Foundations of Traditional Chinese Medicine Flashcards

Which tongue coating color most strongly suggests the presence of interior heat in TCM?

Answer: Yellow

A yellow tongue coating indicates interior heat; the deeper and more intense the yellow, the greater the heat.

In Five Element theory, the 'Ko' (controlling or overacting) cycle describes what relationship?

Answer: Each element restraining or checking another element in sequence

The Ko cycle is the restraining cycle in which each element controls another to maintain balance (e.g., Wood controls Earth).

A patient with chronic lower back pain, cold limbs, frequent urination, and a pale tongue most likely has which TCM diagnosis?

Answer: Kidney Yang deficiency

Cold signs such as cold limbs, frequent clear urination, and a pale tongue all point to Kidney Yang deficiency.

Which of the following best defines 'Zheng Qi' (Upright Qi) in TCM?

Answer: The body's overall vital energy that resists and expels pathogenic factors

Zheng Qi is the totality of the body's righteous, protective Qi that opposes pathogenic influences and maintains health.

Which extraordinary vessel is specifically indicated for problems involving the uterus and menstruation?

Answer: Chong Mai

The Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel) is called the 'Sea of Blood' and is the primary vessel for menstrual and uterine disorders.

In TCM pathology, 'Tan' (Phlegm) is considered to originate primarily from dysfunction of which organ?

Answer: Spleen

The Spleen is the 'root of Phlegm production' because its failure to transform and transport fluids leads to Dampness condensing into Phlegm.

What does the TCM term 'Ben' and 'Biao' refer to in treatment strategy?

Answer: Root (underlying cause) and Branch (manifestation/symptoms)

Ben (root) refers to the underlying cause or constitution, while Biao (branch) refers to the presenting symptoms.