Chapter 7 - Traditional Chinese Medicine

Question 1

Traditional Chinese Medicine is rooted in what ancient philosophy?

Answer 1

Taoism

Question 2

How old is TCM?

Answer 2

5,000 years old

Question 3

In what way are TCM and OM similar?

Answer 3

Both have the perception that humans are interconnected with nature and subject to its forces.

Question 4

Ying-yang theory

Answer 4

Two opposing, yet complementary, forces shape the world and all life.

Question 5

A vital energy, ___, regulates a person’s spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical health.

Answer 5

Qi

Question 6

What is qi influenced by?

Answer 6

The opposing forces of yin and yang

Question 7

___ circulates in the body through a system of pathways called ___

Answer 7

Qi, meridians

Question 8

What does health result from in TCM?

Answer 8

A balance and harmony in the circulation of qi.

Question 9

What are all treatments in TCM supposed to do?

Answer 9

Unblock blockages of qi.

Question 10

Theory of five elements

Answer 10

All phenomena of the universe and nature can be broken down into five elements: wood, fire, earth, metal and water.

Question 11

What do elements correspond to?

Answer 11

Each element corresponds to particular organs and tissues in the body.

Question 12

TCM’s four methods to evaluate a patient’s condition

Answer 12

Observing (especially the tongue), hearing/smelling, asking/interviewing, and touching/palpating (especially the pulse).

Question 13

TCM treatments

Answer 13

Herbs, acupuncture, moxibustion, cupping, massage, diet, mind-body practices

Question 14

What is the name of the pharmacological reference book used by TCM practitioners?

Answer 14

Materia medica

Question 15

How are medicinal substances classified in the materia medica?

Answer 15

By perceived action.

Question 16

What types of substances are used as medicine in TMC?

Answer 16

Mostly plants, but also minerals and animal products.

Question 17

What parts of the plant are used in a TCM medicine?

Answer 17

All sorts of different parts of the plants are used, included leaves, roots, stems, flowers, and seeds.

Question 18

Are herbs given individually or combined into formulas?

Answer 18

Formulas.

Question 19

What are the delivery methods for herbs?

Answer 19

Teas, capsules, tinctures, and powers.

Question 20

Accupuncture

Answer 20

The stimulation of specific points on the body, using a variety of techniques, including the insertion of thin metal needles through the skin.

Question 21

How is acupuncture supposed to restore and maintain health?

Answer 21

By removing blockages in the flow of qi as it flows along meridians.

Question 22

Moxibustion

Answer 22

The use of heat from burning the herb moxa (mugwort) on or near the skin at an acupuncture point.

Question 23

Moxibustion is supposed to improve…

Answer 23

the flow of qi.

Question 24

Cupping

Answer 24

Application of a heated cup to the skin to create a slight suction.

Question 25

What is the aim of cupping?

Answer 25

To increase the flow of blood to the area.

Question 26

Two forms of traditional Chinese massage?

Answer 26

Acupressure and Tui Na.

Question 27

Acupressure

Answer 27

Massage that focuses on pinching and pressing acupressure points.

Question 28

Tui Na

Answer 28

Massage that is similar to western massage (flowing movements), but with the aim of getting qi moving again.

Question 29

What is Tui Na used for?

Answer 29

Musculoskeletal conditions, headaches and also diseases like cancer.

Question 30

Types of mind-body therapies used in TCM?

Answer 30

Qi gong and tai chi.

Question 31

What are qi gong and tai chi supposed to do?

Answer 31

Enhance the mind's capacity to affect bodily function and symptoms.

Question 32

How does dietary therapy in TCM classify foods?

Answer 32

According to energetic effects rather than component parts.

Question 33

Five flavours in TCM

Answer 33

Sour, bitter, sweet, pungent, salty.

Question 34

Four natures in TCM

Answer 34

Cool, cold, warm and hot.

Question 35

The same foods can have ___ effects on different people.

Answer 35

Different

Question 36

Is TCM amenable to scientific testing?

Answer 36

Each individual treatment is testable.

Question 37

What types of TCM are easiest to test using the scientific method?

Answer 37

Herbs

Question 38

What does the scientific evidence say about TCM in general?

Answer 38

It's effectiveness is limited.

Question 39

Where has most of the research on TCM been conducted?

Answer 39

In China.

Question 40

In what language are most TCM studies published in?

Answer 40

Chinese.

Question 41

What does the scientific evidence say about acupuncture?

Answer 41

Acupuncture maybe be useful for a few conditions but not all that are claimed.

Question 42

What does the scientific evidence say about meridians and qi?

Answer 42

Meridians of qi flow are unlikely.

Question 43

What does the scientific evidence say about the herbs used in TCM?

Answer 43

Some evidence that some herbs may be effective for some conditions.

Question 44

Issues with research on TCM

Answer 44

Methodologically flawed, safety not always tested, and publication bias.

Question 45

An example of an endangered organism used in TCM

Answer 45

Rino horns.

Question 46

What's used in Chinese hospitals, western medicine, traditional Chinese medicine, or both?

Answer 46

Western medicine and traditional Chinese medicine may be used side by side.

Question 47

How many patients use TCM in the U.S.?

Answer 47

More than a million per year.

Question 48

Is TCM regulated in BC?

Answer 48

Yes, under the Health Professions Act.

Question 49

How many traditional Chinese medicines are currently authorized for sale in Canada?

Answer 49

More than 1,400

Question 50

Why doesn't TCM belong to the same paradigm as OM?

Answer 50

None of the following fit into the OM paradigm: ying-yang theory; qi and meridians; 5 basic elements.