CMN E2 -TCM

What is traditional Chinese medicine based on?

universal principle of Yin and Yang

What is the Yin and Yang phenomena?

each phenomenon will exert an influence on its surroundings that is balanced by an equal but opposing influence

How is Yin/Yang historically used in medicine?

-disease is treated from its root

-evil influence removed, good influences supported

-restore balance of yin/yang

-tx condition w/ opposing measures (cold → give heat; repletion → drainage)

What is the basic concept of TCM?

vital life force (Qi) surges through the body, imbalances → disease & illness

What results in an imbalance of Qi?

alteration in the forces that make up Qi (yin & yang) → need to achieve balance btwn internal body organs & external elements

Where is Qi considered to flow?

flow in the blood stream and is conveyed via meridians

In TCM, analysis of what body part can provide a greater understanding of a pts overall health?

Tongue

When is the best time to examine the tongue?

right after waking, before brushing teeth or having food/drink

Aside from tongue analysis, what is another way to diagnose sx in TCM?

assess pulse (measured in relation to rate of breathing)

*normal = 4-5 beats / breath

What is the therapeutic goal of acupuncture?

regulate chi

T/F: An acupuncturist is both a specialist AND a primary care physician in the state of Florida

True

What does the Blood Chemistry Theory suggest that acupuncture affects?

TG, cholesterol, and phospholipids (can raise or dec → regulate homeostasis)

What does the Gate Control Theory suggests that acupuncture does?

inhibits transmission of nociceptive signals in the dorsal horn "gating out" painful stimuli

What does the Neurotransmitter Theory suggests that acupuncture does?

affects higher brain areas by stimulating the secretion of beta-endorphins in the brain and spinal cord (influence immune system and antinociceptive system)

What is the advantage of acupuncture according to the NIH?

incidence of AE is substantially lower than that of many drugs or medical procedures used for the same conditions -especially pain management

What is moxibustion?

burning a cone/stick made of ground mugwort leaves on or near body's meridians and acupuncture points

What is moxa?

small, spongy herb believed to enhance healing with acupuncture

T/F: Fire cupping has sufficient evidence of health benefits

False

How does massages/pressure point therapy provide health benefits?

applies pressure tot he meridians to help move qi throughout the body

What does manual therapy (medical massage) include?

Manual traction & Joint mobilization

What is a myofascial release?

Soft tissue mobilization = effect changes in soft tissues, articular structures, neural or vascular systems; tx restricted motion

What is Gua sha?

*Graston technique

treatment in which the skin is scraped to produce light bruising to release muscle tension and or pathogens