NCCAOM Basics 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the Five Elements is associated with the emotion of grief and the season of autumn?
- Earth
- Metal (Correct answer)
- Water
- Wood
Correct answer: Metal
Metal corresponds to grief/sadness, the Lung and Large Intestine organs, and the autumn season in Five Element theory.
Question 2: In TCM, 'Wei Qi' is primarily responsible for:
- Nourishing the internal organs
- Protecting the body from external pathogenic factors (Correct answer)
- Warming the Kidneys
- Transforming food into Blood
Correct answer: Protecting the body from external pathogenic factors
Wei Qi (Defensive Qi) circulates on the exterior of the body and protects against invasion by external pathogens.
Question 3: Which pulse quality is classically associated with an Interior Cold condition?
- Rapid
- Slippery
- Slow (Correct answer)
- Wiry
Correct answer: Slow
A Slow pulse (fewer than 4 beats per breath) indicates Cold, which slows the movement of Qi and Blood.
Question 4: The concept of 'Jing' in TCM refers to:
- The emotional mind
- A type of external pathogen
- The vital essence stored in the Kidneys (Correct answer)
- The turbid fluid excreted by the Bladder
Correct answer: The vital essence stored in the Kidneys
Jing is the vital essence that governs growth, reproduction, and development, primarily stored in the Kidneys.
Question 5: According to the Sheng (generating/nourishing) cycle of the Five Elements, which element generates Metal?
- Water
- Earth (Correct answer)
- Fire
- Wood
Correct answer: Earth
In the Sheng cycle, Earth generates Metal — just as minerals (metal) are formed within the Earth.
Question 6: Which tongue coating color indicates an Interior Heat condition?
- Thin white
- Absent coating
- Thick yellow (Correct answer)
- Grey and moist
Correct answer: Thick yellow
A thick yellow tongue coating indicates Interior Heat, as heat 'cooks' the coating to a yellow or brown color.
Question 7: The Four Examinations (Si Zhen) used in TCM diagnosis include all of the following EXCEPT:
- Looking (Wang)
- Smelling and listening (Wen)
- Asking (Wen)
- Tasting (Chang) (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Tasting (Chang)
The Four Examinations are Looking, Listening/Smelling, Asking, and Palpation — tasting is not one of them.
NCCAOM Basics 2
Which of the Five Elements is associated with the emotion of grief and the season of autumn?