1st Yr-2. Survival Guide

NESA First Year Comprehensive Exam Study Guide

Theory Summary

• Created by Students for Students

• Based on Val's Theory 1 and 2 Notes

Yin and Yang Associations

• Yang ↔ Yin (Not independent, transform into each other)

  • Light / Brightness ↔ Dark / Shade

  • Activity ↔ Rest

  • Sun ↔ Moon

  • Heaven ↔ Earth

  • Immaterial ↔ Material

  • Produces Energy / Generates ↔ Produces Form / Grows

  • Non-substantial ↔ Substantial

  • Energy ↔ Matter

  • Expansion ↔ Contraction

  • Dispersion and Evaporation ↔ Condensation and 'Agglomeration'

  • Rising / Above ↔ Descending / Below

  • Fire ↔ Water

  • Exterior / Skin and Muscles ↔ Interior / Internal Organs

• Functions of Organs

  • Yang: Protecting function

  • Yin: Nourishing function

Qi and Vital/Fundamental Substances

• Qi

  • Vitalizes, moves, propels, warms (Yang)

• Blood

  • Nourishes, moistens, sustains (Yin)

• Essence/Jing

  • Basis for development, reproduction

  • Surplus potential of the body, both Yin and Yang

  • Types of Essence:

    • Pre-heaven, Post-heaven, Kidney Essence

• Pre-Heaven Essence:

  • Based on parents’ energies, fixed quantity and quality, decreases with age

• Post-Heaven Essence:

  • Produced by the ST and SP's digestion.

Functions of Qi in the Body

• Yang Qi: Warms, circulates blood, protects the body surface

• Yin Qi: Cools and nourishes the body

• Physiological Fire:

  • Keeps metabolic processes alive and promotes heart functions

• Water: Moistens and cools to balance YANG

Possible States of Yin-Yang Imbalance

1. Mutual Consumption of Yin and Yang

2. Preponderance of Yin

3. Preponderance of Yang

4. Weakness/Consumption of Yin

5. Weakness/Consumption of Yang

Qi Mechanism

1. Food in the ST:

   • Rotted and ripened, transformed into Gu Qi by SP

2. Food Qi:

   • Rises to Lungs, introduces air, transforms into Zong Qi,

   • Becomes Blood with help from KD-Qi

3. Origin of Blood:

   • Derived from Gu Qi and the functioning of the Heart

Organs of Importance

• Yin Organs (HT, SP, LU, KD, LV): Store, regulate, and control vital functions

• Yang Organs (ST, SI, LI, UB, GB): Transform and excrete materials

Pathologies Associated with Organs

• Liver: Emotional disturbance, blood issues, aches, and fluctuations

• Heart: Mental-emotional distress, palpitations, insomnia

• Spleen: Digestive disorders, fatigue, tendency toward obesity

Diagnostic Techniques

1. Observation: Look at bodily features, complexion, and behavior

2. Auscultation: Listening to the sounds of the body's functions

3. Interrogation: Gather information on symptoms and health history

4. Palpation: Physically examine areas for abnormalities

Symptoms of Imbalances in Organs

• Heart Deficiency: Cold limbs, palpitations, anxiety

• Liver Qi Stagnation: Feeling distended, mood swings

• Kidney Yang Deficiency: Weakness, cold sensations

Summary of Pain Patterns

• Empty vs Full Conditions: Full conditions present intense sharp pain, while empty conditions are dull

• Video Assessment: Monitor room temperature, patient feedback, and more during treatment

Techniques and Tools

• Moxa: Used for warming and stimulating Qi, particularly effective on Yang-deficient conditions

• Cupping: Helps with pain relief, improves circulation, and treats respiratory issues

Point Location Summary

• Governing Vessel Points: Important acupuncture points for regulating Qi

• Front Mu Points: Related to specific organs, important for treatment

• Back Shu Points: Important for Zang-Fu organ pathology diagnostics and treatments

• Luo Points: Used to link channels and treat associated organ issues

Examination Preparation

• Understand organ functions and their associated pathologies.

• Study acupuncture points and their locations.

• Familiarize with Yin and Yang concepts and their application in diagnosing conditions.

Review Strategies

• Group study with peers to quiz each other on concepts.

• Create flashcards for acupuncture points and their functions.

• Go through case studies and practice scenarios related to TCM.