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TCM Diagnostic Principles Flashcards

7 cards from real NCCAOM practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

Read the first 7 TCM Diagnostic Principles flashcards as text

  1. Which TCM pattern is characterized by spontaneous sweating, aversion to wind, and a floating, weak pulse?

    Answer: Exterior Wind-Cold deficiency (Wei Qi deficiency)

    Spontaneous sweating with aversion to wind and a floating weak pulse indicates Wei (defensive) Qi deficiency with an exterior Wind-Cold deficiency pattern.

  2. In the TCM concept of disease transmission, 'Shun Chuan' (favorable transmission) means:

    Answer: Disease moves from interior to exterior, indicating improvement

    Shun Chuan refers to disease transmitting outward from interior to exterior, which is considered a favorable sign of the body expelling the pathogen.

  3. A patient has night sweats, a sensation of heat in the palms, soles, and chest (five-palm heat), and a red tongue with no coating. Which pattern is indicated?

    Answer: Yin deficiency with empty Heat

    Night sweats, five-palm heat, and a red tongue without coating are classic signs of Yin deficiency generating empty (deficiency) Heat.

  4. In TCM pulse diagnosis, how many standard pulse positions are assessed on each wrist?

    Answer: Three (Cun, Guan, Chi)

    Three positions — Cun (distal), Guan (middle), and Chi (proximal) — are assessed on each wrist, totaling six positions bilaterally.

  5. Which of the following best describes 'Shen' (Spirit) as assessed through observation in TCM diagnosis?

    Answer: Brightness of the eyes, coherence of speech, and overall vitality

    Shen is observed through the brightness and focus of the eyes, lucidity of speech, and general vitality and responsiveness of the patient.

  6. In TCM, 'Dampness obstructing the Middle Jiao' most commonly affects which organ pair?

    Answer: Spleen and Stomach

    The Middle Jiao corresponds to the Spleen and Stomach; Dampness readily obstructs Spleen transportation and Stomach's rotting and ripening functions.

  7. The TCM principle 'Yi Zhi Ze Qi Zhi' (treating the disease by addressing its cause) is best exemplified by:

    Answer: Identifying and treating the root pattern rather than only suppressing symptoms

    This principle emphasizes treating the underlying pattern (Ben/root) that generates symptoms rather than merely suppressing the presenting complaint.