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Chinese Medicine Learning Guides
Follow a clear introduction to Chinese medicine, from foundational concepts and diagnostic reasoning to ways of learning acupuncture.
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Qi and blood are frequently encountered concepts in TCM, whether studying foundational theory, meridians, acupuncture, classical formulas, or pattern differentiation. Many beginners equate qi and blood with a particular substance in modern medicine, but this can be misleading. Qi and blood are important concepts within traditional TCM theory.
Read MoreMany people beginning TCM studies encounter the important concept of the zang-fu systems, such as the five zang and six fu, zang-fu and meridians, and zang-fu pattern differentiation. Yet memorizing 'heart, liver, spleen, lung, kidney' and 'gallbladder, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, bladder, sanjiao' does not by itself provide a proper understanding of TCM theory. In traditional TCM theory, zang-fu are not merely
Read More1. What is constitution in TCM? Constitution is a concept frequently encountered when studying TCM. For learning purposes, it refers to a theoretical concept concerning an individual's long-term condition and characteristics. However, constitution and a disease diagnosis are not the same. Beginners should avoid directly equating a particular constitution with...
Read More1. Why do many beginners find the four assessment methods difficult? They appear to be four separate topics: observation, listening and smelling, inquiry, and palpation. Yet studying them reveals their connections with foundational TCM theory, the zang-fu systems, meridians, qi and blood, yin and yang, patterns, and pattern-differentiation thinking. Studying the four methods in isolation can therefore lead to fragmented memorization. A truly effective
Read More1. What are observation, listening and smelling, inquiry, and palpation? These are foundational topics in traditional TCM assessment, commonly called the four assessment methods. They consist of visual observation, listening and smelling, questioning, and palpation. For learning purposes, they can be understood as the basic ways traditional TCM gathers relevant information. They are not four entirely independent topics, but rather
Read More1. What Is TCM Pattern Differentiation? For people beginning to study TCM, pattern differentiation is a frequently encountered but easily misunderstood concept. Put simply, it is a way of thinking within traditional Chinese medical theory: relevant information is collected and analyzed to form an overall assessment of the patterns a person currently presents. It is not simply a matter of seeing a...
Read MoreAfter discovering Tung's Extra Points, many people ask how to study them. Yet the more materials beginners find, the less certain they may feel about where to start. Some memorize points immediately, others look for mnemonics, and still others study several acupuncture systems at once. They may remember a great deal without developing a coherent knowledge structure. Systematic study depends less on how many points are memorized at first than on a sensible learning sequence. Beginners can follow: acupuncture fundamentals → Introduction to Tung's Extra Points → Points → Location → Theory.
Read MoreAfter learning acupuncture fundamentals, meridians, points, point selection, and combinations, many students encounter different acupuncture systems. Tung's Extraordinary Points is one area that attracts interest. What are Tung's Extraordinary Points? How do they differ from the conventional points discussed earlier? Can a complete beginner start with them? Tung...
Read MoreMore people want to learn acupuncture. Some are interested in traditional Chinese culture, some want a systematic understanding, and others have already studied TCM and want to pursue acupuncture further. Yet when they look for courses, many are unsure how to choose. A search for acupuncture courses may return introductory courses, meridian courses...
Read MorePeople beginning to study acupuncture soon encounter two terms: traditional acupuncture and modern acupuncture. What distinguishes them? Does traditional acupuncture discuss only meridians, while modern acupuncture discusses only modern medicine? That interpretation is too simple. To understand acupuncture's development more fully, consider three perspectives: theoretical systems, research
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