Traditional Chinese medicine glossary
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has its own rich vocabulary that can seem unfamiliar at first. This glossary explains the most important terms you are likely to encounter during a consultation or in your own reading. Understanding these concepts will help you get the most from your treatment. For a broader overview, visit the Traditional Chinese Medicine page.
On this page
- A — Acupuncture, Acupoint, Aetiology
- B — Bi Syndrome, Blood (Xue)
- C — Cupping Therapy, Cun, Chinese Herbal Medicine
- D — Dampness, De Qi
- E — Electroacupuncture
- F — Five Elements, Food Therapy
- G — Gua Sha
- H — Heat (Fire), Heat Therapy
- J — Jing (Essence), Jin Ye (Body Fluids)
- K — Kidney (Shen)
- L — Liver Qi Stagnation
- M — Meridians (Channels), Moxibustion
- P — Pattern Differentiation, Pulse Diagnosis
- Q — Qi (Vital Energy), Qi Gong
- S — Shen (Mind/Spirit), Six Pathogenic Factors, Stagnation
- T — Tongue Diagnosis, Tui Na
- W — Wei Qi (Defensive Qi), Wind
- X — Xue (Blood)
- Y — Yin and Yang, Yuan Qi (Original Qi)
- Z — Zang Fu (Organs), Zheng Qi (Righteous Qi)
A
Acupuncture — 針涯 (Zhēn jiǔ)
The insertion of very fine, sterile needles into specific points on the body called acupoints to regulate the flow of Qi and restore health. One of the oldest and most researched of the TCM therapies, acupuncture is recommended by NICE for the treatment of chronic primary pain.
Acupoint — 稱位 (Xuéwèi)
A specific anatomical location on the body where Qi can be accessed and influenced. There are 361 classical acupoints distributed along the 12 primary meridians, each with defined therapeutic functions. During an acupuncture treatment, needles are placed at a selection of these points chosen to address your individual pattern of disharmony.
Aetiology — 病因 (Bìngyīn)
In TCM, the causes of disease are grouped into three categories: external (the Six Pathogenic Factors such as wind, cold and heat), internal (the Seven Emotions, including excessive grief, fear or anger), and miscellaneous (poor diet, overwork, trauma). Understanding aetiology allows your practitioner to address the root cause of your condition as well as your presenting symptoms.
B
Bi Syndrome — 症證 (Bì zhèng)
A TCM diagnostic category describing obstruction of Qi and Blood in the channels and joints, causing pain, stiffness, soreness and limited movement. Different types of Bi Syndrome correspond to the predominant pathogenic factor: Wind-Bi (moving pain), Cold-Bi (fixed, severe pain), Damp-Bi (heavy, fixed pain) and Heat-Bi (hot, swollen joints). Conditions such as back pain, rheumatoid arthritis and sciatica are often diagnosed within this category.
Blood (Xue) — "uyear; (Xuè)
In TCM, Blood is a dense, fluid substance that nourishes and moistens the body’s organs, tissues and sense organs. It is intimately connected with Qi — Qi moves Blood and Blood carries Qi. The Heart governs Blood and circulates it; the Liver stores it; the Spleen produces it. Blood deficiency can manifest as pale complexion, dry skin, poor memory, insomnia and menstrual irregularities — conditions for which acupuncture and Chinese herbs are commonly used.
C
Cupping Therapy — 拉线 (Bá guàn)
A therapy in which cups are placed on the skin and a vacuum is created to draw the tissue upward. The suction increases blood flow, releases muscle tension and draws out pathogenic factors such as cold and damp. It is particularly effective for back pain, muscle pain and respiratory conditions. Learn more about cupping therapy.
Cun — 寸 (Cùn)
A unit of proportional body measurement used in TCM to locate acupoints accurately. One cun equals the width of the patient’s own thumb at the interphalangeal joint. Because the measurement is relative to the individual’s body, it scales appropriately regardless of a person’s size.
Chinese Herbal Medicine — 中蛋 (Zhōng yào)
The use of plant, mineral and occasionally animal-derived substances to restore health and prevent disease. Herbs are rarely prescribed singly; instead, they are combined into precise formulas tailored to the individual’s TCM pattern of disharmony. Chinese herbal medicine is one of the most sophisticated and researched herbal traditions in the world. Learn more about Chinese herbal medicine, including how Dr D’Alberto offers online herbal consultations.
