CARB-TCMPA TCM Practitioner key terms

The fundamental vital substance and functional energy of the body, described as both material and dynamic. It moves, warms, protects, transforms, and holds, and its flow through channels and organs underlies all physiological activity.

A framework describing paired, complementary, and mutually transforming aspects of phenomena. In medicine, Yin represents cooling, rest, and structure; Yang represents warming, activity, and function. Health reflects their relative balance.

The organ system of TCM. Zang organs (Heart, Liver, Spleen, Lung, Kidney, Pericardium) store essence and govern functions; Fu organs (Stomach, Gallbladder, Bladder, Intestines, San Jiao) receive and transmit. They are functional networks, not anatomical equivalents.

The network of channels and collaterals through which Qi and Blood circulate, linking surface to interior and connecting organs. Acupuncture points lie along these pathways, and channel assessment guides diagnosis and needling.

A model relating Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water through generating and controlling cycles. It organizes organ relationships, explains patterns of disharmony, and informs treatment strategy and point selection.

A diagnostic framework of four paired categories: Interior/Exterior, Cold/Heat, Deficiency/Excess, and Yin/Yang. Combining these pairs summarizes the location and nature of a pattern and directs treatment principle.

The process of interpreting signs and symptoms to identify a specific TCM pattern, such as Liver Qi stagnation or Spleen Qi deficiency. Treatment is selected to address the identified pattern rather than a Western disease label.

Inspection of tongue body color, shape, moisture, and coating to assess the condition of Qi, Blood, fluids, and internal organs. Tongue signs are interpreted together with other findings, not in isolation.

Palpation of the radial arteries at three positions and three depths on each wrist. Qualities such as floating, slippery, wiry, or thin are noted to support pattern identification alongside other diagnostic methods.

The standard diagnostic sequence of observation, listening and smelling, inquiry, and palpation. Each method contributes distinct information, and findings are synthesized into a single pattern diagnosis.

A pattern in which Qi flow is impeded, producing distending pain, irritability, or a sensation of blockage that may shift location. Emotional constraint and inactivity are common contributors.

A pattern of slowed or obstructed Blood movement marked by fixed, stabbing pain, dark complexion, or masses. It often follows Qi stagnation, Cold, or trauma and guides the use of invigorating therapy.

A pattern of insufficient Yin fluids producing relative heat signs such as night sweats, dry mouth, and a red tongue with little coating. Treatment aims to nourish Yin and clear deficient heat.

A pattern of diminished warming and activating function, producing cold limbs, fatigue, and pale complexion. It commonly involves the Spleen or Kidney and is treated by warming and tonifying Yang.

A pattern of weakened digestion and transport, causing poor appetite, loose stools, fatigue, and abdominal bloating. It is a common basis for dampness and phlegm accumulation.

A pattern of constrained Liver Qi causing irritability, hypochondriac distension, irregular menstruation, and a wiry pulse. Emotional stress is the most frequent trigger.

A pattern in which Yang ascends excessively, often on a basis of Liver Yin deficiency, producing headache, dizziness, tinnitus, and irritability. It is associated with blood pressure elevation in some patients.

A pattern of depleted Kidney Yin with signs such as lower back soreness, night sweats, dry mouth, and heat in the palms and soles. It is treated by nourishing Kidney Yin.

A pattern of insufficient Kidney Yang producing cold limbs, frequent pale urination, lower back coldness, and fatigue. It is treated by warming and tonifying Kidney Yang.

A pathogenic factor characterized by heaviness, turbidity, and sluggishness. It causes a greasy tongue coating, limb heaviness, and sticky stools, and often arises from Spleen dysfunction.

A pathological accumulation of fluids, which may be visible as mucus or described as invisible phlegm obstructing channels or the mind. It produces dizziness, numbness, or foggy thinking.

A pattern of insufficient Blood failing to nourish tissues, producing pallor, dizziness, palpitations, and a pale tongue. It commonly involves the Heart, Liver, or Spleen.

Six environmental pathogenic factors: Wind, Cold, Summerheat, Dampness, Dryness, and Fire. Each has characteristic signs and may invade the body, particularly when defensive Qi is weak.

An exterior pattern from Wind and Cold invasion, marked by chills, mild fever, body aches, and a thin white coating. It is treated by releasing the exterior and dispersing Cold.

Defensive Qi that circulates at the body surface, protecting against external pathogens and warming the skin and muscles. Weakness contributes to frequent catching of colds.

A defined location on a meridian where needling, pressure, or moxibustion is applied. Points are selected according to channel, local, and symptomatic actions to correct a pattern.

The characteristic needling sensation of soreness, numbness, distension, or heaviness, often spreading from the point. Practitioners consider its arrival important to the therapeutic response.

Therapeutic burning of prepared mugwort near or on acupuncture points to warm channels, disperse Cold, and tonify Yang. It is used cautiously where heat or sensory impairment is present.

Application of suction cups to the skin to promote circulation and relieve stagnation. Marks left afterward are expected and usually fade; it is avoided over broken or inflamed skin.

A combination of several medicinal substances prescribed together, with roles of chief, deputy, assistant, and envoy. Combining herbs enhances effects and moderates toxicity.

The nature, flavor, and channel entered by a medicinal substance, which determine its therapeutic action. Nature includes cold or hot; flavor includes pungent, sweet, sour, bitter, and salty.

A circumstance in which a medicinal substance should not be used, such as pregnancy, a conflicting pattern, or interaction with drugs. Recognizing these prevents harm and adverse reactions.

A concise statement of the therapeutic aim derived from the pattern diagnosis, such as tonifying Qi or clearing Heat. It guides selection of points, herbs, and lifestyle advice.

Leaving acupuncture needles in place for a specified period after insertion, commonly around twenty minutes. Duration is adjusted for the condition, the patient's response, and the treatment goal.

A patient's voluntary agreement to treatment after being told its nature, benefits, risks, and alternatives. It must be documented and may be withdrawn at any time.

The legally defined activities a practitioner is permitted to perform under their license. Exceeding it, such as diagnosing conditions outside training, creates regulatory and liability risk.

Required procedures for safe acupuncture practice, including hand hygiene, sterile single-use needles, and safe sharps disposal. These measures prevent bloodborne and local infections.