NCCAOM Meridian and Collateral Theory Questions and Answers

Question 1

A patient presents with symptoms related to both the Lung (Zang) and Large Intestine (Fu). To treat the root imbalance using the Yuan-Luo (Host-Guest) method, which point combination is most appropriate if the Lung channel is considered the primary affected meridian?

Accepted Answer

LU-9 (Yuan) and LI-6 (Luo)

Answer

The Yuan-Luo (Host-Guest) method involves needling the Yuan-Source point of the primarily affected meridian and the Luo-Connecting point of its interiorly-exteriorly related partner meridian. In this case, with the Lung (Yin) channel being primary, its Yuan-Source point is LU-9 (Taiyuan). Its coupled partner is the Large Intestine (Yang) channel, whose Luo-Connecting point is LI-6 (Pianli).

Question 2

Which of the following collateral systems is best known for strengthening the connection between interiorly-exteriorly related Zang-Fu organs, distributing Qi and Blood to the head and face, and managing latent pathogens?

Accepted Answer

Divergent Meridians (Jing Bie)

Answer

The Divergent Meridians (Jing Bie) branch off from the primary channels to travel deep into the body, connecting with their corresponding Zang-Fu and their Yin-Yang paired organ. They then ascend and resurface, often on the head and neck, thereby strengthening the interior-exterior relationship and distributing Qi to the head. They are also said to play a role in containing latent pathogens.

Question 3

A patient complains of pain that radiates from the lateral aspect of the eye (outer canthus), travels to the front of the ear, descends along the side of the neck to the supraclavicular fossa, and continues along the lateral aspect of the chest and hypochondriac region. This pathway is most characteristic of which primary meridian?

Accepted Answer

Gall Bladder Meridian

Answer

The Gall Bladder meridian has an extensive and complex pathway that begins at the outer canthus (GB-1), zig-zags across the temporal region of the head, descends the lateral side of the neck, shoulder, and torso, and continues down the lateral leg to the fourth toe. The symptoms described perfectly match the upper portion of this channel's pathway.

Question 4

A patient presents with a sudden, acute, and severe stabbing pain along the Stomach channel on the lower leg. According to Meridian theory, which category of points is specifically indicated for providing immediate relief for this type of acute condition?

Accepted Answer

Xi-Cleft points

Answer

Xi-Cleft points are where the Qi and Blood of a meridian pool deeply. They are the primary points used to treat acute, painful conditions and blood disorders related to their respective meridian or Zang-Fu organ. For acute pain on the Stomach channel, ST-34 (Liangqiu), the Xi-Cleft point, would be the most indicated choice.

Question 5

Which of the following is a primary function of the Eight Extraordinary Vessels (Qi Jing Ba Mai)?

Accepted Answer

To act as reservoirs, absorbing excess Qi and Blood from the primary channels and supplementing their deficiencies.

Answer

The Eight Extraordinary Vessels are often compared to reservoirs or lakes. A key function is to regulate the flow in the twelve primary meridians by absorbing excess Qi and Blood when the main channels are full and releasing it to supplement them when they are deficient.

(NCCAOM) National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Practice Test

(NCCAOM) National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Practice Test

NCCAOM Meridian and Collateral Theory Questions and Answers