TCM Question Bank Flashcards
A patient comes in with Shortness of breath, cough and ashtma what diagnosis is this?
A. Heart blood stagnation
B. Lung Qi deficiency
C. Spleen Qi deficiency
D. Stomach fire
B. Lung Qi deficiency
A patient comes in with Poor hearing, Sore/weak back and knees, Leakage of reproductive area/incontinence (urine, ejaculations, miscarriages), what is the Diagnosis?
A. Kidney Qi Deficiency
B. Lung Qi Deficiency
C. Stomach heat
D. heart fire
Kidney Qi deficiency
A patient comes in with weakness especially with exertion, pale face, dizziness, spontaneous sweating, apathy and is worse during the day. What is the diagnosis?
A. Yang Deficiency
B. Yin Deficiency
C. Blood deficiency
D. Qi deficiency
Qi deficiency - as Wei Qi regulates the pores, this is the definition of this
A. Yang Deficiency -Feeling cold/chills (better with warmth), Cold Limbs, Better with pressure, Edema (extra substance/yin)
B. Yin Deficiency - Same as blood but also, Afternoon fever, 5 centre heat, Malar flush, Worse at rest/night (need Yin to rest), Night sweats, Dryness, Increased Thirst, Preference for cold.
C. Blood Deficiency - Although Fatigue, Dizziness, Pale, Weak are similar the difference is that the person is worse with rest (need Yin to rest, this is def.) and Worse at night sugges this
A patient comes in with loose stools, poor appetite, phlegm and a poor appetite, which herbal formula is appropriate for this patient?
A) Lu Jun Zi Tana
B) Si Wu Tang
C) Si Jun Zi Tang
D) Ba Zhen Tang
- Liú Jūn Zǐ Tāng (六君子湯)
Primary Uses:
Tonifies Spleen Qi deficiency.
Transforms Dampness and Phlegm.
Addresses digestive issues such as nausea, vomiting, bloating, poor appetite, and loose stools.
Key Indications: This formula is often used when Spleen Qi deficiency is complicated by Dampness or Phlegm, leading to digestive issues. It strengthens the Spleen’s function of transforming and transporting nutrients while resolving excess moisture. - Sì Wù Tāng (四物湯)
Primary Uses:
Nourishes Blood.
Regulates Liver Blood and moves stagnant Blood.
Key Indications: This formula is commonly used for Blood deficiency, particularly in women, to regulate menstruation, treat irregular periods, anemia, and alleviate fatigue, dizziness, and pale complexion. It also helps with Blood stasis by promoting circulation.
Key Herbs:
Shu Di Huang (Rehmannia): Tonifies blood.
Dang Gui (Angelica): Invigorates and nourishes blood.
Bai Shao (Peony): Nourishes blood and softens the Liver.
Chuan Xiong (Ligusticum): Promotes blood circulation. - Sì Jūn Zǐ Tāng (四君子湯)
Primary Uses:
Tonifies Spleen Qi.
Supports digestion and strengthens the body’s energy.
Key Indications: This formula is used for Spleen Qi deficiency, characterized by symptoms such as poor digestion, fatigue, low energy, weak limbs, poor appetite, and loose stools. It is often considered a foundational formula for general Qi tonification.
Key Herbs:
Ren Shen (Ginseng): Tonifies Qi.
Bai Zhu (Atractylodes): Strengthens the Spleen and dries Dampness.
Fu Ling (Poria): Promotes urination and reduces Dampness.
Zhi Gan Cao (Licorice): Harmonizes the formula and tonifies Qi. - Bā Zhēn Tāng (八珍湯)
Primary Uses:
Tonifies both Qi and Blood.
Key Indications: This formula is used for combined Qi and Blood deficiency. It’s commonly prescribed for patients experiencing fatigue, weakness, pale complexion, dizziness, palpitations, and menstrual issues like irregular or scanty periods. It’s beneficial for recovery after illness, surgery, or in cases of chronic weakness.
