Intro + Theory of Internal Medicine

Question 1

What defines the following in TCM?

-Preponderance or decline of pathogenic or healthy Qi-Yin-yang disharmony
-Disharmony of qi and blood
-Five Endogenous Pathogens: wind, phlegm, cold, dampness, dryness, fire-heat.

Answer 1

Pathogenesis

Question 2

What is determined using the following?

Differentiation of…
8 Guiding Principals
Zang-Fu Differentiation
Etiology Differentiation
Qi, Blood + Body Fluids Differentiation
6 Merdian Theory
4 Levels

Answer 2

Identification of Syndrome

Question 3

Define ‘Neikexue’

Answer 3

TCM internal medicine is a clinical discipline on elaborating etiology and pathogenesis as
well as diagnostic and therapeutic rules of internal diseases applying the theory of TCM

Question 4

What are the main etiologies of internal disease?

Answer 4

6 Evils (climate pathogens)
7 Emotions
Improper diet
Over-strain or over-ease
Pestilent factors
Traumatic injuries, insect/animal bites etc.

Question 5

What are the 4 steps in Syndrome Differentiation in TCM

Answer 5

1. 4 Examination method
2. Stick to pathogenesis + seek root cause
3. Combine syndrome differentiation with disease differentiation
4. Separate different syndromes of the same disease from the same syndrome of different diseases

Question 6

What is the difference between treatment principles and treatment methods?

Answer 6

Principles provide guidelines for treatment.

Methods are more specific, tactic measures for treatment.

Question 7

There are six major treatment principles in TCM. What are they?

Answer 7

1. Routine Treatment (ie: treat cold with heat)
2. Root + Branch
3. Supplement Vital Qi + remove Evil Qi
4. Reinforce or reduce the Zang-Fu (ie: 5 Element relationships)
5. Treating diseases according to time, place and person
6. Prevention first!

Question 8

In what order do you study internal medicine?

Answer 8

Disease first. Syndrome second.