I. Course Framework
The course is structured around a total of 32 academic hours, divided into five thematic modules. Each module focuses on distinct dimensions of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), forming a comprehensive knowledge chain from theory to practice:
Module 1: Historical Development and Core Characteristics of TCM
Traces the evolutionary trajectory from primitive medicine to classical theories, emphasizing the two core principles of TCM: the "Holistic Concept" and "Syndrome Differentiation-Based Treatment."
Highlights the unity of the human body with nature and society, along with a diagnostic-therapeutic model that analyzes pathogenesis through the "Four Diagnostic Methods" (inspection, auscultation, inquiry, palpation) to formulate personalized treatment plans.
Module 2: Philosophical Foundations of TCM
Explains the materialist perspective of "Jing" (essence) and "Qi" (vital energy) as the origins of life, and their foundational roles in physiological activities.
Analyzes the application of Yin-Yang principles in interpreting pathological changes, from basic attributes to laws of opposition and unity.
Constructs a relational model linking internal organs, seasons, and emotions through mutual generation and restraint among the Five Elements, guiding clinical diagnosis and treatment.
Module 3: Life Perspectives in TCM
Systematically explains the generation, functions, and interrelationships of vital substances (essence, Qi, blood, body fluids), revealing common disorders caused by their disharmony.
Provides an in-depth analysis of the physiological functions and exterior-interior relationships between the Five Zang Organs and Six Fu Organs, supplemented by clinical cases to illustrate pathological manifestations of organ disharmony.
Elucidates the meridian pathways of the Twelve Regular Channels, the unique functions of the Eight Extraordinary Vessels, and the role of meridians as "conduits" in acupuncture and tuina (Chinese therapeutic massage) treatments.
Classifies nine constitutional types to guide personalized health cultivation and disease prevention.
Module 4: Disease Perspectives in TCM
Analyzes the pathogenic mechanisms of external pathogenic factors (Six Exogenous Pathogens), internal emotional imbalances (Seven Emotions), and internal retention of phlegm and blood stasis.
Explores pathological patterns such as the struggle between pathogenic and vital Qi, Yin-Yang disharmony, and disturbances in Qi, blood, and body fluids, providing theoretical foundations for syndrome differentiation.
Distinguishes different patterns of disease onset (e.g., immediate onset upon exposure vs. delayed onset after latency) to understand the staged progression of diseases.
Module 5: Health Preservation and Therapeutic Principles in TCM
Emphasizes a nature-harmonizing philosophy ("Unity of Heaven and Humanity") and practical methods such as nurturing both body and mind, regulating the spleen and stomach, and preserving essence and kidney Qi.
Summarizes fundamental principles like "treating the root cause," "reinforcing healthy Qi and eliminating pathogens," and "balancing Yin and Yang" to guide clinical decision-making.
II. Core Knowledge Points
The course constructs the theoretical framework of TCM through specific knowledge points, emphasizing integration with clinical practice:
Yin-Yang and Five Elements are not abstract concepts but tools for analyzing pathogenesis.
Organ functions and meridian pathways underpin acupuncture, tuina, and herbal treatments.
Etiological-pathogenic theories directly guide syndrome differentiation and classification.
Constitutional classification and seasonal health cultivation principles offer personalized health management strategies.
III. Teaching Features
Structured Knowledge System: Organized logically as "History → Philosophy → Life → Disease → Health Preservation," aligning with cognitive learning patterns.
Clinical Case Integration: Each knowledge point is linked to practical applications.
Skill Development: Emphasizes practical abilities like syndrome differentiation, Four Diagnostic Methods, and acupuncture point selection, laying foundations for advanced clinical courses.
Summary: Through 32 academic hours of systematic learning, Foundations of TCM enables students to master the theoretical essence and practical framework of TCM while cultivating clinical thinking rooted in the "Holistic Concept" and "Syndrome Differentiation-Based Treatment." This course serves as an indispensable "gateway" to mastering TCM.