D
Dampness — 湿 (Shī)
One of the Six Pathogenic Factors and also an internal pathological product. Dampness is characterised by heaviness, stickiness, turbidity and a tendency to impair the free flow of Qi. Symptoms associated with Dampness include a feeling of heaviness, bloating, loose stools, cloudy urine, skin conditions and a heavy, muzzy head. Diet — particularly excessive consumption of cold, raw, greasy or sweet foods — is a common cause. Treatment with acupuncture and Chinese herbs aims to resolve and transform Dampness.
De Qi — 得气 (Dé qì)
Literally “obtaining Qi” — the sensation felt by the patient when an acupuncture needle connects with the flow of Qi at an acupoint. Patients often describe it as a dull ache, heaviness, distension, tingling or warmth radiating from the needle site. De Qi is considered an indicator that the treatment is engaging with the body’s energy. Many patients find the sensation brief and are surprised by how relaxing acupuncture feels once needles are in place.
E
Electroacupuncture — 电針 (Diàn zhēn)
A modern development in which a small electrical current is passed between pairs of inserted acupuncture needles to enhance stimulation of the acupoints. It is particularly useful for pain relief, nerve conditions and muscular rehabilitation. Learn more about electroacupuncture.
F
Five Elements — 五行 (Wǔ xíng)
A foundational theory in TCM that classifies all phenomena — including the internal organs, emotions, seasons, flavours and colours — into five phases: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water. Each element generates the next in a Generating Cycle and controls another in a Controlling Cycle. Imbalances between the elements are used to explain the relationship between different organs and the development of disease. For example, excess Liver Wood may overact on Spleen Earth, causing digestive problems alongside emotional frustration. Learn more about the Five Elements.
Food Therapy — 馉申 (Shí liáo)
The use of food as medicine, one of the eight branches of TCM. Each food has a thermal nature (warming, cooling or neutral), a flavour (sweet, sour, bitter, pungent or salty) and an organ affinity. Dietary advice is tailored to an individual’s TCM pattern — for example, someone with a Cold constitution would benefit from warming foods such as ginger, while someone with Yin deficiency would be advised to avoid excessive spicy food. Learn more about Chinese food therapy.
G
Gua Sha — 划痏 (Guā shā)
A therapy involving firm but gentle scraping of the skin with a smooth-edged tool to improve microcirculation and release stagnant Qi and Blood. The scraping produces a temporary reddening called sha. Gua Sha is commonly used for neck pain, back pain, fever and respiratory conditions.
H
Heat (Fire) — 湯 / 火 (Rè / Huǒ)
Heat is a Yang pathogenic factor that consumes Yin and body fluids. Signs of Heat include a red face, thirst, fever, irritability, rapid pulse and a red tongue with a yellow coating. Internally generated Heat — often called Fire — can arise from emotional constraint or the transformation of other pathogenic factors. Conditions like acne, anxiety and menopausal hot flushes are often associated with Heat in TCM.
Heat Therapy — 温申 (Rè liáo)
The therapeutic application of infrared or TDP lamp heat to acupoints and body regions to warm channels, dispel cold and damp, and promote the free flow of Qi. It is commonly used alongside acupuncture to enhance pain relief and relaxation. Learn more about heat therapy.
J
Jing (Essence) — 精 (Jīng)
Jing is one of the Three Treasures (San Bao) of TCM alongside Qi and Shen. It is the fundamental substance that underlies all organic life, governing growth, reproduction, development and constitutional strength. Jing is stored in the Kidneys. Pre-natal Jing is inherited from your parents and is finite; Post-natal Jing is replenished through food, rest and a healthy lifestyle. Depletion of Jing — through overwork, stress, excessive sexual activity or poor diet — is associated with infertility, premature ageing and chronic fatigue.
Jin Ye (Body Fluids) — 津液 (Jīn yè)
The collective term for all normal fluids in the body other than Blood, including saliva, gastric juices, synovial fluid, tears and sweat. Jin (thin fluids) moisten the skin, muscles and orifices; Ye (thick fluids) lubricate the joints and nourish the brain and bone marrow. Deficiency of body fluids can cause dry skin, constipation, dry eyes and thirst — often treated with nourishing Chinese herbal formulas.
K
Kidney — 绪 (Shèn)
In TCM, the Kidneys are considered the “root of life” — the organ system most responsible for constitutional vitality, reproductive health and longevity. They store Jing, govern growth and development, produce marrow (which includes brain tissue and bone marrow), and house willpower (Zhi). Kidney deficiency is implicated in many conditions including infertility, menopausal symptoms, lower back pain and tinnitus.