Key Herbs: Bā Zhēn Tāng combines Si Jun Zi Tang (for Qi tonification) and Si Wu Tang (for Blood nourishment), making it a powerful formula for treating simultaneous Qi and Blood deficiency.
Summary:
Liú Jūn Zǐ Tāng: Tonifies Spleen Qi, transforms Phlegm, and resolves Dampness.
Sì Wù Tāng: Nourishes Blood and promotes Blood circulation, especially for menstrual and blood deficiency conditions.
Sì Jūn Zǐ Tāng: Strengthens Spleen Qi and aids in digestion, addressing Qi deficiency symptoms.
Bā Zhēn Tāng: Combines the benefits of both Qi and Blood tonification, treating chronic weakness and deficiency after illness or menstruation-related issues.
What does Liú Jūn Zǐ Tāng stand for and what are some other common meanings of other herbs?
- Liú Jūn Zǐ Tāng (六君子湯)
Liú (六): “Six”
Jūn Zǐ (君子): “Gentleman” or “Noble Person”
In TCM, a “junzi” formula often refers to a tonifying formula, specifically one that strengthens Qi. “Noble” ingredients are those that restore balance in a gentle, harmonious way.
Tāng (湯): “Soup” or “Decoction”
Refers to the herbal preparation method where the herbs are boiled and consumed as a decoction.
Liú Jūn Zǐ Tāng literally means “Six Gentlemen Decoction.” This refers to the six primary herbs in the formula, which work together to tonify Spleen Qi and resolve Dampness and Phlegm. - Sì Wù Tāng (四物湯)
Sì (四): “Four”
Wù (物): “Things” or “Substances”
This refers to the four core ingredients of the formula.
Tāng (湯): “Soup” or “Decoction”
Sì Wù Tāng means “Four Substances Decoction.” The name reflects the four key herbs in the formula that work together to nourish Blood and improve circulation, especially for women’s health. - Sì Jūn Zǐ Tāng (四君子湯)
Sì (四): “Four”
Jūn Zǐ (君子): “Gentleman” or “Noble Person”
As mentioned earlier, “junzi” refers to a formula that tonifies in a balanced, harmonious way.
Tāng (湯): “Soup” or “Decoction”
Sì Jūn Zǐ Tāng means “Four Gentlemen Decoction.” The four herbs in this formula are used to tonify Spleen Qi. The name “Four Gentlemen” reflects the balanced and gentle action of the herbs on restoring Qi. - Bā Zhēn Tāng (八珍湯)
Bā (八): “Eight”
Zhēn (珍): “Treasure” or “Precious Things”
Refers to the eight herbs that are considered valuable for nourishing both Qi and Blood.
Tāng (湯): “Soup” or “Decoction”
Bā Zhēn Tāng means “Eight Treasures Decoction.” This name refers to the eight herbs that combine to tonify both Qi (from Sì Jūn Zǐ Tāng) and Blood (from Sì Wù Tāng). It’s considered a valuable or precious formula because it addresses two fundamental deficiencies simultaneously.
Summary:
Liú Jūn Zǐ Tāng: “Six Gentlemen Decoction” – Six herbs that tonify Spleen Qi and resolve Dampness/Phlegm.
Sì Wù Tāng: “Four Substances Decoction” – Four herbs that nourish Blood and regulate Liver Blood.
Sì Jūn Zǐ Tāng: “Four Gentlemen Decoction” – Four herbs that tonify Spleen Qi.
Bā Zhēn Tāng: “Eight Treasures Decoction” – A combination of eight herbs to tonify both Qi and Blood, from the combination of the previous two formulas.
Case 30 Patient Profile:
A 40-year-old female presents with the following symptoms:
Loose stools
Weakness in the limbs
Poor appetite and abdominal distention after eating
Fatigue and tiredness
A pale tongue with teeth marks and a thin, weak pulse
Multiple Choice: TCM Pathologies
Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis for this patient?
