Chinese Medicine Theory
Jeffrey Pang, L.Ac.
Department Chair
The Five Branches Curriculum offers six courses in Traditional Chinese Medical Theory, which provide our students with a thorough knowledge of the TCM views of human health. Each course increases the student’s working knowledge of the language and theories of TCM’s unique, yet universal, approach to understanding health and the treatment of disease. These courses draw from a various classical and modern texts to create a solid framework for the application of clinical methods.
[ Required Courses ]
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| MCT 100 4 Units 64 Hours |
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| This course introduces the classical principles of Yin and Yang and the Five Elements, which were universal laws in ancient China. TCM theory applies these broad principles to the realm of human physiology and pathology in a complex and powerful system for understanding the intricate balance of health. The major TCM theories are systematically covered, including Qi, Blood, Body Fluids, Shen, Essence, Zang-Fu organs, Six Pernicious Influences, Four Levels, Six Stages and Eight Parameters. Etiology, pathogenesis, as well as TCM treatment principles of disease and disease prevention are covered in detail. This class is the foundation for all other TCM coursework. Upon completion of this course, students will be familiar with the basic theoretical language of TCM. This understanding of fundamental theory forms the basis for the continued study of TCM diagnosis, herbal medicine and acupuncture theory. |
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| Prerequisite: none |
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| MCT 110 1 Units 16 Hours |
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| This course is designed to introduce a brief historical overview of the origin, development and changes in regards to Chinese medicine theories and practices. Students will gain an understanding, without being medically or clinically specific, of the larger and broader spectrum of TCM from antiquity to present. Upon completion of this course students will understand the origin and historical development of Chinese medicine from antiquity to present day. |
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| Prerequisite: None |
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| MCT 130 1 Units 16 Hours |
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| This course is a general introduction to the spoken and written modern Chinese language (putonghua or Mandarin). Emphasis will be placed on pronunciation (tones and Pinyin system), essential TCM-related vocabulary and basic syntactical structures. Upon completion of this course, students will be able to pronounce and spell simple characters of TCM in Chinese Pinyin, and know basic medical TCM vocabulary and be able to use them in simple sentences. |
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| Prerequisite: None |
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| MCT 200 4 Units 64 Hours |
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| This course begins with thorough instruction in the four diagnostic methods: inspection, inquiring, auscultation/olfaction and palpation. The four diagnostic methods are the backbone of TCM diagnosis and are used to collect and organize the patient’s signs and symptoms. Among them, complexion, pulse and tongue diagnosis are unique methods in TCM. The course continues with in-depth instruction on methods of Pattern Identification, one of the most important characteristics of TCM. Students learn how to differentiate the patient’s patterns of disharmony by analyzing the information acquired from the four diagnostic methods. The lab focuses on assisting students in acquiring skill, accuracy and confidence in performing a patient history and physical exam using TCM assessment methods. Upon completion of this course, students will know how to use the four diagnostic methods to gather patient data and perform a complete patient history and exam. Additionally they will be able to recognize and identify basic TCM patterns of disharmony. |
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| Prerequisite: MCT 100, TCM Foundations |
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| MCT 201 1 Units 16 Hours |
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| This course begins with thorough instruction in the four diagnostic methods: inspection, inquiring, auscultation/olfaction and palpation. The four diagnostic methods are the backbone of TCM diagnosis and are used to collect and organize the patient’s signs and symptoms. Among them, complexion, pulse and tongue diagnosis are unique methods in TCM. The course continues with in-depth instruction on methods of Pattern Identification, one of the most important characteristics of TCM. Students learn how to differentiate the patient’s patterns of disharmony by analyzing the information acquired from the four diagnostic methods. The lab focuses on assisting students in acquiring skill, accuracy and confidence in performing a patient history and physical exam using TCM assessment methods. Upon completion of this course, students will know how to use the four diagnostic methods to gather patient data and perform a complete patient history and exam. Additionally they will be able to recognize and identify basic TCM patterns of disharmony. |
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| Prerequisite: MCT 100, TCM Foundations |
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| MCT 301 2 Units 32 Hours |
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| This is the first, in a series of three courses that review important classical literature on Chinese Medicine. This course will present the essential concepts of Nei Jing (The Canon of Internal Medicine). Nei Jing is attributed to the legendary Huang Di (Yellow Emperor) and serves as the original source for TCM diagnosis and acupuncture theory. Course material is learned from translations of the original articles. The teacher and students will work together to understand the true meaning of this ancient Chinese medical text. Upon completion of this course, students will understand the classic theory of Yin-Yang and the Five Elements, the Zang organs and their manifestations and the channels and their networks. |
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| Prerequisite: Completion of 2nd semester |
