introduction
A famous Chinese doctor once identified three prerequisites for mastering Chinese medicine, namely
1. Extraordinary perceptive ability;
2. Extensive knowledge of Chinese medical terminology;
3. Excellent understanding of Chinese medical theory.
These three key elements of expert practice emphasize the intellectual process of Chinese medicine, challenging the widely held belief in the West that the mastery of Chinese medicine relies on technique.
Liver Qi Depression and Binding – part i
Liver qi depression and binding is one of the most common Chinese patterns presenting in our patient population. In the West, this pattern is usually called liver qi stagnation, despite the fact that this term is never actually used in Chinese. Unfortunately, by oversimplifying the name of this complex pattern, crucial information is lost, making it more difficult for Western practitioners to diagnose and treat this key pattern adequately and effectively.
liver qi depression and binding — Part ii
Of the six depressions, qi and fire are both yang, while the remaining four are yin in nature. In Part II, we will explore blood, dampness, phlegm, and food depressions. The more modern, and familiar, terms for these pathologies are blood stasis, damp accumulation, phlegm obstruction, and food stagnation.
liver qi depression and binding — Part iiI
The fourth character in the name of the liver qi depression and binding pattern can be rendered as knotty, binding, or bound—e.g., the bound pulse. This ideograph contains a radical (meaning portion) visually depicting a thread or string. Medically, the character suggests two or more things which are tied together.
Quickening the blood
One of the most brilliant translations of Nigel Wiseman and his team is the English quicken the blood for the Chinese 活血 huo xue. Other translations—invigorate blood and move blood, for example—do not sufficiently convey the meaning of the characters. Here an exploration of the linguistics can facilitate better clinical management of blood stasis patterns.
challenge exam — fundamentals
After passing the NCCAOM Board Exams, most students are overjoyed at the thought of never having to sit a Chinese medicine exam again. But we are tested annually to meet CEU requirements and daily in our practices. This exercise revisits the Traditional Chinese Medicine basics that we might have forgotten (or never learned) but which are helpful on the long and winding road to clinical mastery. Use the key to score yourself and to help identify any areas needing review. Good luck!
guide to choosing a primary pattern
Patients in Western outpatient acupuncture practices are often complex, with multiple Western medical diagnoses, many different symptoms, and high hopes that Chinese medicine might offer them a panacea. Although the Chinese pattern differentiation system is especially suited to complex cases and capable of providing holistic care, good clinical outcomes depend on a methodology that organizes and prioritizes goals.
Chinese medicine’s unified theory of pain
In Western medicine, the phenomenon of pain is explained as nerve signals indicating tissue damage. This explanation, however, does not adequately describe medical conditions—like irritable bowel syndrome—where tissue pathology is not apparent. Traditional Chinese medicine, on the other hand, offers a unified theory of pain which not only describes all species of pain but also guides clinical decision-making.
Understanding the Seven Flavors
Each of the seven flavors possesses one or more technical actions. These actions, in turn, determine how medicinal agents are utilized individually and within complex Chinese formulas. Becoming an expert physician requires a very comprehensive and detailed understanding of the flavors of medicinals and their effects on the body. Here we offer some guidance on the technical subtleties of the medicinal flavors and personal insights from thirty years of clinical experience.
Are your patients getting the benefits of tdp heat therapy?
The TDP or “special electromagnetic spectrum” far infrared lamp is a powerful tool for the Chinese medical practitioner. In our experience, it not only offers many clinical benefits but is also beloved by most patients. This installment of our blog will explain why “electric moxibustion” is so clinically valuable and how to best utilize TDP therapy to improve your care and build your practice.