A. Spleen Qi Deficiency
B. Liver Qi Stagnation
C. Damp-Heat in the Large Intestine
D. Kidney Yin Deficiency
Acupuncture Point Packs:
Pack 1:
ST36, SP3, UB20, REN12, SP6
Pack 2:
ST36, SP9, UB22, REN9, LI11
Pack 3:
UB18, LV3, GB34, PC6, LV14
Pack 4:
UB13, LU9, K7, SP6, GV14
Case 30: Spleen Qi Deficiency; Pack 1
Explanation of Correct Diagnosis: Symptoms of loose stools, limb weakness, poor appetite, abdominal distention after eating, fatigue, pale tongue with teeth marks, and a weak pulse are classic indicators of Spleen Qi Deficiency. The Spleen is essential for digestion, transforming food into energy, and poor function here results in digestive issues and tiredness.
Why Other Options are Incorrect:
Liver Qi Stagnation: This would typically present with irritability, mood swings, and hypochondriac pain, none of which are mentioned here.
Damp-Heat in the Large Intestine: Damp-Heat would produce symptoms like diarrhea with foul-smelling stools, abdominal pain, and a yellow tongue coating, which don’t match this case.
Kidney Yin Deficiency: Kidney Yin Deficiency would present with symptoms like night sweats, low back pain, and heat sensations, which are not observed here.
Case 31:
Patient Profile:
A 32-year-old male presents with the following symptoms:
Frequent night sweats
Dry mouth and throat, especially at night
Hot flashes in the afternoon
Tinnitus and low back pain
A red tongue with no coating and a rapid pulse
Multiple Choice: TCM Pathologies
Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis for this patient?
A. Kidney Yin Deficiency
B. Liver Fire Rising
C. Spleen Qi Deficiency
D. Damp-Heat in the Lower Jiao
Acupuncture Point Packs:
Pack 1:
UB23, K3, REN4, UB52, K6
Pack 2:
UB18, LV2, GB43, ST36, SP6
Pack 3:
UB20, SP3, ST36, REN6, UB43
Pack 4:
UB25, ST37, LI11, GB34, REN9
Case 31: Kidney Yin Deficiency; Pack 1
Explanation of Correct Diagnosis: Frequent night sweats, dry mouth and throat at night, hot flashes, tinnitus, low back pain, a red tongue with no coating, and a rapid pulse indicate Kidney Yin Deficiency. Kidney Yin cools and nourishes the body, and its deficiency causes dryness and heat signs, especially in the evening.
Why Other Options are Incorrect:
Liver Fire Rising: While this could cause tinnitus and a rapid pulse, it would typically include anger, headaches, and red eyes, not night sweats or dryness.
Spleen Qi Deficiency: This would cause digestive issues, fatigue, and bloating, but no heat signs or dryness.
Damp-Heat in the Lower Jiao: Damp-Heat would present with symptoms like genital discomfort, burning urination, or diarrhea with a sticky yellow coating on the tongue, which are not observed here.
Case 32:
Patient Profile:
A 45-year-old female presents with the following symptoms:
Insomnia with difficulty falling asleep
Dizziness and blurred vision
Scanty periods and brittle nails
A pale tongue with a thin coating and a thin, wiry pulse
Multiple Choice: TCM Pathologies
Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis for this patient?
A. Liver Blood Deficiency
B. Heart Yin Deficiency
C. Spleen Qi Deficiency
D. Kidney Yang Deficiency
Acupuncture Point Packs:
Pack 1:
LV8, ST36, SP6, UB18, REN4
Pack 2:
LV3, GB34, PC6, LI4, LV14
Pack 3:
HT7, PC6, REN14, SP6, UB15
Pack 4:
UB23, K7, SP6, REN4, UB52
Case 32: Liver Blood Deficiency; Pack 2
Explanation of Correct Diagnosis: Symptoms such as insomnia with difficulty falling asleep, dizziness, blurred vision, scanty periods, brittle nails, a pale tongue with a thin coating, and a thin, wiry pulse point to Liver Blood Deficiency. The Liver stores blood, which nourishes the eyes and regulates menstruation; deficiency here leads to dryness and visual disturbances.
