Holistic Medicine Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: How many primary meridians are recognized in traditional acupuncture?
- 8
- 12 (Correct answer)
- 14
- 20
Correct answer: 12
There are 12 primary meridians in traditional acupuncture, each associated with a major organ system and running bilaterally through the body.
Question 2: 'De Qi' in acupuncture refers to:
- The sterile technique required for needle insertion
- The sensation of heaviness, tingling, or aching felt during needle stimulation (Correct answer)
- The process of removing needles after treatment
- The diagnostic assessment performed before treatment
Correct answer: The sensation of heaviness, tingling, or aching felt during needle stimulation
De Qi describes the needle sensation—typically heavy, tingling, or aching—that indicates the acupuncture point has been properly stimulated and Qi has been obtained.
Question 3: Moxibustion in TCM involves:
- Applying pressure to acupuncture points with the fingers
- Burning dried mugwort (Artemisia) near or on acupuncture points (Correct answer)
- Using electrical stimulation on acupuncture needles
- Applying herbal compresses soaked in medicinal decoctions
Correct answer: Burning dried mugwort (Artemisia) near or on acupuncture points
Moxibustion uses dried mugwort (Ai Ye/Artemisia) burned near or on acupuncture points to warm the area, tonify Yang, dispel cold, and promote Qi and blood circulation.
Question 4: The acupuncture point LI-4 (Hegu) is most commonly used for:
- Treating kidney deficiency and low back pain exclusively
- Managing pain, headaches, and supporting immune function (Correct answer)
- Addressing digestive disorders exclusively
- Regulating the menstrual cycle only
Correct answer: Managing pain, headaches, and supporting immune function
LI-4 (Hegu), located between the thumb and index finger, is one of the most versatile acupuncture points, used for pain management, headaches, facial conditions, and immune support.
Question 5: Cupping therapy in TCM primarily works by:
- Inserting small needles into superficial tissue layers
- Creating suction on the skin to improve circulation and release fascial tension (Correct answer)
- Applying electrical currents to stimulate nerve pathways
- Using ultrasound waves to break up scar tissue
Correct answer: Creating suction on the skin to improve circulation and release fascial tension
Cupping creates negative pressure (suction) on the skin and underlying tissue, promoting blood circulation, releasing myofascial tension, and facilitating the movement of Qi and blood.
Question 6: In TCM Five Element theory, the Water element is associated with which organ pair?
- Lung and Large Intestine
- Heart and Small Intestine
- Kidney and Urinary Bladder (Correct answer)
- Liver and Gallbladder
Correct answer: Kidney and Urinary Bladder
The Water element in TCM corresponds to the Kidney and Urinary Bladder, governing essence (Jing), growth, reproduction, and the body's fundamental life force.
Question 7: Electroacupuncture differs from traditional acupuncture primarily in that it:
- Uses laser light instead of metal needles
- Applies electrical stimulation through needles placed at acupuncture points (Correct answer)
- Does not require precise point location
- Can only be used on the extremities
Correct answer: Applies electrical stimulation through needles placed at acupuncture points
Electroacupuncture uses standard acupuncture needles connected to a device delivering electrical impulses, enhancing stimulation effect and allowing for more consistent, measurable treatment.
Holistic Medicine Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture 2
How many primary meridians are recognized in traditional acupuncture?