Chinese Medicine & Culture Glossary

The vital energy or life force that flows through all living things. In TCM, qi circulates through meridian channels and powers organ function. Qi deficiency causes fatigue, weak immunity, and poor digestion. Qi stagnation causes pain, bloating, and emotional frustration.

The cool, moist, passive, and nourishing aspect of duality. Yin represents substance, blood, fluids, night, and rest. Yin deficiency manifests as dryness, heat sensation, night sweats, and thirst. Yin organs include Liver, Heart, Spleen, Lung, and Kidney.

The warm, active, transforming, and functional aspect of duality. Yang represents energy, warmth, movement, day, and activity. Yang deficiency manifests as cold extremities, fatigue, pale complexion, and loose stools. Yang organs include Gallbladder, Small Intestine, Stomach, Large Intestine, and Bladder.

The five phases (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water) that describe cyclic patterns in nature and the body. They relate through generating (生) and controlling (克) cycles. Wood generates Fire; Fire generates Earth; Earth generates Metal; Metal generates Water; Water generates Wood. Each element corresponds to an organ, emotion, season, color, and flavor.

Traditional Chinese Medicine — a holistic medical system practiced for over 2000 years. Core principles include yin-yang balance, Five Element theory, qi/blood circulation, and pattern diagnosis. Modalities include herbal medicine, acupuncture, moxibustion, cupping, dietary therapy, and qigong exercise.

The network of channels through which qi and blood flow in the body. There are 12 primary meridians (each linked to a major organ), 8 extraordinary vessels, and numerous collaterals. Acupuncture and acupressure stimulate points along these meridians to restore balanced flow.

Specific locations on meridians where qi can be accessed and influenced through pressure (acupressure) or needles (acupuncture). There are 361 classical acupoints on the 14 main meridians. Each point has specific therapeutic actions and indications.

Literally 'Eight Characters' — the Chinese astrological system based on four pillars (Year, Month, Day, Hour of birth). Each pillar contains a Heavenly Stem and Earthly Branch, creating 8 characters that map to the Five Elements. Used to analyze personality, life patterns, and timing.

The 10 cyclical signs used in Chinese calendrical and astrological systems: 甲乙丙丁戊己庚辛壬癸. They pair with the 12 Earthly Branches to form the 60-year sexagenary cycle. Each stem is associated with a yin or yang aspect of one of the Five Elements.

The 12 cyclical signs: 子丑寅卯辰巳午未申酉戌亥. Each corresponds to a Chinese zodiac animal, a two-hour period of the day, and a month. They pair with the 10 Heavenly Stems in the sexagenary cycle and carry elemental associations.

The Heavenly Stem of the Day Pillar in a BaZi chart, representing the person's core self. The Day Master's element (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, or Water) and its yin/yang polarity define the person's fundamental nature. Chart analysis examines how other elements support or challenge the Day Master.

The warming or cooling effect a food has on the body (regardless of serving temperature). The five categories are: Hot (大热, e.g., chili), Warm (温, e.g., ginger), Neutral (平, e.g., rice), Cool (凉, e.g., cucumber), and Cold (寒, e.g., watermelon). Eating foods that match your constitution maintains balance.

Which meridian channels a food or herb 'enters' and primarily affects. For example, goji berries enter the Liver and Kidney meridians, meaning they nourish these organs. This guides therapeutic food selection — Lung issues call for foods that enter the Lung meridian (pear, lily bulb, almond).

A person's baseline physical and psychological pattern, classified into 9 types in modern TCM (standardized by Wang Qi). Constitution determines susceptibility to specific diseases and guides prevention strategy. Most people are a combination of 2-3 types. Constitution can shift over time with lifestyle changes.

The sensation of 'obtaining qi' during acupuncture or acupressure — a dull ache, heaviness, tingling, or warmth at the stimulation point that indicates the treatment is effectively engaging the meridian. Practitioners seek this response as confirmation of proper technique.

The Book of Changes — one of China's oldest texts (circa 1000 BCE), containing 64 hexagrams representing archetypal life situations. Used for divination and philosophical reflection. Central theme: change is constant; wisdom lies in understanding patterns and responding appropriately. The text influenced Confucian, Taoist, and modern Chinese thought.

A figure of six stacked lines (solid ━━ for yang, broken ━ ━ for yin) representing one of 64 archetypal situations in the I Ching. Each hexagram is composed of two trigrams (three-line figures) and carries a name, judgment, image, and line-by-line interpretation.

The Duke of Zhou (circa 1100 BCE), credited as the father of Chinese dream interpretation. His dream dictionary (周公解梦) connects dream symbols to the Five Elements and organ theory. In Chinese culture, 'visiting Zhou Gong' (见周公) is a euphemism for sleeping/dreaming.

One of 24 periods (each ~15 days) in the traditional Chinese calendar based on the sun's ecliptic position. Originally created for agriculture, they now guide seasonal health practices — what to eat, how to exercise, which organ to nourish. Begins with Lìchūn (Start of Spring, ~Feb 4) and ends with Dàhán (Great Cold, ~Jan 20).

The Chinese method of brewing tea using a high leaf-to-water ratio in a small vessel (gaiwan or yixing teapot) with short, repeated infusions. 'Gongfu' means 'with skill/effort.' Typical parameters: 5-8g tea per 100-150ml water, steeped 10-30 seconds, yielding 5-15 infusions with evolving flavor profiles.