CHAPTER 2

ESSENTIAL QI, YIN-YANG AND FIVE-PHASE THEORIES

精气学说、阴阳学说和五行学说

Upon completion of this chapter, you are required to:

  1. Master the words that form the TCM terms associated with the three philosophical* theories of TCM: essential qi*, yin-yang and five-phase theories.
  2. Understand new TCM terms formed by these words.
  3. Be able to make new TCM terms using these words.
  4. Explain these three basic theories in English.
  5. Describe the application* of these theories in TCM.
  6. Describe the relationships of the five-phase in English.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is based on many theories. The essential qi theory, the yin-yang theory, and the five-phase theory are from ancient Chinese philosophical ideas. These advanced philosophical theories were introduced into TCM by ancient Chinese medical practitioners in order to explain the body structure, physiology* and pathology*, and to guide diagnosis* and treatment* of diseases.

Many websites deal with these theories, the following are for your reference: