TCM Practice 2 (Acupuncture Microsystems)

The focus will be on the key concepts and statements that shaped later Chinese medicine and acupuncture such as the theory of Yin and Yang, Channel and meridian theory, the relationship between environment and the human being, natural law and health, prevention and principles of treatment, harmonising between the mental and the physical, the medical philosophy of health and disease treatment, and the treatment in accordance with seasonal conditions, local conditions and patient’s individuality in appreciation of Australia’s multi-cultural and multi-racial nature.

Students study the philosophy and theory of Wen Bing Xue which provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the diagnosis and treatment of febrile diseases. Students acquire an overview of the historical development of the Wen Bing theories, contribution to CM treatment framework, contraindication and cautions, strengthens and limitations. The focus of study is on the characteristics of the four phases (Wei; Qi; Ying; and Xue) and the San Jiao classifications of febrile diseases and the diagnostic and treatment methods used in the management of Wen Bing (febrile diseases). The treatment of specific Wen Bing diseases including their aetiology, differentiation of symptoms, treatment principles and formulae is also included.

1. Explain the importance of Huang Di Nei Jing in the development of Chinese medicine theory and practice, and its strengths and limitations; Explain the current academic views on the formation of the Huang Di Nei Jing corpus and the methods used in studying the texts
2. Outline the key concepts of Chinese medicine and acupuncture introduced in the Huang Di Nei Jing and explain the application of these concepts in TCM practice in appreciation of Australia’s multi-cultural/multi-racial nature and how this may affect its application.
3. Outline the development of Wen Bing theory and identify the main points that distinguish Shang Han theory from Wen Bing theory, the similarities and differences between the four phases (wei; qi; ying; xue) and the San Jiao classifications of febrile diseases; Define the concept of transmission of pathogens in Wen Bing theory and its specific diagnostic methods; Describe the cautions and contraindication required when treating Wen Bing diseases.
4. Explain the diagnosis and treatment of key diseases (feng wen, chun wen, shu wen, shi wen, fu shu, qiu zao) including aetiology, pathogenesis, syndrome identification, selection of formulae, components and modifications.

Assessment 2: HDNJ Essay (15%)

Assessment 3A: Final Examination (Wen Bing) (35%)

Assessment 3B: Final Examination (HDNJ) (25%)

Unschuld, P. U. (2003). Huang Di Nei Jing Su Wen: Nature, Knowledge, Imagery in an Ancient Chinese Medicine. Berkeley: University of California Press.

Wu, J. (2002). Ling shu or the spiritual pivot. Washington, D.C.: Taoist Centre.

Liu, G. (2005). Warm pathogen diseases: A clinical guide (Revised ed.). Seattle: Eastland Press.

Tessenow, H. &Unschuld, P. U. (2008). A Dictionary of the Huangdineijingsuwen. Berkeley: University of California Press.

Wang, B. (1997). Yellow emperor’s canon of internal medicine [Huangdineijing] (N. L. Wu, A. Q. Wu Trans.). Beijing: China Science & Technology.

Wen, J. M., & Seifert, G. (2000). Warm disease theory – wen bingxue. Brooklyn, Mass.: Paradigm.