TCM I - Lecture 1 - Part II - 03 May 2025

Flashcards reviewing key concepts and historical elements of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) discussed in the review lecture.

What is the Divine Farmer's Classic of Materia Medica?

Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing, considered the oldest surviving Chinese pharmacopeia.

During which dynasty was the Divine Farmer's Classic of Materia Medica compiled?

Han Dynasty (around 100-200 CE)

Who is the Divine Farmer's Classic traditionally attributed to?

The legendary Emperor Shen Nong

What does the name 'Shen Nong' honor?

His mythical role as the father of Chinese agriculture and herbal medicine who tested hundreds of herbs.

What did the Divine Farmer's Classic mark the first systemic attempt to do?

Categorize medicinal substances

How many herbal entries are in the Divine Farmer’s Classic, and what does this number symbolize?

365 herbal entries, symbolically matching the number of days in a year.

What key therapeutic attributes were herbs classified by in the Divine Farmer's Classic?

Nature (temperature), taste, channel tropism, and primary clinical actions

What is Ma Huang (麻黄)?

Ephedra, a Chinese herb that contains ephedrine.

What is the nature of Ma Huang according to traditional Chinese medicine?

Warm or hot

What is the taste of Mahuang and what does this taste do?

Pungent, it opens up the lungs.

Which channels does Mahuang primarily affect (tropism)?

The lungs and bladder

What are the primary actions of Ma Huang?

Induces sweating, releases wheezing, and promotes urination.

What are the three categories of herbs in the Divine Farmer's Classic?

Upper grade, middle grade, and lower grade herbs

What are the characteristics of upper grade herbs?

Nontoxic and tonic, promoting longevity and preserving health; example: ginseng.

What are the characteristics of middle grade herbs?

May have mild toxicity, used for nourishing and regulating internal systems, and treating imbalances.

What are the characteristics of lower grade herbs?

Include 125 herbs, have a very strong action and are often toxic; example: Fuzi.

According to the lecture, what key features are included in each herb entry?

Flavor, nature, meridian of variation (tropism), function and indications, toxic level, yin yang balance, five flavors, temperature, and directional flow

According to TCM, what effect does a sweet taste have?

A tonifying effect

What is Wenbing theory?

A theory about epidemic illnesses that are not just cold attacking the skin layer, but also affecting through the nose and mouth.

What are the four levels in Wenbing disease?

Wei level, Qi level, Ying level, and Xue (Blood) level

What does Sanjiao refer to and how can it be understood?

The Sanjiao theory refers to a system through which fluid moves and can be understood as interstitial space.

Who developed the four-level theory (Wei, Qi, Ying, Xue) in Wenbing theory?

Ye Tian Shi

During which dynasty did acupuncture institutionalize and start being taught in imperial medical colleges?

Tang and Song Dynasties

What event in 1972 spurred Western interest in acupuncture?

A New York Times reporter witnessed acupuncture anesthesia during Nixon's visit to China.

Define Syndrome Differentiation.

The process of identifying the underlying pattern of imbalance, understanding how & why the body is out of harmony not just labeling disease.