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ABOUT TCM
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Principles
Glossary
Acupoints
Points along the body where the meridians or channels flow
Acupuncture
The use of very thin needles that are inserted into acupoints to stimulate that
particular channel.
Ashi Point
An acupuncture point that is not selected along the meridian, but according to
symptom. It translates from Chinese as "ah, yes" that's the point.
Bi Syndrome
Translates from Chinese as "Obstruction" syndrome and is a diagnosis that has
symptoms of joint pain, numbness, and impaired movement of limbs (e.g.
arthritis).
Blood
In TCM, Blood includes not only the physical blood that flows through our
arteries and veins, but also the substance that flows through our meridians
nourishing the Qi and our body.
Channels
Also called meridians, they are paths through which the Qi flows within the
body.
Cupping
Glass, plastic, or bamboo cups are placed on the skin using suction to promote
the flow of Qi and Blood, relieve pain, relax the muscles, and treat colds and
flu.Electroacupuncture
A form of acupuncture using low frequency electrically stimulated needles to
produce analgesia and anaesthesia and to treat disease.
Environmental Pathogens
There are 6 natural climacteric factors: dampness, dryness, cold, wind, fire,
and summer-heat. They are natural conditions of our environment that are not
harmful when conditions are normal, but when they are in excess or when our
bodies are weak, can contribute to or cause disease.
Essence
Also called Jing or Essential Qi in TCM, it is the basis for growth and
development and various other physiological processes in the body. In some ways
it is like the genetic code, providing the blueprint for other forms of energy.
Some Essence is inherited from our parents and some is replenished from our food
or depleted by age or poor lifestyle habits.
Five elements
TCM is based on observations of the natural world. The five elements are water,
wood, fire, earth, and metal. They can be used to represent and diagnose the
functions of our internal organs.
Meridians
Also called channels, they are paths through which the Qi flows within the body.
Moxibustion
The burning of the dried herb mugwort, in stick or cone form near the surface of
the skin to promote the movement of Qi, relieve pain, strengthen the flow of
Blood, and maintain health.
Qi
Pronounced "chee", it is most loosely defined as energy or life force.
TCM
Traditional Chinese Medicine is a holistic system of care that recognizes the
unity of the mind and body; treatment of the body as a whole using acupuncture,
acupressure, herbal remedies, exercise (both physical and mental), massage,
cupping, and moxibustion.
Yin
Originally, Yin represented the shaded side of a hill. It is the complementary
and opposing energy to Yang and includes darkness, night, moon, female, storing,
and cold energy.
Yang
Originally, Yang represented the sunny side of a hill. It is the complementary
and opposing energy to Yin and includes lightness, day, sun, male, moving, and
hot energy.
Diagnosis | FAQ's |
Principles
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