Objective guide

Posted on January 9, 2009

Objectives are a useful tool to keep up with what is minimum knowledge for this course. They correlate to the topics covered in class by date. Reading assignments are also included here. As you do your reading, keep the objectives in mind. Use this space for comments regarding objectives. Most test questions are formulated using these objectives.

On completion of this course the student should be able to:

1. Define ontology. Discuss, in general terms, how the study of ontology is relevant to the study of the medicine of a particular culture.

2. Identify the significant contributions/philosophies of the following western thinkers (scientists, philosophers). Give example(s) of how their ideas are reflected in western, allopathic medicine.
Aristotle, Ptolemy, Copernicus, Galilio, Decartes, Newton, Freud, Jung
The Flexner Report Wikipedia

3. Discuss how the scientific revolution influenced western medicine.

Reading: Beinfield 17-25 Assignment: Research western philosophers/scientists from Objective #2

4. Define the three major philosophical influences of eastern ontology and name at least one example of how each influenced CM
Daoism (Lao Tsi), Buddhism Confucianism (Confucius)

5. Describe the concept of Daoist self cultivation and how it relates to CM.

6. Compare/contrast, using an ontological perspective, Chinese and Western medicine.

Reading: Kaptchuk: XXI, XIX, Xxiii, 1-7 17-39 Beinfield 3-15 29-45 Chapter 3 Philosophy and Religion Who Can Ride the Dragon?
Zhang & Rose
Doctrine of the Mean and Great Learning (Wikipedia)

7. Define Yin/Yang and give an example that explains each of the five principles 
of Yin/Yang Theory.

8.Briefly define the Three Treasures: Jing, Shen, Qi. How are they related to each other? What is their significance.?

9. Define Qi. Give its global and medical definition.

10. Define the three sources or origins of Qi and give one example of each of the five functions of Qi.
11. Define Resonance and be prepared to discuss it in terms of Qi.

12. Give three examples of what can ‘go wrong’ with a person’s Qi and be able to identify their common symptoms.

13.Define Blood as TCM sees it. Identify its origin and functions in humans.

14. Describe what can go wrong with a person’s Blood and be able to identify the common symptoms.

15. Define Shen, differentiate it from shen and list the 5 spirits.

Readings: Kaptchuk 41 to 74 Beinfield 49-56

16.Define disharmony in CM. Discuss ‘cause’ in CM and compare it to how cause is viewed in western allopathic medicine.

17. Describe how CM views the emotions, pernicious influences and lifestyle in relation to health and disease.

18. Describe the Four Assessments.

Readings Beinfield 29-45 61-69 Kaptchuk 143-196

19. Five Phase (Five Element) Theory: List the five phases of Yin and Yang. Define the energy of each phase. Give at least three correspondences of each phase. Including each of the Organs. Be prepared to assess yourself.

Reading: Kaptchuk 437 Beinfield 85-105. 131-231

20. Eight Division Theory: Give a brief definition and at least three examples of each of the eight divisions of Yin and Yang.

Reading: Kaptchuk 215-231.

21. Define and list the energetic conduits of resonance in the body: The Channel/Meridians.

22. Differentiate between the Circadian Flow and the Cycle of Tides in the circulation of Qi and give at least one example of their use in treatment.
Reading: Kaptchuk: 105-141

23. List the zang/fu, identify their classification according to the 8 Divisions and list 2 correspondences.

24. Explain the four examinations (assessments):looking,, asking, touching, listening/smelling.

25. Identify at least 3 signs and symptoms under each assessment.
Reading: Kaptchuk 171-195 Beinfield: 70-83.