Terminology

Chinese Medicine History

The Ma-wang-tui manuscripts, the Huang-ti neiching, the Nan-ching, and the Shen-nung pen-ts’ao ching are the main sources for current understanding of early Chinese medicine developmental phase. The history of leprosy in Chinese medicine is one example of the persistence of ontological thoughts in Chinese medical history. Closely linked to the ontological perspective of Chinese medicine is a functional view that is recorded in medical literature beginning with Han dynasty sources. The most impressive mode of treatment recorded in detail in the Ma-wang-tui scripts is drug therapy. After the emergence of Chinese medicine, a dichotomy prevailed between two major currents. One was the so-called medicine of systematic correspondence; the other was pragmatic drug therapy. The oldest available text today on women’s diseases and obstetrics is the Fu-jen liang fang. If the Han dynasty was marked by the initial development of Chinese medicine, the Song-Chin-Yuan period was the second most dynamic formative-period in the history of Chinese medicine.

Acupuncture Point

Acupuncture points are the specific parts of the body targeted by acupuncturists during treatment sessions. They are based on the ancient Chinese belief that the human body is suffused with channels or vessels called meridians, structures responsible for carrying a vital life force called Qi to every part of the body. Essential to this belief is the understanding that disease is caused by Qi flow disruptions which can be remedied through acupuncture.

Based on this, acupuncture points, also known as acupoints, are specific junctures in the body along the meridians at which the flow of Qi can be blocked, and where stimulation may induce an increase or decrease in function or sensation in an area or system of the body. There are well over 400 acupoints mapped across the length and breadth of the human body, each one corresponding to a particular organ or structure (as well as extra points that do not correspond to any one in particular).

Each acupoint can be referred to by a particular name, and are further characterised according to the traditional Chinese philosophy of yin and yang.

Needle

There are several types of acupuncture needles. In ancient China, 9 different types of acupuncture needle were used. Today, the most commonly used needle is the metal filiform (thread-like) needle that is made from stainless steel. Very occasionally, silver or gold needles are used.

Acupuncture needles come in different diameters and lengths to be inserted in different areas of the body. The needles used nowadays are mostly very fine — they vary from 0.12 mm to 0.35 mm in diameter. Chinese acupuncture techniques tend to use thicker needles than Japanese techniques.

Pulse

Pulse diagnosis in TCM is an important part of palpation, which is one of the four main diagnostic methods (along with observation, listening-auscultation/ smelling-olfaction, and questioning-interrogation).

In TCM the radial pulse is felt in three positions and three depths, bi-laterally. Each depth and position on either side of the body corresponds to a particular aspect or organ system in the patient. Besides speed, the pulse in TCM also displays other qualities such as force, breadth, length and rhythm. These qualities are designated by name and carry special significance in a clinical setting. Accurate pulse diagnosis skills take many years to develop. Initially distinctions regarding depth, speed and force of the pulse are discerned. As the practitioner gains experience, a broader understanding of pulse patterns develops, and more information can be obtained through this form of palpation.

Acupressure

Acupressure is an ancient healing art using the fingers to gradually press key healing points, which stimulate the body’s natural self-curative abilities. Acupressure was developed in Asia over 5,000 years ago. Using the power and sensitivity of the hand, Acupressure Therapy is effective in the relief of stress-related ailments, and is ideal for self-treatment and preventive health care for boosting the immune system. Acupressure releases tension, increases circulation, reduces pain, and develops spirituality and vibrant health

TCM Terminology Beginner’s Basics:

Yin, Yang, Qi, Blood(Xue), Fluids, Essence, Shen and meridian

1. The goal of TCM is to bring balance to the body and self.  Balance equates to lack of disease, it is also a lack of disease to the extent your genetics and constitution allow. This means that if you were born with a genetic predisposition to a particular imbalance/disease, TCM’s goal is to help bring you into balance as much as possible.

2. Yin and Yang is the foundation of all TCM – if you become confused, return to the basics: Yin and Yang.

What are Yin and Yang?

• Yin and Yang are opposite energies that exist on the same spectrum.
• There is no pure Yin or pure Yang, they exist together.  There is always Yin within Yang and Yang within Yin.
• An example is the moon: while the moon is Yin, the sun’s light reflects the moon and there can be more Yang (light) within the Yin moon depending on the moon’s cycle.  A full moon would have more Yang within Yin, whereas a new moon would have little Yang within Yin.
• It is all relative.

Yin is that which is feminine, dark, heavy, wet, cool, passive and receptive, it moves inward and downward, sinks, it is the moon, the dark side of a hill, it is sympathetic. It is still. Yin is West and North, below, contracting, growing, resting, matter, space, water, earth.

Yang is masculine, light, dry, warm and active, it is upward and outward moving, rises, it is the sun, the sunny side of a hill, it is parasympathetic.  It moves. Yang is South and East, above, expanding, generating, activity, energy, fire, time, heaven.

In the body, Yin is the interior, front, below the waist, structure, blood and fluids.  Yang is the exterior, back, above the waist, function and Qi. Yin is primarily the body, Yang is primarily the head.

3. Qi is the fundamental energy, the force that activates life. It is part of Yang, in that it is movement, warmth and activity. Qi transports, transforms, warms, protects, and holds the body, systems and processes.

4. Blood(Xue) is part of Yin, it is similar to the Western description of blood and also includes circulation and stagnation.

5. Fluids are also part of Yin, they include saliva, tears, urine, sweat, lymph and other bodily secretions.

6. Essence is similar to Ojas in Ayurveda.  Essence is in charge of reproduction, development, growth and decay; as such it is the basis for our vitality and strength.  You can never have too much Essence,while you can have too little.

7. Shen is not just Spirit, but also the Mind.  Shen resides in the Heart, and is both the reflection and representation of the health of the person/animal: spiritual, emotional, mental/psychological, and physical.

Qi (energy) flows through specific pathways called meridians.
Chinese medicine mapped the pathways of the 12 meridians thousands of years ago. On these pathways, over 400 points (also called acupressure points, acupuncture points, acupoints) were identified, specific locations on meridians where the Qi can be accessed.