Acupuncture Vocabulary Quiz

In acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), a meridian is one of the invisible channels or pathways through which vital energy (qi) is believed to flow throughout the body. There are twelve main meridians, each associated with a specific organ system. Acupuncturists insert needles at specific points along these pathways to regulate the flow of qi and restore balance.

Qi (pronounced 'chee') is the concept of vital life force or energy that, according to traditional Chinese medicine, flows through every living being. Healthy qi flows freely and in balance; illness is understood as the result of blocked, deficient or excess qi. Acupuncture, herbal medicine and qigong are all aimed at maintaining or restoring the balanced flow of qi.

An acupoint (or acupuncture point) is a specific location on the body, situated along a meridian, where a needle is inserted during acupuncture treatment. There are over 360 classical acupoints on the human body. Each point has a name, a number and a specific therapeutic function related to the organ system of its meridian.

Moxibustion is a traditional Chinese therapy in which dried mugwort (moxa) is burned near or on the skin at acupuncture points. The heat generated is thought to stimulate qi flow, warm the meridians and strengthen the body's vital energy. It is often used alongside acupuncture for conditions associated with cold or deficiency, such as fatigue and certain types of pain.

'Holistic' describes an approach that considers the whole person — body, mind and spirit — rather than focusing only on a specific symptom or disease. In acupuncture, a holistic approach means the practitioner assesses a patient's overall balance of qi, lifestyle, emotions and constitution before deciding on treatment.

Cupping therapy is a traditional treatment in which glass, bamboo or silicone cups are placed on the skin and a vacuum is created to draw the skin upwards. It is used to relieve muscle tension, improve circulation and promote healing. Cupping is often used alongside acupuncture and leaves distinctive circular marks that fade within a few days.

'Therapeutic' is an adjective meaning relating to the treatment or healing of a disease or disorder. Something that is therapeutic has a positive effect on health or well-being. In acupuncture, the therapeutic effect of needle insertion refers to the beneficial response it produces, such as pain relief, reduced inflammation or improved sleep.

Both acupuncture and acupressure work on the same system of meridians and acupoints, but they use different methods. Acupuncture involves inserting thin needles into specific points, while acupressure uses firm finger pressure on the same points without breaking the skin. Acupressure is sometimes preferred by people who are uncomfortable with needles.

In traditional Chinese medicine, a person's constitution refers to their underlying physical and energetic make-up — the inherent strengths and weaknesses they are born with that influence health throughout life. Practitioners assess constitution by examining the tongue, taking the pulse and asking about symptoms, emotions and lifestyle.

De qi refers to the sensation felt when an acupuncture needle is inserted correctly and reaches the right depth. The patient may feel a dull ache, heaviness, tingling or warmth around the needle. In traditional acupuncture theory, de qi signals that the needle has connected with the qi in the meridian, and is considered essential for a therapeutic effect.