Chapter 7 - Traditional Chinese Medicine Flashcards
Traditional Chinese Medicine is rooted in what ancient philosophy?
Taoism
How old is TCM?
5,000 years old
In what way are TCM and OM similar?
Both have the perception that humans are interconnected with nature and subject to its forces.
Ying-yang theory
Two opposing, yet complementary, forces shape the world and all life.
A vital energy, ___, regulates a person’s spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical health.
Qi
What is qi influenced by?
The opposing forces of yin and yang
___ circulates in the body through a system of pathways called ___
Qi, meridians
What does health result from in TCM?
A balance and harmony in the circulation of qi.
What are all treatments in TCM supposed to do?
Unblock blockages of qi.
Theory of five elements
All phenomena of the universe and nature can be broken down into five elements: wood, fire, earth, metal and water.
What do elements correspond to?
Each element corresponds to particular organs and tissues in the body.
TCM’s four methods to evaluate a patient’s condition
Observing (especially the tongue), hearing/smelling, asking/interviewing, and touching/palpating (especially the pulse).
TCM treatments
Herbs, acupuncture, moxibustion, cupping, massage, diet, mind-body practices
What is the name of the pharmacological reference book used by TCM practitioners?
Materia medica
How are medicinal substances classified in the materia medica?
By perceived action.
What types of substances are used as medicine in TMC?
Mostly plants, but also minerals and animal products.
What parts of the plant are used in a TCM medicine?
All sorts of different parts of the plants are used, included leaves, roots, stems, flowers, and seeds.
Are herbs given individually or combined into formulas?
Formulas.
What are the delivery methods for herbs?
Teas, capsules, tinctures, and powers.
Accupuncture
The stimulation of specific points on the body, using a variety of techniques, including the insertion of thin metal needles through the skin.
How is acupuncture supposed to restore and maintain health?
By removing blockages in the flow of qi as it flows along meridians.
Moxibustion
The use of heat from burning the herb moxa (mugwort) on or near the skin at an acupuncture point.
Moxibustion is supposed to improve…
the flow of qi.
Cupping
Application of a heated cup to the skin to create a slight suction.
What is the aim of cupping?
To increase the flow of blood to the area.
Two forms of traditional Chinese massage?
Acupressure and Tui Na.
Acupressure
Massage that focuses on pinching and pressing acupressure points.
Tui Na
Massage that is similar to western massage (flowing movements), but with the aim of getting qi moving again.
What is Tui Na used for?
Musculoskeletal conditions, headaches and also diseases like cancer.
Types of mind-body therapies used in TCM?
Qi gong and tai chi.
What are qi gong and tai chi supposed to do?
Enhance the mind’s capacity to affect bodily function and symptoms.
How does dietary therapy in TCM classify foods?
According to energetic effects rather than component parts.
Five flavours in TCM
Sour, bitter, sweet, pungent, salty.
Four natures in TCM
Cool, cold, warm and hot.
The same foods can have ___ effects on different people.
Different
Is TCM amenable to scientific testing?
Each individual treatment is testable.
What types of TCM are easiest to test using the scientific method?
Herbs
What does the scientific evidence say about TCM in general?
It’s effectiveness is limited.
Where has most of the research on TCM been conducted?
In China.
In what language are most TCM studies published in?
Chinese.
What does the scientific evidence say about acupuncture?
Acupuncture maybe be useful for a few conditions but not all that are claimed.
What does the scientific evidence say about meridians and qi?
Meridians of qi flow are unlikely.
What does the scientific evidence say about the herbs used in TCM?
Some evidence that some herbs may be effective for some conditions.
Issues with research on TCM
Methodologically flawed, safety not always tested, and publication bias.
An example of an endangered organism used in TCM
Rino horns.
What’s used in Chinese hospitals, western medicine, traditional Chinese medicine, or both?
Western medicine and traditional Chinese medicine may be used side by side.
How many patients use TCM in the U.S.?
More than a million per year.
Is TCM regulated in BC?
Yes, under the Health Professions Act.
How many traditional Chinese medicines are currently authorized for sale in Canada?
More than 1,400
Why doesn’t TCM belong to the same paradigm as OM?
None of the following fit into the OM paradigm: ying-yang theory; qi and meridians; 5 basic elements.
