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.