in TCM emphasize?

Answer 11

The unity of the human body as an organic whole and its close relationship with natural and social environments.

Question 12

Give an example of how TCM uses the principle of holism in diagnosis.

Answer 12

Tongue examination reflects the functional states of the internal organs due to their connections via the meridian system.

Question 13

What are the six climatic factors in TCM?

Answer 13

Wind, cold, summer-heat, dampness, dryness, and fire.

Question 14

How do the six climatic factors become pathogenic?

Answer 14

When climatic changes are sharp, or the body’s resistance is weak, these factors become pathogenic, causing illness.

Question 15

What are the four seasonal changes in TCM, and their corresponding human responses?

Answer 15

1. Spring (春): Yang qi flourishes outward, leading to more sweat and less urine.
2. Summer (夏): Yang qi peaks; perspiration increases.
3. Autumn (秋): Yang qi retracts inward; less sweat and more urine.
4. Winter (冬): Yang qi is stored; body fluids are conserved.

Question 16

Define disease, symptoms, signs, and syndrome in TCM.

Answer 16

• Disease (病): A complete morbid process with a specific cause, clinical presentation, and outcome.
• Symptoms (症): Subjective feelings, e.g., headache, abdominal distension.
• Signs (症状): Observable conditions, e.g., red tongue, rapid pulse.
• Syndrome (证): A pathological summary of the location, cause, nature, and stage of a disease.

Question 17

What is syndrome differentiation (辨证)?

Answer 17

It is the process of analyzing clinical data to determine the syndrome based on TCM theory.

Question 18

What are the eight principles used in syndrome differentiation?

Answer 18

Yin-yang, deficiency-excess, cold-heat, and exterior-interior.

Question 19

Explain ‘Different treatments for the same disease’ in TCM.

Answer 19

The same disease may require different treatments based on the time of attack, geographic area, or the patient’s condition. For example, common colds are treated differently depending on whether they result from wind-cold or summer-heat pathogens.

Question 20

Explain ‘The same treatment for different diseases’ in TCM.

Answer 20

Different diseases with the same pathomechanism, such as sinking middle qi, may receive the same treatment.

Question 21

What contributions were made during the Song, Jin, and Yuan dynasties?

Answer 21

1. Theory of three categories of disease causes by Chen Wuze.
2. Pediatrics advancements by Qian Yi.
3. Four great physicians (Liu Wansu, Zhang Congzheng, Li Dongyuan, Zhu Danxi) enriched medical theories.

Question 22

What is the significance of warm disease theory developed during the Ming and Qing dynasties?

Answer 22

It established the framework for diagnosing and treating warm-heat diseases, emphasizing syndrome differentiation at defensive, qi, nutritive, and blood levels.