TCM Foundation L16 Flashcards
What are the four classics that symbolize the formation of the theoretical system of TCM?
- Huangdi Nei Jing (Yellow Emperor’s Inner Classic)
- Shennong Bencao Jing (Shennong’s Classic of Materia Medica)
- Shanghan Zabing Lun (Treatise on Cold Diseases and Miscellaneous Diseases) by Zhang Zhongjing
- Nan Jing (Classic on Medical Problems) by Qin Yueren
Which dynasties contributed to the comprehensive development of medicine and pharmacy in TCM?
Wei, Jin, Sui, and Tang Dynasties
What is the main focus of Wen Bing in TCM?
Investigation of infectious diseases
What are the cardinal characteristics of the theoretical system of TCM?
- Holism (Zheng Ti Guan)
- Eternal Movement (Heng Dong)
- Treatment based on Syndromes (Bian Zheng Lun Zhi)
What does the concept of Holism (Zheng Ti Guan) signify in TCM?
Human body is an organic whole
What does the concept of Eternal Movement (Heng Dong) imply in TCM?
Everything in the universe is constantly moving, changing and developing
Fill in the blank: Treatment based on _______ (Bian Zheng Lun Zhi) is a key characteristic of TCM.
[Syndromes]
What does syndrome differentiation in TCM involve?
The process of identifying patterns
What are the five elements in TCM?
- Wood
- Fire
- Earth
- Metal
- Water
What is the nature of Yin in TCM?
- Universality (Pu bian xing)
- Interdependence (Hu yi xing)
- Relativity (Xiang dui xing)
- Divisibility (Ke fen xing)
What are the characteristics of Fire in the Five Elements theory?
- Warmth
- Heat
- Ascending
What does the term ‘Qi’ refer to in TCM?
Refined energy produced by the Internal Organs
Fill in the blank: Qi is the _______ of life.
[energy]
What is the relationship between Qi and Blood in TCM?
Qi and Blood are inseparable; Blood is a manifestation of Qi
What are the Three Treasures (San Cai) in TCM?
- Essence (Jing)
- Qi (Qi)
- Mind (Shen)
What is the function of Blood (Xue) in TCM?
- Nourishing organs with nutrients
- Moistening, ensuring organs do not dry
- Supporting bodily functions
Which organ assists in sending Qi to form Blood?
Lung (LU)
What is the role of Essence (Jing) in TCM?
- Controls growth, reproduction, and development
- Serves as the basis of health
- Determines strength and resistance to external pathogens
What happens when there is a loss of balance of Yin-Yang in TCM?
It leads to unhealthy conditions, such as excess or deficiency; cold/heat
True or False: One disease can have many syndromes according to TCM.
True
What are the common disorders of Qi movement?
- Stagnation
- Hyperactivity
- Sinking
- Reversing
What does the generating sequence of the Five Elements describe?
The relationships and interactions between the five elements
What is the treatment principle of ‘Xu ze bu qi mu’ in TCM?
If deficient, then tonifying its mother
What does the term ‘Shi ze xie qi zi’ mean in TCM?
If excessive, then reducing its son
What organ assists the LU in sending Blood to which organ?
Heart
The LU (Lung) assists the Heart in sending Blood to the body.
Blood is a _____ of Qi.
container
Blood holds and carries Qi throughout the body.
What is needed to transform Yin into Blood?
KD (Kidney)
The Kidney plays a critical role in the transformation process.
The major organs relating to Blood include which organs?
- LU (Lung)
- KD (Kidney)
- HT (Heart)
- SP (Spleen)
- LR (Liver)
These organs are essential for the formation and management of Blood.
Qi is the _____ of Blood.
root
The relationship between Qi and Blood is fundamental in TCM.
What are the major reasons for blood stasis?
- stagnation of Qi (mostly of the Liver)
- heat
- cold
- deficiency
These factors can lead to various blood pathologies.
The function of Qi transformation (Qi Hua) is performed by which organ?
Bladder
The Bladder separates and transforms fluids with the help of Qi.
Both Blood and Body Fluid have the same _____ and pertain to ____.
origin; nourishment
They are interrelated and support each other’s functions.
Mind (Shen) is the most subtle and non-material type of ____.
vital substance
Mind in TCM is considered integral to human consciousness and health.
