History and Principles of Chinese Herbal Medicine

These flashcards cover key concepts, terms, and principles from the history and practice of Chinese herbal medicine, aimed at aiding understanding and recall for exam preparation.

Chinese Herbal Medicine

A system of medicine that utilizes plant-based substances for healing, deeply rooted in tradition and historical practices.

Yin-Yang

A fundamental concept in Chinese philosophy that describes the dual nature of all phenomena, representing opposite but complementary forces.

Five Phases (Wu Xing)

A theory that describes the dynamic interactions and transformations of energy and matter in natural phenomena, including seasons and organ relationships.

Qi

The vital energy or life force that flows through the body, essential for all physiological processes.

Blood (Xue)

The material basis that nourishes the body and is formed from the Essential Qi extracted from food.

Essence (Jing)

The fundamental material substance of the body, responsible for growth, reproduction, and aging.

Fluids (Jin-Ye)

The various secretions in the body that nourish and moisten tissues, including sweat, saliva, and other bodily fluids.

Zang-Fu System

The classification of internal organs in Chinese medicine based on their functions rather than strict anatomical structure.

Pathology of Qi

Disorders related to the function and movement of Qi, potentially resulting in conditions like Qi deficiency or stagnation.

Diagnosis in Chinese Medicine

A method that focuses on identifying imbalances in the body through pattern identification rather than naming a specific disease.

Three Categories of Disease Causes

External, internal, and neutral (miscellaneous) factors that contribute to illness in Chinese medicine.

The Eight Principles

A diagnostic framework used to analyze the nature and location of disease in the body, considering factors like interior vs. exterior and excess vs. deficiency.

Treatment Methods in Chinese Medicine

Various therapeutic approaches including sweating, purging, warming, and supplementing, each addressing specific health conditions.

The Hierarchy of Ingredients

The structured approach to combining herbs in formulations, categorizing them into roles such as Chief, Deputy, and Assistant.

Tastes and their Effects

Each herb's dominant flavor, which influences its therapeutic actions and how it affects different organs.

Compatibility of Herbs

Guidelines for combining herbs in practice to ensure safety and effectiveness, noting common antagonisms and incompatibilities.