L
Liver Qi Stagnation — 肻气聯結 (Gān qì yùjié)
One of the most commonly diagnosed patterns in modern TCM practice, reflecting the impact of emotional stress and a sedentary lifestyle on health. The Liver is responsible for the smooth flow of Qi throughout the body; when it is impaired by frustration, suppressed anger or prolonged emotional stress, Qi stagnates. Symptoms include chest tightness, abdominal distension, irritability, depression, stress, headaches and irregular periods. Treatment involves moving and regulating Liver Qi using acupuncture and Chinese herbs.
M
Meridians (Channels) — 經絡 (Jīng luò)
An invisible network of pathways through which Qi and Blood circulate throughout the body. There are 12 primary meridians, each named after and connected to a specific organ system. They link the interior of the body to the surface — which is why inserting a needle into the foot can influence the function of the Liver or relieve a headache. In addition to the primary meridians there are eight Extraordinary Vessels, which act as reservoirs of Qi and Blood and have important roles in constitutional health and fertility.
Moxibustion — 涘法 (Jiǔ fǎ)
The burning of dried mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) on or near acupoints to warm the channels, expel cold, tonify Yang and promote the free flow of Qi and Blood. Moxibustion is particularly well known for its use in turning a breech baby in late pregnancy, where studies show a success rate of up to 72.5%. Learn more about moxibustion therapy.
P
Pattern Differentiation — 辖證 (Biàn zhèng)
The cornerstone of TCM diagnosis. Rather than naming a disease, a TCM practitioner identifies the patient’s unique pattern of disharmony — a coherent picture formed from symptoms, signs, tongue appearance, pulse quality, emotions and lifestyle. Two patients with the same western diagnosis (for example, insomnia) may have entirely different TCM patterns and therefore receive different treatments. This individualised approach is one of the defining features of TCM.
Pulse Diagnosis — 脸#�; (Mài zhěn)
The assessment of the radial pulse at the wrist as a diagnostic tool in TCM. Practitioners feel three positions on each wrist, each corresponding to specific organ systems. The quality of the pulse — its depth, rate, strength, width and overall character — provides detailed information about the state of Qi, Blood and the internal organs. Over 28 distinct pulse qualities are described in classical texts, making pulse diagnosis a nuanced and skilled art developed over years of practice.
Q
Qi (Vital Energy) — 气 (Qì)
The fundamental concept in all of TCM. Qi is the vital energy or life force that animates all living things and flows through the body via the meridians. It has multiple functions: transforming food into nutrients, warming the body, protecting against disease, holding the organs in place and enabling movement. Health is understood as the smooth and balanced flow of Qi; disease arises when Qi is deficient, stagnant, sinking or rebelling. Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine both work primarily by regulating the flow of Qi.
Qi Gong — 气功 (Qì gōng)
A mind-body practice that combines slow, intentional movement, controlled breathing and meditative focus to cultivate and balance Qi. Qi Gong is one of the eight branches of TCM and is widely practised for health maintenance, stress reduction and rehabilitation. Regular practice supports the Lungs, strengthens Kidney Qi and calms the Shen (mind), making it beneficial for conditions such as anxiety, chronic fatigue and high blood pressure.
S
Shen (Mind / Spirit) — 神 (Shén)
One of the Three Treasures, Shen encompasses consciousness, mental activity, emotional well-being, memory and the capacity for clear thought. It is housed in the Heart, which in TCM governs blood circulation and mental functions. When Shen is settled, the mind is calm, sleep is restful and emotions are balanced. Disturbed Shen manifests as anxiety, insomnia, poor concentration, palpitations and depression — all conditions responsive to acupuncture.
Six Pathogenic Factors — 六瀖 (Liù yín)
The six external climatic forces that can invade the body and cause disease when the body’s defensive Qi (Wei Qi) is weakened: Wind, Cold, Summer Heat, Dampness, Dryness and Fire. Each has characteristic symptoms — for example, Wind causes moving symptoms such as itching rashes or wandering joint pain; Cold causes contraction and fixed pain; Dampness causes heaviness and swelling. These factors can also arise internally from organ dysfunction and diet. Understanding them helps your practitioner identify the precise nature of your condition.