Why Other Options are Incorrect:
Heart Yin Deficiency: This would present with insomnia but would also have symptoms like night sweats, anxiety, and a red tongue, which aren’t present in this case.
Spleen Qi Deficiency: This would lead to digestive symptoms, fatigue, and a pale, swollen tongue, none of which are evident here.
Kidney Yang Deficiency: This would present with coldness, fatigue, and low back pain, not insomnia, dizziness, or brittle nails.
Case 33:
Patient Profile:
A 50-year-old male presents with the following symptoms:
Sharp epigastric pain
Vomiting blood (hematemesis)
Feeling of warmth in the stomach region
A red tongue with a yellow coating and a rapid pulse
Multiple Choice: TCM Pathologies
Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis for this patient?
A. Stomach Heat
B. Spleen Qi Deficiency
C. Damp-Heat in the Stomach
D. Liver Qi Stagnation
Acupuncture Point Packs:
Pack 1:
ST44, LI11, REN12, ST36, SP15
Pack 2:
UB20, SP6, REN6, ST36, LI11
Pack 3:
UB18, LV3, GB34, PC6, ST36
Pack 4:
UB21, ST44, REN12, SP9, ST25
Case 33: Stomach Heat; Pack 4
Explanation of Correct Diagnosis: Symptoms of sharp epigastric pain, vomiting blood (hematemesis), a sensation of warmth in the stomach region, a red tongue with a yellow coating, and a rapid pulse are indicative of Stomach Heat. Stomach Heat causes intense digestive distress, bleeding, and warmth in the digestive tract.
Why Other Options are Incorrect:
Spleen Qi Deficiency: This would cause weak digestion and bloating but not the heat symptoms or hematemesis seen here.
Damp-Heat in the Stomach: While similar, Damp-Heat would present with fullness, bloating, and sticky yellow coating, not necessarily the sharp pain or bleeding here.
Liver Qi Stagnation: This would present with mood-related symptoms and hypochondriac pain, not sharp epigastric pain or bleeding.
Patient Profile:
A 28-year-old male presents with the following symptoms:
Shortness of breath, especially on exertion
Spontaneous sweating
Fatigue and weak voice
A pale tongue and a weak pulse
Multiple Choice: TCM Pathologies
Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis for this patient?
A. Lung Qi Deficiency
B. Liver Fire Rising
C. Kidney Yang Deficiency
D. Heart Blood Deficiency
Acupuncture Point Packs:
Pack 1:
UB13, LU9, REN6, ST36, SP6
Pack 2:
UB15, HT7, REN14, PC6, SP6
Pack 3:
UB20, SP3, ST36, REN12, SP6
Pack 4:
UB18, LV3, GB34, PC6, ST36
Case 34: Lung Qi Deficiency; Pack 1
Explanation of Correct Diagnosis: Shortness of breath, spontaneous sweating, fatigue, weak voice, pale tongue, and weak pulse are classic indicators of Lung Qi Deficiency. The Lung governs Qi and respiration, so deficiency here causes weakness and susceptibility to fatigue.
Why Other Options are Incorrect:
Liver Fire Rising: This would produce symptoms like anger, headaches, red eyes, and a rapid pulse, none of which are observed here.
Kidney Yang Deficiency: This would cause coldness, fatigue, and low back pain, rather than shortness of breath and weak voice.
Heart Blood Deficiency: This could involve insomnia and palpitations, as well as a pale tongue, but would not typically present with respiratory weakness.
Case 35
Patient Profile: A 28-year-old male presents with the following symptoms:
Fever, sore throat, and cough
Yellow nasal discharge
Thirst
Red tongue with a yellow coating
Rapid pulse
Multiple Choice: TCM Pathologies What is the most likely diagnosis for this patient?
