Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Fundamentals

Comprehensive flashcards covering the characteristics, philosophies (Yin-Yang and 5-Movement), organ systems (Zang-Fu), and diagnostic applications of Traditional Chinese Medicine based on lecture notes.

「中醫」 (Zhongyi)

A term that first appeared in the “Treatise on Literature, The Book of Han,” originally referring to a mid-level doctor (aka 「中工」) with a $70\%$ cure rate.

High-level doctor (上工)

According to The Yellow Emperor’s Inner Canon (黃帝內經), a doctor with a $90\%$ cure rate, compared to a low-level doctor (下工) who has a $60\%$ cure rate.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

A medical system based on traditional Chinese culture and philosophy, using holistic, dynamic, and systematic methods to understand human life in interaction with its surroundings.

Unity of Nature and Human-Being (天人合一/天人相應)

A TCM characteristic emphasizing the intimate relationship between natural environments and humans, where man follows the earth, sky, Tao, and nature.

Concept of Holism (整體觀念)

A TCM characteristic emphasizing unity and wholeness, where the whole is greater than the sum of its parts, applied both within the body and between the body and external environment.

Treatment Based on Syndrome Differentiation (辨證論治)

The fundamental TCM principle of identifying the cause and pathogenesis through four-diagnosis methods to provide personalized principles of treatment.

Yin-Yang Theory (陰陽理論)

The principle of how things change through growth and reduction; Yang originally means tall and bright, while Yin originally means dark or the north/shady side of mountains.

5-Movement Theory (五行理論)

A principle of how things balance each other through generation and regulation, consisting of five components: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water.

Five Visceral Organs (五臟)

The core internal organs in TCM (Zhang) consisting of the Heart, Liver, Spleen, Lung, and Kidney.

Six Bowel Organs (六腑)

Organs externally-internally coupled with the Zang organs, including the small intestine, large intestine, stomach, gallbladder, bladder, and triple warmers.

Heart (心)

The 'organ of the emperor' and leader of all organs; it belongs to the Fire element, governs the blood and vessels, and stores the spirit (神).

Lung (肺)

A 'fragile organ' belonging to the Metal element; it governs Qi (breathing), connects to hundreds of blood vessels, and governs the water passages.

Spleen (脾)

The foundation of acquired constitution belonging to the Earth element; it governs the transformation and transportation of food and water.

Liver (肝)

The 'officer of General' belonging to the Wood element; it governs the smooth flow of Qi and stores blood.

Kidney (腎)

The foundation of inborn constitution (先天之本) belonging to the Water element; it governs water, stores essence (Jing), and governs growth, development, and reproduction.

Essence (精/Jing)

The foundation of all growth and activities; consists of Inborn Essence (inherited from parents) and Acquired Essence (from food, water, and sky Qi).

Qi (氣)

The origin and foundation of life and physiological activities, movement occurs in four ways: ascending, descending, exiting (outward), and entering (inward).

Blood (血)

A red liquid circulating in vessels that belongs to Yin; it nourishes the body and heart-spirit while balancing the body's Yin-Yang.

Body Fluid (津液)

A general term for all normal fluids (e.g., stomach fluid, tears, saliva) that moisten the body and can transform into blood.

Four-Diagnosis Methods (望聞問切)

The diagnostic process consisting of observation, auscultation and olfaction, inquiry, and palpation.

8-principle diagnosis (八綱辨證)

A diagnostic framework differentiating diseases into Yin-Yang, Exterior-Interior, Cold-Heat, and Deficiency-Excessiveness.

Generation (相生)

The normal relationship in 5-movement theory where one element creates another, such as Water being the mother of Wood.

Regulation (相克)

The normal relationship in 5-movement theory where elements balance each other, such as Water winning over (regulating) Fire.

Overregulation (相乘)

An abnormal 5-movement relationship where one element regulates another excessively, such as plants draining all nutrients from the soil.

Counteracting (相侮)

An abnormal relationship where the regulation relationship is reversed, such as a strong fire evaporating water.

Exogenous Febrile Diseases (外感熱病)

Diseases with fever as the main symptom caused by Exogenous Evil Qi (外感邪氣), such as common cold, influenza, or COVID-19.

Genuine Qi (正氣)

The body's immune system or internal strength; when maintained, exogenous evil Qi cannot affect the body.

Defensive Qi

A specific type of Qi that guards the surface of the skin against exopathogens and regulates sweat pores.

Insomnia (in TCM)

A condition where Yang Qi is unable to reduce and conceal into Yin, caused by either excessive Yang Qi or deficient Yin Qi.

Triple Burner (三焦)

One of the Fu organs responsible for the water passage and fluid system in the body.

Yin Qiao San (Honeysuckle & Forsythia Formula)

A herbal medicine used to treat Exogenous Heat Diseases by clearing exterior heat and tonifying Yin Qi.

Spine Date Seed Decoction (酸棗仁湯)

A treatment used for insomnia caused by liver blood deficiency and liver Qi stagnation.