Stagnation — 粨淘 (Yù zhì)
A disruption to the smooth flow of Qi or Blood through the channels and organs. Stagnation is one of the most common pathological states in TCM and underlies a wide spectrum of conditions including pain, depression, premenstrual tension, endometriosis and digestive discomfort. Acupuncture is highly effective at moving stagnation and restoring the free flow of Qi and Blood.
T
Tongue Diagnosis — 蒲#�; (Shé zhěn)
A primary diagnostic tool in TCM. The tongue is observed for its body colour, shape, size, moisture and the nature of its coating. Different areas of the tongue reflect the condition of specific organ systems — the tip reflects the Heart, the sides the Liver, and the root the Kidneys. A pale tongue may indicate Blood deficiency, a red tongue Heat, and a purple tongue Blood stagnation. Tongue diagnosis provides a visible, objective reflection of the body’s internal state that changes gradually with treatment.
Tui Na — 推按 (Tuī ná)
A form of Chinese therapeutic massage and manual therapy that uses rhythmic pressing, kneading, rolling and stretching techniques along the meridians and acupoints. Tui Na is used to relieve muscle pain, improve circulation, correct structural misalignment and regulate Qi flow. Unlike relaxation massage, it is a clinical therapy directed at specific therapeutic goals, often combined with acupuncture.
W
Wei Qi (Defensive Qi) — 衅气 (Wèi qì)
The outermost layer of Qi in the body, circulating just beneath the skin and between the muscles. Wei Qi acts as the body’s first line of defence against external pathogenic factors and regulates the opening and closing of pores to control sweating and body temperature. A person with strong Wei Qi seldom falls ill; deficiency leads to susceptibility to colds, allergies and fatigue. Strengthening Wei Qi is a common treatment goal in acupuncture.
Wind — 风 (Fēng)
The leading pathogenic factor in TCM, described as the “spearhead of disease” because it frequently carries other pathogenic factors such as Cold or Heat into the body. Wind is characterised by rapid change, upward and outward movement, and symptoms that move or vary — such as itching skin, wandering joint pain, tremors, sudden onset of symptoms or dizziness. Internal Wind, generated by the Liver, is associated with migraines, vertigo and, in severe cases, stroke.
X
Xue (Blood) — "피 (Xuè)
See Blood (Xue) in the B section above. In TCM, Blood is produced from the food essences extracted by the Spleen, is governed and circulated by the Heart, and stored by the Liver. Blood deficiency is a common pattern underlying insomnia, irregular periods, amenorrhoea and anxiety.
Y
Yin and Yang — 陰陣 (Yīn yáng)
The most fundamental theory in TCM and Chinese philosophy. Yin and Yang represent two complementary and interdependent aspects of all phenomena: Yin is feminine, cool, dark, still, nourishing and descending; Yang is masculine, warm, bright, active, transforming and ascending. All health is understood as a dynamic balance between these two forces; all disease as a relative excess or deficiency of one or the other. For example, menopausal hot flushes in TCM are typically a sign of Kidney Yin deficiency with relative excess of Yang. Learn more about Yin and Yang.
Yuan Qi (Original Qi) — 元气 (Yuán qì)
The root Qi of the body, derived from pre-natal Jing stored in the Kidneys. Yuan Qi acts as the source of all transformative activity in the body and fuels every organ system. It is activated and distributed throughout the body via the Triple Burner (San Jiao) meridian. Like Jing, Yuan Qi is finite — it can be conserved through healthy lifestyle, adequate rest and moderate exercise, or depleted through chronic illness, overwork and excess.
Z
Zang Fu (Organs) — 网舌 (Zàng fǔ)
The collective term for the organ systems in TCM. Zang organs are the five solid (Yin) organs — Heart, Liver, Spleen, Lung and Kidney — which store and transform vital substances. Fu organs are the six hollow (Yang) organs — Small Intestine, Gall Bladder, Stomach, Large Intestine, Bladder and Triple Burner — which receive, digest and excrete. Crucially, TCM organs are functional systems rather than purely anatomical structures; the TCM Liver, for instance, encompasses emotional regulation, vision, tendon health and menstrual function as well as its western anatomical role.
Zheng Qi (Righteous Qi) — 正气 (Zhèng qì)
The collective term for all the body’s beneficial Qi — encompassing Wei Qi, Yuan Qi, Nutritive Qi and Organ Qi — that maintains health, resists disease and enables recovery. In TCM, disease is understood as a struggle between Zheng Qi and pathogenic factors. Strengthening Zheng Qi through acupuncture, Chinese herbs and lifestyle is therefore a primary preventive goal of treatment.
