TCM Foundational Theories Flashcards

According to TCM theory, which organ 'opens to the ears'?

Answer: Kidney

The Kidneys open to the ears; hearing acuity reflects the state of Kidney Essence, which is why hearing often declines with age.

The 'Extraordinary Fu' organs in TCM include all of the following EXCEPT:

Answer: Spleen

The Spleen is a regular Zang organ; the Extraordinary Fu (Qi Heng Zhi Fu) include Brain, Marrow, Bone, Blood Vessels, Gallbladder, and Uterus.

In TCM, the Lung is said to 'govern' which of the following?

Answer: Qi and respiration, and controls the skin and hair

The Lung governs Qi and respiration and controls the dispersing and descending of Qi, and also governs the skin and body hair.

Which TCM theory explains why treating the Kidney can benefit the Lung in certain respiratory conditions?

Answer: The Five Element Sheng cycle (Water generating Metal)

In the Sheng cycle, Metal (Lung) is the child of Water (Kidney); tonifying the Kidney (mother) supports the Lung (child) — the 'tonify the mother' principle.

According to TCM, 'Dampness' as a pathogenic factor is most likely to injure which organ?

Answer: Spleen

Dampness most readily injures the Spleen, impairing its transforming and transporting functions and leading to further accumulation of dampness.

The TCM principle of treating 'Cold disorders with Hot methods and Hot disorders with Cold methods' exemplifies:

Answer: The principle of using contrary treatment

This is the standard (contrary) treatment principle, where the treatment quality is opposite to the disease nature to restore balance.

In TCM, 'Yuan Qi' (Original Qi) is stored in the Kidneys and distributed throughout the body via:

Answer: The Triple Burner (San Jiao)

Yuan Qi is stored in the Kidneys and distributed to all organs and tissues throughout the body through the Triple Burner (San Jiao).