A. Wind Cold
B. Wind Heat
C. Lung Yin Deficiency
D. Heart Fire
Point packs
1. LI 4, LI 11, DU 14, SJ 5, LU 10
2. HT 7, PC 6, REN 14, SP 6, KD 6
3. LV 3, GB 34, PC 6, LI 4, LV 14
4. UB 23, DU 4, REN 4, KD 7, SP 6
Answer: Case 35: Wind Heat; Pack A
Explanation of Correct Diagnosis: Symptoms of fever, sore throat, cough, yellow nasal discharge, thirst, red tongue with yellow coating, and rapid pulse are indicative of Wind Heat, which involves invasion of external heat causing upper respiratory symptoms and thirst.
Why Other Options are Incorrect:
Wind Cold: This would present with chills, clear nasal discharge, and a white tongue coating.
Lung Yin Deficiency: This would present with dry cough, dry throat, and possibly night sweats, not acute fever and yellow discharge.
Heart Fire: Heart Fire would show up with symptoms like irritability, insomnia, and tongue ulcers, not respiratory symptoms.
Explanation: Pack 1 targets the exterior wind and heat symptoms. Options 2, 3, and 4 address issues unrelated to Wind Heat.
Case 36
Patient Profile: A 42-year-old woman presents with the following symptoms:
Palpitations and insomnia
Night sweats and irritability
Dry mouth and throat at night
Red tongue with no coating
Thin, rapid pulse
Multiple Choice: TCM Pathologies What is the most likely diagnosis for this patient?
A. Heart Blood Deficiency
B. Heart Yin Deficiency
C. Liver Fire
D. Lung Heat
Which point pack is most suitable?
1. UB 23, DU 4, REN 4, KD 3, ST 36
2. HT 7, PC 6, REN 14, SP 6, KD 7
3. LI 4, LI 11, DU 14, SJ 5, LU 10
4. ST 44, LI 11, REN 12, ST 36, SP 6
Answer: Case 36: Heart Yin Deficiency; Pack 2
Explanation of Correct Diagnosis: Symptoms of palpitations, insomnia, night sweats, dry mouth at night, a red tongue without coating, and a thin, rapid pulse suggest Heart Yin Deficiency. This condition involves heat signs and affects the mind and heart.
Why Other Options are Incorrect:
Heart Blood Deficiency: This would present with palpitations and insomnia but would lack heat signs like night sweats and dryness.
Liver Fire: This would involve symptoms like anger, headaches, and red eyes, not palpitations or night sweats.
Lung Heat: Lung Heat would involve cough, chest pain, and possibly fever, not palpitations or insomnia.
Answer: Pack 2
Explanation: Pack 2 nourishes Heart Yin and calms the mind, which is ideal for yin deficiency symptoms. Options 1, 3, and 4 target yang deficiency, wind-heat, and stomach heat, respectively, which are incorrect for this case.
Case 37
Patient Profile: A 55-year-old man complains of the following symptoms:
Weak low back and knees
Cold sensations, especially in the limbs
Frequent urination, especially at night
Pale, swollen tongue
Deep, weak pulse
Multiple Choice: TCM Pathologies What is the most likely diagnosis for this patient?
A. Kidney Yin Deficiency
B. Kidney Yang Deficiency
C. Liver Qi Stagnation
D. Lung Qi Deficiency
Which point pack is most suitable?
1. UB 23, DU 4, REN 4, KD 3, ST 36
2. LV 3, GB 34, PC 6, LI 4, LV 14
3. LI 4, LI 11, DU 14, SJ 5, LU 10
4. HT 7, PC 6, REN 14, SP 6, KD 6
Answer: Case 37: Kidney Yang Deficiency; Pack 1
Explanation of Correct Diagnosis: Weak low back and knees, cold sensations, frequent urination, pale swollen tongue, and a deep, weak pulse indicate Kidney Yang Deficiency. The Kidney Yang is responsible for warming the body, so deficiency here leads to cold sensations and urinary symptoms.
