NMT250 - TCM

• Focus is on creating a TCM treatment plan.

Acupuncture Treatments

• Root signifies the original condition (Ben).
• Branch signifies the most recent condition (Biao).
• Treating the root may take longer to show benefits.
• Treating the branch usually shows benefits sooner.
• Dedicate a higher percentage of points to root actions to resolve the underlying condition, reducing relapse chances.
• Dedicate a higher percentage of points to branch actions to reduce the current condition, but this may not affect relapse frequency or duration.
• The total number of points in an acupuncture treatment ranges from 4-10, depending on treatment theory, experience, and method.
• More points generally require more Qi from the patient to carry out the actions.
• Selecting fewer points needs more attention on actions.
• Longer needle retention requires more Qi from the patient.
• Duration depends on the type of condition (deficiency/excess) and severity.
• Clearing excess Yin versus excess Yang may take different durations.

Acupuncture Treatment Example

• An example plan addresses Spleen Qi deficiency (secondary root), Liver Qi stagnation (root), and Heart Blood deficiency (branch).

Diet Therapy

• TCM aims to represent all tastes/flavors in a single meal.
• For treatment purposes, one or more flavors may be slightly enhanced.
• Since the spleen and stomach are crucial for digestion, meals that benefit them are useful.
• A consideration for the nature of foods (warming or cooling) is important.
• Aromatic spicy foods are good for the Lungs.
• Scorched, burnt, and bitter foods are ideal for the Heart.
• Cooked, easy-to-digest, naturally sweet, served-warm foods is good for the Spleen.
• Bitter, sour, pickled foods work on the Liver.
• Eating salty foods work on the Kidneys.
• Neutral taste/grains foods affect blood.
• Dense proteins work on Yin.
• Light carbohydrates affect Yang.
• Fats that are in storage are Yin and the fuel from them is Yang.
• Eliminating cold, sweetened foods, and dairy is helpful.
• Including sour foods like bitter melon, pickled vegetables, or citric acid can be beneficial.
• Neutral grains are essential for blood nourishment.

Nature of Foods in TCM

• Foods are classified as cold, cool, neutral, warm, or hot:
  • Vegetables and fruits have various foods under each classification.
  • Cereal, grains, and nuts also have items that fall into each category.
  • Meats and poultry include proteins on the temperature scale.
  • Seafood and fish come in various temperatures as well.
  • Miscellaneous items such as sugar, pepper, and tea also have temperatures.

Conclusion

• Treatment plans using acupuncture can be heavy on root or branch depending on patient presentation, constitution, or practitioner experience.
• Diet therapy should include flavors, natures, quantities, and macronutrients.
• Successfully using TCM is evident in treatment plans.

Local vs Distal Points

• Distal points are located between the elbow and fingers, and the knee and toes.
• Liver Fire may cause a vertex headache and tinnitus.
  • GV 20, SI 19, or GB 2 are good local points in this case.
  • TW 3, TW 5, Lr 2, GB 43 are good distal points.

Distal Acupuncture Points

• TW 3:
  • Clears heat in the head.
  • Subdues Liver Yang.
  • Benefits the ears and eyes.
  • Removes obstructions and relieves pain.
  • Regulates Shaoyang patterns.
  • Expels wind and regulates Qi.
• TW 5
  • A Luo Connecting Point.
  • Clears heat in the head.
  • Subdues Liver Yang.
  • Benefits the ears.
  • Removes obstructions and relieves pain.
  • Regulates Shaoyang patterns.
  • Expels wind heat.
  • Opens the Yang Wei Mai and Releases the exterior.
• LR 2
  • Spring Point.
  • Clears Liver fire, subdues Liver Yang.
  • Resolves damp-heat in the lower burner.
  • Expels interior wind and calms the mind.
  • Clears heat, regulates the lower burner and stops bleeding.
  • Moves stagnation.
• LR 3
  • Source Point.
  • Clears Liver fire and subdues Liver Yang.
  • Resolves damp-heat in the lower burner.
  • Expels interior wind and calms the mind.
  • Promotes the smooth flow of Liver Qi.
  • Regulates menses, moves Blood, nourishes Blood and nourishes Yin.
  • Relieves spasms.

Yin vs Yang actions

• Balance Yin and Yang actions to prevent either from sinking or floating, respectively.
• Actions like clearing, subduing, moving, raising, and descending all require Yang.
• Using too many points that focus on Yang actions may cause too much movement in one direction or flooding in an area.
• Use Yin actions like cooling, nourishing, tonifying, and regulating to prevent this.
• The treatment principle is to promote the smooth flow of Liver Qi.
• Lr 3, CV 6, Sp 6, UB 18 are self-regulating with moving and nourishing capabilities.
• LI 4, TW 5, GB 34: Have mainly Yang moving actions.
• Pc 6: Has more moving actions than calming.

Conclusion

• Using front/back, Yin/Yang, arms/legs, and local/distal points helps maintain balance.
• Look for point actions to identify beneficial vs unnecessary actions.
• Using point indications alongside actions will help narrow down effective points.

Review key TCM theories like Yin/Yang and 5 Elements, and the 8 Principles. Understand TCM etiologies, including external and emotional factors, and how organ imbalances manifest as deficiencies or excesses. Treatment options to fulfill TCM principles and objectives will be discussed.