More Chinese Herbal Medical Terms
Translation of Some of the Language of Traditional Chinese Medicine
May 1, 2008
This article will cover more Traditional Chinese Herbal Medical terminology. Although many of the words will have meaning in English, each Chinese medical term will relate specifically to an aspect of health as viewed from the Chinese medical perspective.
Temperature in Chinese Medical Terminology
Heat and Cold in Traditional Chinese Medicine do not relate to a number on a thermometer. Heat and Cold are subjective terms based on how the patient feels or perceives temperature.
Heat(Re): A TCM patient will be said to have Heat when they tend to feel warm, dislike or avoid heat and tend to prefer to drink cold fluids. These people will be outgoing and often talkative. Core body temperature may be perfectly normal in western terms.
Cold(Han): The Cold person will tend to feel cold even when the weather is warm. They will tend not to be thirsty and will prefer hot drinks. They are quiet, withdrawn and slow moving.
Those familiar with the term Yin and Yang may recognize the thermal aspects of Yin (the ability to calm and cool) and Yang (the ability to warm and energize) in these terms.
Dampness and Phlegm
The terms Dampness and Phlegm are also very specific in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Dampness and Phlegm are two of the six Pernicious Evils. Despite the somewhat dramatic name, the Pernicious Evils are simply patterns of disharmony in the body.
Dampness(Shi): The Chinese medical term Dampness is one of the few that has a fairly similar definition to the western term. Dampness may manifest as edema or swelling of body and limbs. Watery discharges are part of Dampness patterns. But TCM also includes slow, ponderous movement and confused thinking in its signs of Dampness, indicating that there is more to Dampness in TCM than the basic western concept.
Phlegm(Tan): While thick mucous is one aspect of Phlegm from the Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective, there are many layers to this Pernicious Evil. Incoherent behavior and conditions that western medicine would label mental health issues often fall into the realm of Phlegm Evil. Paralysis and tumors may be considered a manifestation of Phlegm as well.
Wind
Wind(Feng) in Traditional Chinese Medicine does not refer to flatulence, as it does in western terms. It is another of the Pernicious Evils, one that is named for its similarity to the qualities of wind. Wind disorders are characterized by appearing and disappearing or changing suddenly, just as wind gusts and changes depending on atmospheric conditions. Seasonal allergies are a form of Wind Evil. But there are other forms, signs of which include such serious health issues as numbness, dizziness, tinnitus and psychomotor symptoms such as muscle spasms, tremors or convulsions.
Understanding Traditional Chinese Medical terminology aids in understanding how your health is assessed using this ancient art.
Source: Wiseman, N & F Ye. A Practical Dictionary of Chinese Medicine.1998.Paradigm Publications.Brookline MA
Photo Credit: Kevin Rosseel