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| MCT 401 2 Units 32 Hours |
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| TCM Case Studies I is designed to assist with the transition from academic knowledge to its application in clinical practice. The course reinforces the basics of case analysis by teaching students how to systematically analyze case reports using fundamental TCM Theory and Diagnosis. Students learn how to analyze a chief complaint by looking at accompanying signs and symptoms and results from the four examinations. Students gain increased skill in differentiating among similar patterns of disease. The focus of the class is on developing diagnostic ability, from which treatment plans are established. The case reports are selected from the clinic or established TCM texts for presentation and class discussion. Students will also learn the proper format for written and oral case presentations. Upon completion students will be able to read a case report and reach and justify an accurate TCM diagnosis based on TCM Theory. Additionally students will be able to present a case utilizing standard formats. |
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| Prerequisite: Completion of 3rd semester |
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| MCT 501 2 Units 32 Hours |
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| This is the second course in a series of three classes that review important classical literature on Chinese medicine. This course will review the medical classic Shang Han Lun. This text (which was compiled in the late Han dynasty approximately 2000 years ago) discusses conditions which are induced by cold. Shang Han Lun utilizes the six-channel pattern identification of diseases and relies almost exclusively on herbal formulas for treatments. Upon completion of this course, students will understand the essence of Shang Han Lun, the theory of the six-channel differentiation and the herbal formulas used to treat these diseases. |
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| Prerequisite: Completion of 4th semester |
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| MCT 601 2 Units 32 Hours |
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| This is the third course in the series of classes which review important classical literature on Chinese Medicine. Jin Gui Yao Lue (The Essential Prescriptions of the Golden Chamber) was written by Zhang Zhong Jing approximately 1700 years ago. The course will review the main theoretical concepts and herbal prescriptions of the major diseases in the book as they apply to clinical use. Upon completion of this course, students will strengthen their diagnosis skills with theoretical understanding of symptom differentiation according to the six-channel pattern identification of diseases and the application of herbal formulas to these diseases. |
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| Prerequisite: Completion of 5th semester |
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| MCT 801 2 Units 32 Hours |
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| TCM Case Studies II is a continuation of TCM Case Studies I. In this class, students gain advanced skill in TCM pattern discrimination using TCM Theory, Diagnosis and detailed treatment planning, including acupuncture and herbal treatment prescriptions. Western diagnostic tests will also be included in case analysis. The emphasis of the class is on critical thinking and diagnostic ability of complex cases, ensuring that students reach a correct diagnosis and the supporting logic that supports the diagnosis. This includes the ability to distinguish among similar TCM patterns of disharmony. This is a comprehensive class which utilizes the knowledge and skills attained throughout the 4-year curriculum. The course prepares students for advanced clinical practice and the CALE and NCCAOM examinations. Like Case Studies I, the class utilizes case studies from the clinic and from standard TCM textbooks. Students will be required to present a case to the class for discussion and evaluation. Upon completion students will have advanced skills in case analysis and be able to diagnose a patient based upon accepted TCM theories and Western diagnostic tests. Additionally, they will demonstrate accuracy in developing treatment plans and proficiency in presenting written and oral case reports. |
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| Prerequisite: Completion of 6th semester including MRA 600, Cum Review IV |
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[ Elective Courses ]
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| MEL 310 2 Units 32 Hours |
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| This course is an introduction to the fundamentals of the Five Elements. The class explores a map of energy that is particularly well suited for treating the emotional and spiritual levels. The concepts in this course expand the range of conditions that can be successfully treated by TCM practitioners. Upon completion of this course, students will have begun to develop the skill to read energetic imbalances through color, sound, odor and emotion, and they will have been exposed to the basics of Five Element Treatment. |
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| Prerequisite: MCT 200, TCM Diagnostics and MAC 220/MAC 230, Meridians and Acupuncture Points I/ Lab |
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| MEL 420 2 Units 32 Hours |
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| This elective course builds on the materials presented in the introductory theory course, providing an opportunity to look deeper into the elements and their Officials. Case studies will be presented throughout to enrich the understanding of this system of acupuncture. Upon completion of this course, students will have a deeper understanding of Five Element energetics and how to utilize this knowledge in the treatment room. |
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| Prerequisite: MEL 310, Five Element Theory I |
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| MEL 431 2 Units 32 Hours |
