Comprehensive Traditional Chinese Medicine & Acupuncture Review

Vocabulary practice flashcards covering Five Elements theory, Channel Pathologies, Acupuncture Needle & Auxiliary Techniques, Fundamental OM Concepts (Substances, Emotions, Organs), and Specific Point Classifications (Command, Influential, Confluential, Group Luo, Mu, and Shu points).

Wood Element (Five Elements)

Characterized as that which can be bent and straightened; interpreted as solidity and workability, with an expansive movement direction. Corresponds to Spring, East, Birth, Lesser Yang, Liver (Yin organ), Gall Bladder (Yang organ), Green, Shouting, Rancid smell, Anger, Sour taste, Sinews, Eyes, and Wind.

Fire Element (Five Elements)

Characterized as that which flares upwards; interpreted as heat and combustion, moving upwards. Corresponds to Summer, South, Growth, Utmost Yang, Heart (Yin organ), Small Intestine (Yang organ), Red, Laughing, Scorched smell, Joy, Bitter taste, Blood Vessels, Tongue, and Heat.

Earth Element (Five Elements)

Characterized as permitting sowing, growing, and reaping; interpreted as nutrition, with a movement centered on center and stability. Corresponds to Center, Transformation, Center Yin-Yang, Spleen (Yin organ), Stomach (Yang organ), Yellow, Singing, Fragrant smell, Pensiveness, Sweet taste, Muscles, Mouth and Lips, and Dampness.

Metal Element (Five Elements)

Characterized as that which can be molded and can harden; interpreted as solidity, congelation, and moldability, with a contracting movement. Corresponds to Autumn, West, Harvest, Lesser Yin, Lung (Yin organ), Large Intestine (Yang organ), White, Weeping, Rotten smell, Sadness, Pungent taste, Skin, Nose, and Dryness.

Water Element (Five Elements)

Characterized as moistening downwards; interpreted as liquidity, fluidity, and solution, with a downwards movement. Corresponds to Winter, North, Storage, Utmost Yin, Kidney (Yin organ), Bladder (Yang organ), Black, Groaning, Putrid smell, Fear, Salty taste, Bones, Ears, and Cold.

Pre-Heaven and Post-Heaven Numbers (Five Elements)

Numerical correspondences across the Five Elements: Water has Pre-Heaven $1$ and Post-Heaven $6$; Fire has Pre-Heaven $2$ and Post-Heaven $7$; Wood has Pre-Heaven $3$ and Post-Heaven $8$; Metal has Pre-Heaven $4$ and Post-Heaven $9$; Earth has Pre-Heaven $5$ and Post-Heaven $10$.

Lung Channel Pathology

Presents clinically with cough, asthmatic breathing, hemoptysis, congested and sore throat, sensation of fullness in the chest, and pain located in the supraclavicular fossa, shoulder, back, and anterior border of the medial arm.

Large Intestine Channel Pathology

Presents clinically with epistaxis, watery nasal discharge, toothache, congested and sore throat, borborygmus, abdominal pain, diarrhea and dysentery, and pain in the neck, anterior part of the shoulder, and anterior border of the lateral upper arm.

Stomach Channel Pathology

Presents clinically with borborygmus, abdominal distention, edema, epigastric pain, vomiting, hunger, epistaxis, deviation of the mouth, congested and sore throat, fever, mania, and pain in the chest, abdomen, and anterior border of the lateral lower limbs.

Spleen Channel Pathology

Presents clinically with belching, vomiting, epigastric pain, abdominal distention, loose stools, jaundice, heaviness of the body, lassitude, stiffness and pain in the root of the tongue, and swelling and coldness in the medial thigh and knee.

Heart Channel Pathology

Presents clinically with cardiac pain, palpitation, hypochondriac pain, insomnia, night sweating, dryness of the throat, thirst, heat sensation in the palms, and pain along the medial aspect of the upper arm.

Small Intestine Channel Pathology

Presents clinically with deafness, yellow sclera, sore throat, swelling of the cheeks, distention and pain in the lower abdomen, and pain along the posterior border of the lateral shoulder and arm.

Urinary Bladder Channel Pathology

Presents clinically with retention of urine, enuresis, manic and depressive mental disorders, malaria, pain of the eyes, lacrimation when exposed to wind, nasal obstruction, rhinorrhea, epistaxis, headache, and pain in the nape, back, low back, buttocks, and posterior aspect of the lower limbs.

Kidney Channel Pathology

Presents clinically with enuresis, frequent urination, nocturnal emission, impotence, irregular menstruation, asthmatic breathing, hemoptysis, dryness of the tongue, congested and sore throat, edema, weakness of the lower limbs, heat sensation in the soles, and pain in the lumbar region and posteriomedial aspect of the thigh.

Pericardium Channel Pathology

Presents clinically with cardiac pain, palpitation, mental restlessness, stuffiness in the chest, flushed face, swelling in the axilla, depressive and manic mental disorders, spasm of the upper limbs, and heat sensation in the palms.

