Here are some basic components of Traditional Chinese Medical Theory. The history is deep and complex, and the result of the contributions of countless brilliant and insightful minds. Many ancient doctors and those forward, have dedicated their lives to furthering this medicine. For them we have the utmost respect.
Jing
Jing or Vital-Essence is like our "gas-tank" for life. Qi (see next heading) is replenished by "burning off" Jing; so, the more Qi we "expend", the more Jing we "burn". Living the "fast-life" truly leads to a shortened life-span. Through Acupuncture and TCM, methods of making the body more "fuel-efficient" are utilized. The onus is on all of us to live in moderation, eat well, and try to minimize stress.
Qi
Qi, pronounced chee, is a fundamental concept of TCM thought, diagnosis, and treatment principle.
The pathways of Qi in the body are called meridians. Meridians are like "rivers of life" that flow through our bodies providing usable energy. They are not quite blood-vessels, nor, are they nerves or dermatomes. Instead, Qi finds a way to connect and interact with every aspect physical, physiological, or psychological. When these "rivers" become blocked or "dammed", disease processes may arise. It is the Acupuncturist's primary scope of practice to diagnose Qi problems and correct them.
Shen
Shen is the outward manifestation of health. It is reflected in the eyes, and how we present ourselves. Strong Shen shows upright posture, sparkly eyes, clear thought processes, and vibrancy. If Shen is "disturbed", the eyes are dull, the posture is poor, the mind is muddled, and the person looks unhealthy. Shen is rooted in the Blood (see next heading), and housed in the Heart (see heading Zang-Fu: The Organs). Conditions that affect the Blood, especially when the Heart is involved, may affect Shen.
Blood
Blood in TCM theory, can be defined similarly to what we know in modern medicine. It provides nutrients and vital energy to our bodies (oxygen carrying) , it can have blockages (ischemia), it can be deficient (anemia), and it requires proper diet and lifestyle to nurture it. But, adding to the aforementioned properties, TCM's views of Blood can expand beyond this scope. For instance, Blood can be deficient, yet this may not show up on laboratory testing as anemia. But the Acupuncturist may diagnose Blood deficiency, when brittle hair, weak finger or toenails, and insomnia are presenting symptoms. Blood holds Qi, and Qi leads Blood through the vessels.
Yin and Yang
Yin and Yang are one concept with two aspects or poles. Commonly, Yin and Yang are compared to the luminous values of "black and white". In truth, black can be compared to Yin as black (like night) seems to be cooling and still, while white can be compared to Yang being hot (bright like the sun) and moving. Yin and Yang can help categorize diseases and disorders.
Yin and Yang are dynamically balanced in healthy individuals. As Yang wants to rise, it supports the Yin which wants to fall or sink. Conversely, Yin's sinking action anchors the Yang so it doesn't "fly-away". This balance can be seen with regard to hot-flashes of menopause. As women age, many start to lose the Yin quality and become Yin-deficient. Now, the Yin is too weak to anchor the Yang so the Yang rises, creating the upward flushing of heat.
Zang Fu - The Organs
The TCM view of our organs and tissues have similarity to; yet are also different from the viewpoint of biomedicine. There are twelve main organ systems and six extraordinary organs in TCM view. The twelve main organ systems are named the Zang Fu. Zang organs are paired with Fu organs, like the Liver (Zang) and Gall-bladder (Fu). In general, the Zang organs are solid, and have many important functions, and the Fu organs are hollow, and mostly have storing and releasing properties. The Six Extraordinary organs have special functions. All organs can be subject to disease and imbalance, and presenting signs and symptoms can be categorized to reflect which organs are problematic.
Paired Organs: Zang - Fu
Lung (Lu) - Large Intestine (LI)
Spleen (Sp) - Stomach (St)
Heart (Ht) - Small Intestine (SI)
Kidney (Ki) - Urinary Bladder (UB)
Pericardium (PC) - Triple Energizer (TE)
Liver (Lv) - Gall Bladder (GB)
and the 6 Extraordinary Organs
Uterus, Brain, Marrow, Bones, Blood Vessels, Gall Bladder