Traditional Chinese Medicine Lecture Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering the core principles, terminology, imbalances, and five-element system of traditional Chinese medicine presented by Dr. Josh Axe.

Germ Theory

A theory developed by Louis Pasteur stating that illness is caused directly by outside microorganisms (viruses, bacteria, parasites) or genetics.

The Six Evils

Internal body imbalances in Chinese medicine that cause disease, categorized as dampness, dryness, heat, cold, wind, and stagnation.

Dampness

An internal body imbalance characterized by excess fluid, yeast overgrowth (such as candida), fungal infections, or excess mucus and phlegm.

Bitter Flavor

A taste profile that strengthens the lungs, clears out internal dampness and mucus, and activates the heart channel.

Dryness

An internal imbalance commonly affecting postmenopausal women and individuals over age $50$, leading to dry skin or chronic constipation; treated with moistening foods like bananas, flaxseed oil, yogurt, and kefir.

Wind

An internal imbalance representing an invading virus or organism entering the body, treated using antiviral herbs.

Carvacrol

An active compound found in oregano that has been clinically proven to exhibit antiviral properties.

Thymol

An active compound found in thyme that has been clinically proven to exhibit antiviral properties.

Stagnation

An internal imbalance characterized by a lack of movement of blood, qi, or physical waste in the body, associated with constipation and cancer.

Qi

Spelled q i, the body's vital life energy force, closely linked to ATP production and charged by the adrenal glands.

Yin

The feminine, resting, and nighttime energy principle in traditional Chinese medicine, supported by gentle activities like yoga.

Yang

The masculine, active, and daytime energy principle in traditional Chinese medicine, supported by intense activities like weight lifting or CrossFit.

Acupuncture

A treatment modality involving inserting needles at specific muscular points connected to organ systems to stimulate energy, blood flow, and healing.

Like Supports Like

An ancient principle stating that specific foods nourish corresponding body systems based on their shape, color, and flavor.

Fire Element

The element connected to the heart, small intestine, and cardiovascular system; susceptible to anxiety and nourished by red and brown foods like beets, tomatoes, coffee, and dark chocolate.

Earth Element

The element connected to the pancreas, spleen, and stomach; susceptible to worry, diabetes, and obesity, and nourished by orange foods like sweet potatoes, pumpkin, and carrots.

Metal Element

The element connected to the colon and lungs (immune system); susceptible to grief and depression, and nourished by light yellow foods with umami flavor like chicken broth, ginger, garlic, and miso.

Water Element

The element connected to the adrenal glands, kidneys, and reproductive organs; susceptible to fear and infertility, and nourished by dark blue, purple, and marine foods like berries, seaweed, and wild-caught fish.

Wood Element

The element connected to the liver, gallbladder, and lymphatic system; susceptible to anger and frustration, and nourished by green foods and sour flavors like Granny Smith apples, sauerkraut, sprouts, and celery juice.