San Jiao Channel Pathology

Presents clinically with abdominal distention, edema, dysuria, deafness, tinnitus, pain in the outer canthus, swelling of the cheeks, congested and sore throat, and pain in the retroauricular region, shoulder, and lateral aspect of the arm and elbow.

Gall Bladder Channel Pathology

Presents clinically with headache, pain in the outer canthus, pain in the jaw, blurring of vision, bitter taste in the mouth, swelling and pain in the supraclavicular fossa, pain in the axilla, and pain along the lateral aspect of the chest, hypochondrium, thigh, and lower limbs.

Liver Channel Pathology

Presents clinically with low back pain, fullness in the chest, pain in the lower abdomen, hernia, vertical headache, dryness of the throat, hiccups, enuresis, dysuria, and mental disturbance.

Ren Channel Pathology

Presents clinically with leucorrhea, irregular menstruation, infertility in men and women, hernia, nocturnal emission, enuresis, retention of urine, and pain in the epigastric region, lower abdomen, and genital region.

Du Channel Pathology

Presents clinically with stiffness and pain in the spinal column, opisthotonos, headache, and epilepsy.

Moxibustion Mediums

Specific insulating bases used under moxa cones: Ginger is used for Spleen/Stomach deficiency presenting with poor appetite, diarrhea, and abdominal pain; Garlic is used for infectious processes, especially of the skin; Salt is used for Yang collapse; and Fu Zi (Aconite) is also used for Yang collapse.

Cupping Therapy

A therapeutic modality that warms, promotes the free flow of qi and blood, and diminishes swelling and pain. Contraindicated over skin ulcerations, edema, large blood vessels, high fever, convulsions, bleeding disorders, and the abdominal or sacral regions of pregnant women.

Electro-Acupuncture (Estim) Frequencies

Electrical stimulation settings where Regular Frequency is used for pain, spasm, and draining excess; Alternate Quick and Slow Frequency is used for paralysis, numbness, and tonifying deficiency. Contraindicated in patients with heart disease (never cross the heart) and never used with silver needles.

Three-Edged Needle (Lancet)

A bloodletting needle whose actions are to move Qi and Blood and clear Heat. Indicated for high fever, sore throat, and local congestion or swelling. Contraindicated in patients with a weak constitution, pregnant women, and bleeding conditions.

Plum Blossom / Seven-Star Needle

A dermal tapping needle whose actions are to move Qi in the meridians and regulate the Zang-Fu organs. Indicated for skin diseases and nervous system disorders, and contraindicated over local trauma and ulcers.

Tonification Needling Technique

Needle manipulation characterized by slow insertion, rapid withdrawal, clockwise rotation, closing the puncture hole upon removal, needling in the direction of the channel flow, inserting on exhalation, and withdrawing on inhalation.

Sedation Needling Technique

Needle manipulation characterized by rapid insertion, slow withdrawal, counterclockwise rotation, leaving the puncture hole open upon removal, needling against the direction of the channel flow, inserting on inhalation, and withdrawing on exhalation.

Pregnancy Acupuncture Contraindications

Rules restricting point selection during gestation: Contraindicated to needle the lower abdomen or lumbosacral region in the 1st trimester; contraindicated on the upper abdomen and lumbosacral region after $3$ months. LI-4, SP-6, UB-60, GB-21, and UB-67 are strictly contraindicated throughout the entire pregnancy.

Acupuncture Fainting Management

Emergency protocol requiring immediate removal of all needles, placing the patient in a recumbent position, and offering warm or sweet water. Acupressure can be applied to Du-26, PC-9, PC-6, ST-36, or Shi Xuan, or moxa on DU-20; call 911 if there is no response.

Pneumothorax (Acupuncture Complication)

A mechanical complication caused by improper needling over rib spaces on the chest and upper back (which require an oblique rather than perpendicular angle). Characterized clinically by cough, chest pain, shortness of breath, and anxiety.

Qing Qi

The clean 'qi of air' inhaled directly into the lungs from the natural atmosphere.

Gu Qi

Food qi extracted from dietary intake by the digestive actions of the Spleen and Stomach, which is transported upward to the Lung to combine with Qing Qi.

Zong Qi (Ancestral, Gathering, Pectoral Qi)

Formed from the combination of Gu Qi and Qing Qi and stored in the chest. Functions to promote the Lung's control of respiration and voice, and the Heart's regulation of heartbeat, blood, and vessels.

Yuan Qi (Original Qi)

The fundamental primary qi derived from congenital Pre-Heaven essence stored in the Kidneys, supplemented by Post-Heaven food essence, and distributed throughout the entire body via the San Jiao pathway.

Wei Qi (Defensive Qi)

A fast-moving Yang qi that protects the body against external pathogenic factors, controls the opening and closing of pores, circulates outside the vessels in the skin and flesh, and regulates body temperature.