The Three Treasures in TCM include which components?
- Jing (Essence)
- Qi (Vital Energy)
- Shen (Mind)
These are essential elements for holistic health.
What is the primary function of the Heart (HT) in TCM?
- governs Blood
- controls the vessels
- houses the Mind
The Heart plays a central role in circulation and mental activities.
The characteristics of Fu Organs include being _____ and constantly ____ & ____.
- hollow
- transforming
- refining
Fu Organs are responsible for digestion and excretion.
Zang Organs are characterized as _____ and are responsible for _____ and _____.
- solid
- generating
- storing
Zang Organs are crucial for the storage of vital substances.
What does the Liver (LR) store?
Blood
The Liver is critical for regulating Blood levels in the body.
HT governs _____ while LR stores _____ and regulates _____.
- Blood
- Blood
- Qi
The interplay between HT and LR is crucial for maintaining balance.
Each organ influences a particular part of the body, for example, HT manifests in ____.
the complexion
The state of the Heart is reflected in the skin and facial color.
What are the functions of the Spleen (SP) in TCM?
- governs transformation & transportation
- controls Blood
- houses the Blood
The Spleen is vital for nutrient absorption and Blood production.
What is the relationship between the Lung (LU) and Kidney (KD) regarding Qi?
LU governs respiration while KD governs water metabolism
Their functions are interdependent for maintaining overall health.
What does the Spleen (SP) transform into Blood?
Food essence
The Spleen plays a crucial role in converting nutrients into Blood.
True or False: Each internal organ is related to a particular taste.
True
Tastes can indicate the health of corresponding organs.
What does SP control in the context of Qi?
Movement of Qi
SP Qi serves to ‘lift’ the internal organs.
What role does SP play in the production of?
- Blood
- Qi
SP also plays a role in supplementing and nourishing Yin.
Why is external Dampness a major pathogenic factor of SP?
_______
This concept explores the relationship between environmental factors and the function of the Spleen.
How are HT and SP interrelated?
- SP is involved in the movement of Qi
- HT plays a role in the function of SP
Their connection affects the overall health of the body.
What is the relationship between LR and SP?
They have a very close relationship.
This relationship is significant in the context of liver and spleen functions.
What is the function of the Spleen related to Phlegm?
The Spleen is the source of Phlegm and the Lungs transform it.
This highlights the interaction between the Spleen and Lungs.
What is the foundation for all the Yin & Yang energies of the body?
KD (Kidney)
KD Yin is the source of Yin energy, and KD Yang is the source of Yang energy.
What does KD govern in terms of body fluids?
T&T (Transformation and Transportation) of Body Fluids
This function is crucial for maintaining fluid balance.
What is the Gate of Life also called?
Fire of Gate of Life
This concept relates to the body’s essential energy sources.
What are the mutual assistance elements between HT and KD?
- Fire
- Water
This relationship is defined by the five elements theory.
What vital substances are exchanged between LR and KD?
- Qi
- Blood
Their mutual exchange is key for maintaining health.
What is the Root of Qi according to SP?
SP is the Root of Postnatal Qi
This indicates its importance in energy production.
What does SP provide to assist KD in transforming and excreting fluids?
Heat
This highlights the interaction in body fluid regulation.
What do LU and KD mutually generate?
Water
This relationship is crucial for fluid management in the body.
What must LU and KD do to achieve harmony?
Communicate and respond to each other
This is important for maintaining body functions.
What is the Pericardium (PC) associated with?
Xin Bao (Cover of the Heart)
PC is considered an extension of the Heart.
What are the functions of PC?
- Governs Blood
- Houses the Mind
Functions are closely related to those of the Heart.
What influences the Gathering Qi (Zong Qi)?
- HT
- LU
This reflects the role of PC as a channel.
What type of exam format is mentioned?
Open book
This format allows for comprehensive review during the exam.
What types of questions are included in the exam?
- Multiple choice
- Fill in the blanks
- Short answer
- Comprehensive questions
These formats assess different levels of understanding.
Fill in the blank: The major organs that influence body fluids’ metabolism include __________, ____________, __________.
_______
This question assesses knowledge of organ functions.
What are the major functions of the Lungs?
_______
This question requires a brief answer only.
How are body fluids transformed and transported?
_______
This comprehensive question assesses an understanding of fluid dynamics.
