Master the foundational theories and concepts of Traditional Chinese Medicine
This section covers the essential TCM theory topics required for the NCCAOM Foundations exam. Click on any topic to expand and study the content.
Yin and Yang are the single most important and distinctive theory of Chinese medicine. They represent opposite but complementary qualities. Each phenomenon contains both Yin and Yang in different degrees, and they continuously transform into each other through cyclical movement.
The Five Elements (Wu Xing - literally "Five Movements") are five basic processes and qualities of Nature. They describe dynamic qualities rather than static substances, representing five phases of a seasonal cycle and five inherent capabilities of change in all phenomena.
Qi Mechanism describes the functional activities, movements, and transformations of Qi throughout the body. Understanding Qi dynamics is essential for diagnosis and treatment.
Qi is the vital energy that animates the body, protects it, warms it, and enables all physiological functions. It flows through meridians.
Blood in TCM nourishes the body and mind, provides the material foundation for mental activities, and circulates through vessels.
Body Fluids are all normal liquids in the body including saliva, gastric juices, tears, and joint fluids. They moisten and nourish tissues.
Jing is the most refined substance in the body, stored in the Kidneys. It governs growth, development, reproduction, and constitutional strength.
The Six Evils (Liu Yin) are external climatic factors that can invade the body and cause disease when the body's defensive Qi is weak.
Internal causes of disease from emotional imbalances. Prolonged or intense emotions damage specific organs and disrupt Qi flow.
The Four Examinations are the primary diagnostic methods in TCM: Inspection, Auscultation/Olfaction, Inquiry, and Palpation.
The Eight Principles (Ba Gang) organize symptoms into four pairs of opposites to identify the nature, location, and severity of disease.
Meridians (Jing Luo) are channels through which Qi and Blood flow, connecting organs, tissues, and surface of the body.