Why Other Options are Incorrect:
Kidney Yin Deficiency: This would cause night sweats, dryness, and hot flashes, rather than cold symptoms.
Liver Qi Stagnation: This would cause symptoms like irritability and hypochondriac pain, not low back weakness or coldness.
Lung Qi Deficiency: Lung Qi Deficiency would include respiratory symptoms like shortness of breath and fatigue but not cold sensations or nocturia.
Answer: Pack 1
Explanation: Pack 1 warms and supports Kidney Yang, which is appropriate for yang deficiency symptoms. The other packs focus on liver qi stagnation, wind heat, and heart yin deficiency.
Case 38
Patient Profile: A 33-year-old female presents with:
Alternating constipation and diarrhea
Abdominal pain that improves after passing gas
Emotional distress and irritability
Thin white tongue coating
Wiry pulse
Multiple Choice: TCM Pathologies What is the most likely diagnosis for this patient?
A. Liver Qi Stagnation
B. Spleen Qi Deficiency
C. Spleen/Stomach Damp Cold
D. Liver Fire
Which point pack is most suitable?
1. ST 44, LI 11, REN 12, ST 36, SP 6
2. LV 3, GB 34, PC 6, LI 4, LV 14
3. UB 23, DU 4, REN 4, KD 3, ST 36
4. HT 7, PC 6, REN 14, SP 6, KD 7
Answer: Case 38: Liver Qi Stagnation; Pack 2
Explanation of Correct Diagnosis: Alternating constipation and diarrhea, abdominal pain that improves after passing gas, emotional distress, and a wiry pulse are signs of Liver Qi Stagnation affecting the digestive system. Liver Qi Stagnation commonly affects digestion and is associated with stress and irritability.
Why Other Options are Incorrect:
Spleen Qi Deficiency: Spleen Qi Deficiency would present with fatigue, bloating, and loose stools without the emotional component.
Spleen/Stomach Damp Cold: Damp Cold would involve a heavy sensation, abdominal pain, and a thick white coating, not alternating bowel habits.
Liver Fire: Liver Fire would present with more intense heat symptoms, such as red eyes and headaches, which are absent here.
Answer: 2
Explanation: Pack 2 helps with the smooth flow of Liver Qi, which is suitable for symptoms of liver qi stagnation. Options 1, 3, and 4 address stomach heat, kidney yang deficiency, and heart yin deficiency, respectively.
Case 39
Patient Profile: A 40-year-old male has:
Bad breath and thirst
Stomach pain that worsens with pressure
Frequent hunger and constipation
Red tongue with a yellow coating
Rapid pulse
Multiple Choice: TCM Pathologies What is the most likely diagnosis for this patient?
A. Lung Heat
B. Stomach Heat
C. Spleen Qi Deficiency
D. Liver Yang Rising
Which point pack is most suitable?
1. ST 44, LI 11, REN 12, ST 36, SP 6
2. UB 23, DU 4, REN 4, KD 7, SP 6
3. LV 3, GB 34, PC 6, LI 4, LV 14
4. HT 7, PC 6, REN 14, SP 6, KD 6
Answer: Case 39: Stomach Heat; Pack 1
Explanation of Correct Diagnosis: Bad breath, thirst, stomach pain, frequent hunger, constipation, a red tongue with yellow coating, and rapid pulse all point to Stomach Heat. Stomach Heat manifests with digestive complaints and a preference for cold drinks.
Why Other Options are Incorrect:
Lung Heat: Lung Heat would present with respiratory symptoms like cough and chest pain, not digestive issues.
Spleen Qi Deficiency: This would cause poor appetite and fatigue, rather than frequent hunger or bad breath.
Liver Yang Rising: Liver Yang Rising typically presents with headaches, red eyes, and anger, not digestive symptoms.
Answer: Pack 1
Explanation: Pack 1 clears heat in the stomach, which is ideal for stomach heat symptoms. The other options focus on kidney yang deficiency, liver qi stagnation, and heart yin deficiency, none of which address stomach heat.
