Introduction to TCM

Question 1

What is TCM?

Answer 1

ancient and natural form of healing

inseparable relationships of body, mind, spirit, and nature

harmony and dynamic balance from observing nature

Question 2

when does TCM date back to?

Answer 2

2200 years (3000-5000BCE)

Question 3

Shang dynasty (1000 BCE)

Answer 3

used acupuncture needles and divination bones

Question 4

Earliest written record of TCM

Answer 4

Huang Di Nei Jing (Yellow Emperor’s Inner Classic)
-3rd century BCE

Question 5

what are the 5 elements (Xu wing)

Answer 5

wood, fire, water, earth, metal

100-770 BC

Question 6

earliest reference of yin and yang

Answer 6

book of changes (yi Jing) 700 BC

Question 7

what concepts where established in the Han Dynasty (206 BCE - 220 CE)

Answer 7

-yin and yang
-five elements
-channel theory (meridians)
-pharmacopeia

Question 8

what are the 4 principles of TCM?

Answer 8

1. Holism
2. Balance
3. Prevention
4. Pattern Differentiation

Question 9

principles of TCM:
your body is integrated as a whole

Answer 9

mind, emotion, spirit interconnected

Question 10

principles of TCM:
connection to nature

Answer 10

season, geographical location, time of day, age, genetics, bodily condition

Question 11

principles of TCM: innate self-healing capacity

Answer 11

microcosm

Question 12

principles of TCM: prevention in the best cure

Answer 12

tongue and pulse, signs and symptoms

Question 13

principles of TCM:

Answer 13

treat the patient NOT the disease

i.e. treat same disorder differently and different disorders the same way

observe nature, peoples emotions and lifestyles

Question 14

TCM methods of treatment

Answer 14

-accupuncture (traditional, auricular, electro-stim)
-cupping
-botanical (plant, mineral and animal)
-moxibustion
-massage (tui na)
-nutrition
-bleeding techniques
-gua sha
-tai chi and qi gong

Question 15

taiji AKA yin and yong

define yin and yong

Answer 15

yin: overcast weather; feminine; moon; cloudy; negative electrical charge; shady

yang: positive electrical charge; sun

Question 16

yin

Answer 16

material
produces form
grows
matter
contraction
descending
below
water female
nutrients

Question 17

yang

Answer 17

immaterial
produces energy
generates
energy
expansion
rising
above
fire
male

Question 18

functions of yin

Answer 18

cooling
nourishes
provides space for rest
substance that is moved
creates the space for conception

Question 19

functions of yang

Answer 19

warming
transforms
protects
moves
holds
creates the spark for conception

Question 20

yin in medicine

Answer 20

female
cold
heavy
obscured
earth
night
downward and inward movement
autumn and winter
lower body
interior
abdomen
–> i.e tired, no energy, viscous, less visibility, white nasal discharge, cloudy urine

Question 21

yang in medicine

Answer 21

male
hot
light
radiant
heaven
day
upward and outward movement
spring and summer
upper body
exterior
back

Question 22

yin and yang

Answer 22

yin is the material basis for yang

yang is the functional manifestation of yin

Question 23

four aspects of yin/ yang

Answer 23

opposition
interdependence
mutual consumption
inter-transformation

Question 24

yin and yang: opposition

Answer 24

-relatively opposite
-never 50/50
-always changing to maintain homeostasis
-even if something is yin, it contains yang as well

Question 25

yin and yang: interdependence

Answer 25

-cannot exist without the other
-cannot have activity without having rest

Question 26

yin and yang: mutual consumption

Answer 26

-too much of one will deplete the other
-not enough of one will sho more of the other

Question 27

yin and yang: intertransformation

Answer 27

-yin and yang transform into one another
-awake into sleep, life into death, summer into winter
-occurs when timing is right
-female menstrual cycle: follicular phase into luteal phase

Question 28

yin excess

Answer 28

-produces cold symtpoms
-abdominal pain better with warmth
-dysmenorrhea better with warmth
-local pain better with heat
-chills/cold

Question 29

yang deficiency

Answer 29

-produces cold symptoms
-tired after bowel movement
-low libido
-edema
-fatigue

Question 30

what is the different between a yin excess and a yang deficiency?

Answer 30

-chills and cold in yin excess vs fatigue in yang deficiency

Question 31

yin deficiency

Answer 31

-produces heat symtpoms
-red cheeks
-dry stool
-anxiety at night
-night sweats
-hot flushes
-5 centre heat (i.e. palms, soles of feet, chest)
-thirst for cold drinks in sips

Question 32

yang excesss

Answer 32

-produces heat symptoms
-feeling hot all day
-red face
-thirst for cold drinks (gulps)

Question 33

what is the different between a yin deficiency and a yang excess?

Answer 33

yin deficiency is cold drinks in sips (sips=small=deficient) while yang excess is cold drink in gulps (gulp=big=excess)