NCCAOM Treatment Principles

Question 1

In TCM, what does the treatment principle 'zhèng zhì' (正治) mean?

Accepted Answer

Using remedies opposite in nature to the disease manifestations

Answer

Using remedies of the same nature as the apparent symptoms

Answer

Treating root and branch simultaneously

Answer

Treating only the branch condition

Question 2

Which treatment priority applies when a patient has both an acute exterior condition and a chronic interior deficiency?

Accepted Answer

Treat the acute exterior condition first

Answer

Treat the interior deficiency first

Answer

Treat root and branch simultaneously

Answer

Tonify deficiency before addressing the exterior

Question 3

The Five Element treatment principle 'tonify the mother' (虚则补其母) is based on which cycle?

Accepted Answer

The generating (相生) cycle

Answer

The overacting (相乘) cycle

Answer

The insulting (相侮) cycle

Answer

The controlling (相克) cycle

Question 4

Which treatment principle addresses Kidney Yin deficiency causing Liver Yang to rise?

Accepted Answer

Nourish Kidney Yin to anchor Liver Yang (yi shui han mu)

Answer

Tonify Liver Blood and calm Liver Yang directly

Answer

Clear Liver Fire and nourish Yin simultaneously

Answer

Tonify both Kidney and Liver Yin in equal measure

Question 5

What is the correct treatment principle for an excess cold pattern (实寒证)?

Accepted Answer

Warm and dispel cold

Answer

Warm and tonify the deficiency

Answer

Clear heat and nourish Yin

Answer

Regulate Qi and resolve dampness

Question 6

What does 'cóng zhì' (从治, paradoxical treatment) involve?

Accepted Answer

Using remedies that appear to agree with the false manifestations of the disease

Answer

Using remedies opposite in nature to the disease

Answer

Treating root and branch simultaneously at equal intensity

Answer

Using strong purgative methods for all excess conditions

Question 7

A patient has chronic Spleen Qi deficiency with phlegm-dampness accumulation. What is the most effective treatment approach?

Accepted Answer

Tonify Spleen Qi, which will simultaneously resolve phlegm-dampness

Answer

Resolve phlegm first, then tonify Spleen

Answer

Drain dampness first, then address the Spleen deficiency

Answer

Clear heat first, then tonify Spleen Qi