Complementary & Alternative Medicines Flashcards
What does Traditional Chinese Medicine encompass?
- Is rooted in the ancient philosophy of Taoism and dates back more than 5,000 years.
- A unique view of the world and the human body that is different from Western medicine concepts.
- This view is based on the ancient Chinese perception of humans as microcosms of the larger, surrounding universe—interconnected with nature and subject to its forces.
- The human body is regarded as an organic entity in which the various organs, tissues, and other parts have distinct functions but are all interdependent.
In this view, health and disease relate to balance of thefunctions.
What is the theoretical framework of TCM?
Yin-yang = the concept of two opposing, yet complementary, forces that shape the world and all life, is central toTCM. They are also interdependent: one cannot exist without the other. Yin and Yang are in dynamic balance which is maintained by a continuous adjustment of their levels
What is Qi in TCM?
A vital energy or life force called Qi circulates in the body through a system of pathways called meridians.
Health is an ongoing process of maintaining balance and harmony in the circulation of Qi
What are the 8 principles of TCM?
- Cold
- Heat
- Interior
- Exterior
- Excess
- Deficiency
- Yin
- Yang
What the 5 elements of TCM?
- Fire
- Earth
- Metal
- Water
- Wood
What is the relationship between the 5 elements of TCM?
- Fire generates Earth generates Metal, and so on.
- Each element controls another and is controlled by one.
- *Wood** controls Earth, Earth controls Water.
- # 1 Internal Organs- a model of the internal organs functional relationship
- # 7 Seasons- each of the 5 elements represents a season.
- # 10 Color- The color of the face when the Liver is unbalanced is green
- # 11 Taste- small amounts of sweet taste is positive for the Spleen, however excess is detrimental for the kidneys so should be restricted
- # 12 Cardinal direction- Earth is the center of the Five Elements
In TCM what are principle diagnostic methods?
Examination of the tongue, face and pulse
- It is suggested that the tongue has many relationships and connections in the body, both to the meridians and the internal organs.
- It is therefore very useful and important during inspection for confirming TCM diagnosis.
Why is the tongue an important diagnostic method?
- It can present strong visual indicators of a person’s overall harmony or disharmony.
- It is suggested that tongue has a special relationship with the heart, in that it is said to be an “offshoot” of the heart, or “flowers” into the heart.
- The normal tongue in TCM has a light red or pinkish body with a thin white coating.
Why is the pulse an important diagnostic method?
Pulse palpation involves measuring the pulse both at a superficial and at a deep level at different locations on the body.
The pulse is examined for several characteristics including rhythm, strength and volume, and described with qualities like “floating, slippery, bolstering-like, feeble, thready and quick”; each of these qualities indicate certain diseases or illness.
What is TCM medication made from?
roots, bark, flower, seeds, fruit, leaves and branches.
also animal parts (some of which are endangered) and even human body parts eg hair, finger nails and even excreta
How many herbs are used in combination in herbal medication?
8 - 15 herbs in Chinese herbs
What are the three major reason to support the combination of herbs in medicine?
- Mutual reinforcement - involves combining two or more very similar herbs together to create a stronger effect.
- Mutual assistance - is the way to use one herb to help another work better.
- Mutual restraint - is meant to use one herb to reduce or eliminate side effects of another herb in the combination.
What is a Decoction?
The purpose of steeping or decocting raw Chinese herbs in a formula is to draw out the therapeutic constituents of the herbs in to the water.
Drunk as tea
What is homeopathy?
Originated in 1796 by Samuel Hahneman based on two principle doctrines; the first is similia similiabus curentur (like cures like), the second involves a system of medicine which treats the individual with highly diluted substances with the aim of triggering the body’s natural system of healing.