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| The class is divided into three sections 2 units/ 32 hours each. Section may be taken out of order: Section I, MEL 431: Addresses the points of Wood and Fire Meridians Section II, MEL 432: Addresses the points of Earth, Metal and Water Meridians Section III, MEL 433: Addresses the points of the Window of Sky, Governor and Conception Vessels Acupuncture points each have a name, a history, and a particular meaning and energy. This course examines the name of the point, its relationship to the elements, to the corresponding Official (organ system), its location and its relation to the overall context of the patient. Class includes discussion, meditation, art and poetry. Upon completion of this course, students will have an understanding of the concept of Spirit of the Points as applied in Five Element Acupuncture. This will increase their skills in choosing points which will support the patient’s psycho/spiritual well being. |
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| Prerequisite: MEL 310, Five Element Theory I, recommended |
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| MEL 432 2 Units 32 Hours |
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| Acupuncture points each have a name, a history, and a particular meaning and energy. This course examines the name of the point, its relationship to the elements, to the corresponding Official (organ system), its location and its relation to the overall context of the patient. Class includes discussion, meditation, art and poetry. The class is divided into three sections 2 units/ 32 hours each. Section may be taken out of order: Section I, MEL 431: Addresses the points of Wood and Fire Meridians Section II, MEL 432: Addresses the points of Earth, Metal and Water Meridians Section III, MEL 433: Addresses the points of the Window of Sky, Governor and Conception Vessels Upon completion of this course, students will have an understanding of the concept of Spirit of the Points as applied in Five Element Acupuncture. This will increase their skills in choosing points which will support the patient’s psycho/spiritual well being. |
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| Prerequisite: MEL 310, Five Element Theory I, recommended |
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| MEL 433 2 Units 32 Hours |
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| Acupuncture points each have a name, a history, and a particular meaning and energy. This course examines the name of the point, its relationship to the elements, to the corresponding Official (organ system), its location and its relation to the overall context of the patient. Class includes discussion, meditation, art and poetry. The class is divided into three sections 2 units/ 32 hours each. Section may be taken out of order: Section I, MEL 431: Addresses the points of Wood and Fire Meridians Section II, MEL 432: Addresses the points of Earth, Metal and Water Meridians Section III, MEL 433: Addresses the points of the Window of Sky, Governor and Conception Vessels Upon completion of this course, students will have an understanding of the concept of Spirit of the Points as applied in Five Element Acupuncture. This will increase their skills in choosing points which will support the patient’s psycho/spiritual well being. |
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| Prerequisite: MEL 310, Five Element Theory I, recommended |
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| MEL 440 2 Units 32 Hours |
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| This course will cover the energetics of each of the Officials (zang-fu) from the Five Element perspective. This will include the many ways the Officials may present themselves when out of balance. The course will cover how imbalances in the Officials express themselves in the patients’ physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual lives. Students will explore how imbalances in one Official affect the associated elemental pair, its Ko cycle pair, and the creative Shen cycle. The methodology of choosing points to address the Official which is most in need of support will be discussed. There will also be a discussion of how imbalance of the Officials within ourselves as practitioners affects our understanding and treatment of our patients. Upon completion of this course, participants will develop a richer and clearer understanding of the energetics of the Officials. They will also develop a more personal relationship with the Officials, which will enhance their ability to recognize and treat the Officials directly in the clinical setting. |
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| Prerequisite: MEL 420, Five Element Theory II |
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| MEL 450 2 Units 32 Hours |
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| This course discusses how Jungian psychology archetypes are viewed within the Five Elements of Chinese Medicine. The course will first explore the similarities that exist between modern Jungian psychology and Chinese medicine. The emphasis throughout the course will be on personal growth. Rituals, slides, Qigong exercises, stories, and spiritual poetry will be used to create a “sacred space” for this exploration. The course will also discuss the ancient Chinese models of Five Elements and Twelve Officials as a system based on archetypal images. Comparisons will be drawn between Eastern and Western approaches. Upon completion of this course students will be able to recognize archetypal emotional imbalances patterns in their patients and have the tools to influence these energies through acupuncture points. |
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| Prerequisite: MEL 420, Five Element Theory II |
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| MEL 501 1 Units 16 Hours |
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| This class reviews one of the important books of classical literature on Chinese medicine. Wen Bing discusses the theory and treatment of diseases that are induced by heat (febrile disease). The concept of febrile disease was first mentioned in Inner Canon (Nei Jing), however, for centuries the main focus of diagnosis and treatment was placed on wind and cold as the major cause of externally induced diseases. The doctrine of Wen Bing considers heat diseases to embrace all externally contacted febrile and infectious diseases and describes the progression of disease by utilizing the four-aspect pattern of differentiation. Upon completion of this course, students will understand the essence of Wen Bing differentiation and the principle formulas for each pattern. |
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| Prerequisite: Completion of 6th semester |
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