Ying Qi (Constructive / Nutritive Qi)

A refined Yin form of qi that flows within the channels and blood vessels alongside blood to nourish blood tissue; described as the functional, active aspect of blood.

Affect of the Seven Emotions on Qi

Specific dynamic motions caused by emotional disturbance: Anger makes Qi rise (injures Liver); Fear makes Qi descend (injures Kidney); Joy slows Qi down (injures Heart); Worry/Pensiveness/Overthinking knots, binds, or stagnates Qi (injures Spleen); Grief/Sadness dissolves or consumes Qi (injures Lung); and Shock/Fright scatters Qi (injures Kidney and Heart).

Jin Fluids vs. Ye Liquids

Two distinct categories of body fluids: Jin Fluids are Yang in nature, clear, light, thin, and watery (e.g., sweat, tears, saliva, mucus); Ye Liquids are Yin in nature, turbid, heavy, and dense (e.g., synovial fluid, cerebrospinal fluid, bone marrow, and inner humors of the eyeball).

Six Extraordinary Organs

A special class of organs that functionally store essence like Zang organs while being hollow or morphologically distinct: Uterus, Brain, Marrow, Bones, Blood Vessels, and Gallbladder.

Spirits of the Five Zang Organs

The spiritual/mental faculties housed in the solid organs: The Liver houses the Hun (Ethereal Soul; responsible for planning, goals, and the coming and going of shen); the Heart houses the Shen (consciousness, thinking, memory); the Spleen houses the Yi (thinking, memory, concentration); the Lung houses the Po (Corporeal Soul; physical feelings and sensations); and the Kidney houses the Zhi (willpower and determination).

Ophthalmic (Eye) Correspondences

Diagnostic correspondences linking specific anatomical sections of the eye to Zang-Fu organs: Sclera corresponds to Lung; Upper Eyelid corresponds to Spleen; Lower Eyelid corresponds to Stomach; Corners (canthi) correspond to Heart; Iris corresponds to Liver; and Pupil corresponds to Kidney.

Command Points

Distal acupuncture points that govern specific anatomical regions of the body: ST-36 governs the Abdomen, UB-40 governs the Low Back, LU-7 governs the Head/Neck, LI-4 governs the Face/Mouth, and P-6 governs the Chest.

Eight Influential Points (Hui-Meeting Points)

Specific acupuncture points exerting dominant therapeutic effects over distinct tissues and substances: LIV-13 for Zang Organs, REN-12 for Fu Organs, REN-17 for Qi, UB-17 for Xue (Blood), GB-34 for Tendons, LU-9 for Pulse and Vessels, UB-11 for Bone, and GB-39 for Marrow.

Group Luo Points

Points that interconnect the three Yin or three Yang meridians of an extremity: 3 Yang Arm connects at SJ-8, 3 Yin Arm connects at P-5, 3 Yang Leg connects at GB-39, and 3 Yin Leg connects at SP-6.

TMM Meeting Points (Tendon Muscle Meridians)

Convergence points for the sinew/tendon muscle meridian groups: 3 Yang Arm meets at GB-13, 3 Yin Arm meets at GB-22, 3 Yang Leg meets at ST-3, and 3 Yin Leg meets at R-3 (or REN-3).

Eight Confluential Points (Master and Coupled Pairs)

Points that open and regulate the Eight Extraordinary Vessels in paired master-coupled sets: Ren (Master: LU-7, Coupled: K-6); Yinqiao (Master: K-6, Coupled: LU-7); Du (Master: SI-3, Coupled: UB-62); Yangqiao (Master: UB-62, Coupled: SI-3); Chong (Master: SP-4, Coupled: P-6); Yinwei (Master: P-6, Coupled: SP-4); Dai (Master: GB-41, Coupled: SJ-5); and Yangwei (Master: SJ-5, Coupled: GB-41).

Lower He-Sea Points

Specific points located on the lower extremities that directly treat diseases of the six Fu organs: Stomach is ST-36, Large Intestine is ST-37, Small Intestine is ST-39, Gallbladder is GB-34, San Jiao is UB-39, and Urinary Bladder is UB-40.

Front-Mu Points

Diagnostic and therapeutic 'alarm' points situated on the chest and abdomen where organ Qi gathers: Lung (LU-1), Pericardium (REN-17), Heart (REN-14), Liver (LIV-14), Gallbladder (GB-24), Spleen (LIV-13), Stomach (REN-12), San Jiao (REN-5), Kidney (GB-25), Large Intestine (ST-25), Small Intestine (REN-4), and Urinary Bladder (REN-3).

Back-Shu Points

Points located along the Urinary Bladder meridian on the back where organ Qi infuses: Lung (UB-13), Pericardium (UB-14), Heart (UB-15), Liver (UB-18), Gallbladder (UB-19), Spleen (UB-20), Stomach (UB-21), San Jiao (UB-22), Kidney (UB-23), Large Intestine (UB-25), Small Intestine (UB-27), and Urinary Bladder (UB-28).