Glossary
Acupuncture
A TCM therapy involving the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body's meridians to stimulate Qi flow, relieve pain, and promote healing.
Example:
Many athletes use Acupuncture to recover from injuries and reduce muscle soreness, finding relief through the precise placement of needles.
Astragalus (黄芪)
A common Chinese herb known for its immune-boosting properties, often used to prevent infections and enhance energy.
Example:
During cold and flu season, many people take Astragalus to strengthen their immune system and ward off illness.
Chinese Cupping
A TCM therapy where heated glass cups are placed on the skin to create suction, promoting blood flow, relieving muscle tension, and aiding in physical recovery.
Example:
After a strenuous workout, an athlete might undergo Chinese Cupping to reduce muscle soreness and speed up recovery, leaving characteristic circular marks on the skin.
Chinese Guasha
A TCM therapy involving the scraping of the skin with a smooth-edged tool to improve circulation, release muscle tension, and promote healing, often resulting in temporary red marks.
Example:
If you have persistent neck and shoulder stiffness, a therapist might perform Chinese Guasha to break up stagnation and relieve tightness, leaving temporary redness.
Chinese Herbal Medicine
A major branch of TCM that uses natural plant, animal, and mineral substances, often in complex formulas, to restore balance and treat various health conditions.
Example:
Instead of a single pill, a practitioner might prescribe a custom blend of several herbs as part of your Chinese Herbal Medicine treatment to address your unique symptoms.
Ginger (生姜)
A versatile Chinese herb with anti-inflammatory and digestive benefits, commonly used for nausea, indigestion, and cold symptoms.
Example:
Drinking ginger tea is a popular remedy for an upset stomach, thanks to Ginger's soothing digestive properties.
Ginseng (人参)
A highly prized Chinese herb renowned for its energy-boosting, adaptogenic, and stress-reducing effects, often used for fatigue and overall vitality.
Example:
When feeling exhausted from studying, some students might turn to Ginseng supplements to help improve their focus and energy levels.
Heart 7 (HT7) / 神门穴
An acupuncture point on the wrist, primarily used to calm the mind, regulate heart function, improve sleep, and alleviate anxiety.
Example:
If you're struggling with insomnia or feeling restless, an acupuncturist might focus on Heart 7 (HT7) to promote relaxation and better sleep.
Herbal Properties
The specific therapeutic characteristics of individual herbs, such as their temperature (hot, cold, warm, cool), taste (sweet, sour, bitter, pungent, salty), and actions (e.g., clearing heat, invigorating blood).
Example:
Ginger has warming Herbal Properties that make it effective for cold-related digestive issues, while peppermint has cooling properties for heat-related symptoms.
Holistic Approach
A core principle of TCM that emphasizes treating the whole person—body, mind, and spirit—rather than focusing solely on isolated symptoms or diseases.
Example:
Instead of just prescribing medication for a headache, a TCM doctor using a Holistic Approach might also suggest dietary changes and stress reduction techniques to address overall well-being.
Kidney 3 (KI3) / 太溪穴
An acupuncture point on the inner ankle, valued for supporting kidney function, boosting immunity, and addressing issues like fatigue and lower back pain.
Example:
To enhance overall vitality and support your body's core energy, an acupuncturist might include Kidney 3 (KI3) in your treatment plan.
Large Intestine 4 (LI4) / 合谷穴
A common acupuncture point located on the back of the hand, often used for pain relief, especially headaches, toothaches, and facial pain.
Example:
If you have a tension headache, an acupuncturist might target Large Intestine 4 (LI4) on your hand to help alleviate the pain.
Licorice (甘草)
A Chinese herb with anti-inflammatory properties, often used to harmonize herbal formulas, soothe the digestive system, and relieve coughs.
Example:
Many traditional herbal formulas include Licorice not just for its own benefits, but also to make the other herbs work better together.
Liver 3 (LV3) / 太冲穴
An acupuncture point located on the top of the foot, commonly used to relieve stress, anxiety, headaches, and regulate emotions.
Example:
For students feeling overwhelmed during exam season, stimulating Liver 3 (LV3) can be a helpful way to calm nerves and reduce stress.
Meridians
Invisible pathways or channels in the body through which Qi (vital energy) flows, connecting acupuncture points and internal organs.
Example:
According to TCM, a headache might be caused by a blockage in the Meridians that run through the head, which acupuncture aims to clear.
Needle Insertion
The core technique in acupuncture where fine, sterile needles are carefully placed into specific acupoints on the body to elicit a therapeutic effect.
Example:
The practitioner's precise and gentle Needle Insertion at specific points helps to unblock energy pathways and alleviate discomfort.
Peony (芍药)
A Chinese herb primarily used for pain relief, especially for menstrual issues, muscle spasms, and liver-related imbalances.
Example:
For individuals experiencing discomfort during their menstrual cycle, Peony is often included in herbal formulas to help alleviate pain.
Pulse Diagnosis
A diagnostic method in TCM where a practitioner feels the patient's pulse at various positions on the wrist to assess the state of Qi, blood, and organ function.
Example:
During your first TCM visit, the doctor might spend several minutes on your wrist, performing Pulse Diagnosis to 'read' your body's internal rhythms and health status.
Qi (气)
Vital energy or life force that flows throughout the body along specific pathways called meridians, essential for maintaining health and proper organ function.
Example:
If you feel sluggish and tired, a TCM practitioner might say your Qi is blocked or deficient, suggesting acupuncture to restore its smooth flow.
Rehmannia (地黄)
A Chinese herb known for its immune and energy-boosting properties, often used to address fatigue, support kidney function, and nourish blood.
Example:
If you're feeling chronically tired and weak, an herbalist might suggest a formula containing Rehmannia to help restore your body's vital essence.
Scraping Therapy
The core technique of Guasha, where a smooth tool is used to repeatedly stroke or 'scrape' the skin in specific areas to stimulate blood flow and release toxins.
Example:
The practitioner's firm yet gentle Scraping Therapy across the back helps to bring stagnant blood to the surface, promoting a feeling of relief and improved circulation.
Stomach 36 (ST36) / 足三里穴
A widely used acupuncture point on the lower leg, known for boosting digestion, strengthening immunity, and enhancing overall vitality.
Example:
Feeling run down or having digestive issues? Your acupuncturist might stimulate Stomach 36 (ST36) to help improve your energy and gut health.
Suction Cups
The primary tools used in cupping therapy, typically made of glass or plastic, which create a vacuum on the skin to draw blood to the surface and promote healing.
Example:
The practitioner carefully heats the air inside the glass Suction Cups before placing them on the patient's back, creating the therapeutic vacuum.
Tongue Diagnosis
A diagnostic method in TCM involving the examination of the tongue's color, shape, coating, and moisture to gain insights into the patient's internal health and imbalances.
Example:
After asking you to stick out your tongue, a TCM doctor might note its pale color and thick white coating, using Tongue Diagnosis to understand your digestive health.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
An ancient holistic healthcare system originating in China that views health as a balance and harmony of the body's internal systems and its connection to the environment.
Example:
When you feel out of sorts, a TCM practitioner might look at your diet, stress levels, and sleep patterns, not just your symptoms, to understand the root cause, embodying the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approach.
Yin and Yang (阴阳)
Two opposing yet complementary forces in the universe and within the body, whose balance is crucial for health; imbalance leads to illness.
Example:
Feeling too hot and restless might indicate an excess of Yang, while feeling cold and fatigued could point to an excess of Yin, showing the need for balance.