Glossary of Terms in Pinyin
There are two types of definitions that follow: Chinese dictionary definitions follow a number and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) definitions follow TCM.
AHSHI (sounds like "ahh sure") In TCM an AHSHI acupoint means the spot is tender when pressed. It guides a therapist in finding stuck and injured Qi energy. Ashi acupoints can form patterns that indicate a deep root.
Anmo (sounds like "ahn Moe"). In TCM literally pressing and rubbing; the name of a therapy employed to tonify a deficiency of Qi energy. They are two of four basic movements used in Shiatzu.
BU (sounds like "boo"). 1: repair; 2: supply, fill; 3: nourish; 4: benefit. In TCM BU (Tonify) is therapy to reinforce or strengthen deficiency Qi energy
CUN (sounds like "tsoon") 1: inch; 2: small. In TCM Cun is a unit of body measurement similar to an inch, but the actual distance varies from person to person. On an individual the cun varies depending on the body part.
DAOQI (sounds like "dow chee") DAO 1: to lead; 2: to guide; 3: (physics) to conduct. In TCM DAOQI (Move Qi) means to move stuck or injured Qi energy, which assists the body to heal disease; thus: pain goes when energy flows. When Qi moves it may be experienced as deqi (Got Qi).
Deqi (Got Qi sounds like "duh chee") DE 1: to get, gain 2: suitable 3: compliant. In TCM Deqi (got Qi) is that healing feeling produced by stimulating acupoints, which moves Qi (DAOQI) energy. After gaining the desired Qi response, it may feel swollen, achy, numb and/or tingly, first locally then distant from the point of stimulation.
JING (sounds like "jeeng") 1: menses; 2: longitude; 3: pass through; 4: manage; 5: regular; 6: warp (in weaving) 7: classic book. In TCM JING (meridians) is a path on which Qi energy usually travels located between skin and bone. Stagnant Qi energy in or near a path disrupts smooth bodily activity and results in pain. Acupoints on the skin provide access to these paths which DAOQI (move Qi energy) and relieve pain.
JING (sounds like "jeeng") 1: refined, choice; 2: essence, extract; 3:spirit; 4: smart; 5: sperm. In TCM JING (Essence) is the material potential for growth similar to the genetic code. It originates at conception from the uniting of sperm and egg. Qi from food, supplements JING; likewise JING produces Qi. The quality of JING determines the quality of Qi.
JINGQI (sounds like "jeeng chee") In TCM JINGQI (Essential Qi) is the most material of Qi energy. Qi production consumes JING. This vital essence JINGQI is stored in the kidneys and regulates sexual energy, reproduction, growth and development including the aging process.
Qi (sounds like "chee") 1: air, gas; 2: weather; 3: breath; 4: odor; 5: airs, manners; 6: spirited; 7: angry. In TCM Qi energy represents the functioning of organs and systems referred to as the life force or bio-energy of the body. However, it is not energy as opposed to matter; neither is it energy like fuel.
QIZHI (sounds like "chee jee") ZHI 1: stagnant; 2: stoppage; 3: junk. In TCM QIZHI (Stagnant Qi) is blocked energy usually experienced as a sharp pain. An excess pattern appears when Qi energy pools at an acupoint, along a meridian or anywhere in the body it becomes ‘stuck.’ It is often the first stage of disease after Qi energy stagnates, the blood will congeal unless energy is moved through the area.
SHI (sounds like "sure") 1: solid; 2: true, real, honest; 3: fruit, seed. In TCM it is a symptom pattern indicating true health, characterized by discharge, similar to acute disease. Symptoms appear when the body eliminates micro- organisms and toxins. The ability to eliminate excess degenerates with deficiency diseases (chronic).
Tuina (sounds like "two+we nah") In TCM literally stroking and pinching; the name of a therapy employed to disperse excess Qi energy. They are two of four basic movements used in Shiatzu.
XIE (sounds like "she+ah") 1: write; 2: draw, sketch. In TCM XIE (Sedate) is a therapeutic response used to release, reduce, disperse excess Qi energy
XU (sounds like "shoe") 1: void; 2: empty; 3: in vain; 4: timid; 5: false, deceitful; 6: humble, modest; 7: weakness, poor health; 8: theory; 9: virtual, facade. In TCM it is a symptom pattern indicating false health, characterized by degeneration of bodily functions, similar to chronic disease. Degeneration weakens the body and it loses the ability to eliminate excess during acute diseases.
XUE (sounds like "shoe+way") 1: blood. In TCM XUE (Blood) is a type of energy similar to blood as understood in the West, but Chinese medicine identifies more functions such as moistening tissue and nourishing the Qi. Blood can congeal and cause aching.
Yang (sounds like "yah+ng"). In TCM and in the Chinese language yang is used as an adjective indicating the fiery, warming, drying nature of the modified word.
Yangqi (sounds like "yah+ng chee"). In TCM it is the functional aspect of bio-energy; disease manifests as external, upward, hyperactive, inflammation and discharge.
Yin (sounds like "y+een"). In TCM and in the Chinese language yin is used as an adjective indicating the watery, cooling, moistening nature of the modified word.
Yinqi (sounds like "y+een chee"). In TCM it is the material aspect of bio-energy; disease manifests as internal, downward, hypoactive, weakness and congestion.
YUXUE (sounds like "you shoe+way") YU 1:bruise; 2: poor circulation. In TCM YUXUE (Congealed Blood) is an excess symptom pattern, which appears when Qi energy pools and blood congeals. Relieve the pain by moving energy through the area. Felt as a dull ache, it accompanies or follows Qi Stagnation (QIZHI). Palpable as ropy, stiff muscle.