TCM Terms

Qi is another term used in TCM. It is described as the motive force in the body. It flows in the meridians of the body.

The terms used in TCM are much different than Western medical terms. For example, the channels of acupuncture points on the body are comparable to streams, rivers, and the sea. When the water flows freely, everything is in harmony. If something blocks the flow of water, it stagnates or is forced into another path. Similarly if the Qi in the channels flows freely, there is harmony. Although, if something disrupts this free flow, this manifests as pain or organ disharmony.

Basic terms used in TCM diagnosis include yin and yang. These two terms describe the inter-relatedness and inter-dependence of opposing forces. The characteristics of yin and yang can be compared in the following chart:

Yin	Yang	Yin	Yang
Light	Darkness	Round	Flat
Sun	Moon	Time	Space
Brightness	Shade	East	West
Activity	Rest	South	North
Heaven	Earth	Left	Right


	Yin and yang cannot exist without each other. One gives meaning to the other. Without day there can’t be night. Without activity there is no need to rest. Without rest there is no strength for activity. These two forces must be in balance. When they are out of balance then disease takes hold.


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