← Learn

Glossary

Plain-language meanings for the acupuncture and Chinese medicine words you will see in Dr. Haldeman’s articles. Words that are capitalized, like Liver or Lung, mean the Chinese medicine system, not only the body part.

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

A

Acupoint injection therapy

A treatment where a small amount of a numbing medicine (such as procaine) is injected into an acupuncture point. Also called neural therapy.

Acupressure

Pressing on acupuncture points with the hands instead of using needles. It is thought to be where acupuncture began.

Acupuncture

A health method that is over 3,000 years old. Very thin, sterile needles are placed at specific points on the body to help the body’s energy flow and balance. See Acupuncture 101.

Acupuncture point (acupoint)

A spot on the body, usually along a meridian, where an acupuncturist places a needle. Most points are on the arms from the elbows to the hands and on the legs from the knees to the toes.

Autophagy

The body’s cell “cleanup” process, where cells break down and recycle worn-out parts.

B

Blood (in Chinese medicine)

More than just the blood in your veins. It also means the body’s nourishing, cooling fluids that feed the organs and help you sleep. It is part of yin.

C

Channel

Another word for meridian. See Meridian.

Chong Mai (the “penetrating vessel”)

One of eight special pathways in Chinese medicine. It is called the “sea of yin, blood, and fluids” and is linked to the menstrual cycle, breast health, and moisture in the body.

Constitution

A person’s basic health makeup, including strengths, weak spots, and the way the body tends to respond to stress.

Cupping

A therapy where small glass or silicone cups are placed on the skin to create gentle suction, often on the back and shoulders. It can leave round marks that fade in a few days.

D

Damp heat

In Chinese medicine, heat mixed with heavy moisture in the body. It is linked to problems such as bladder infections and a heavy, sticky feeling.

Dandelion (pu gong ying)

A common herb in Chinese medicine, often used in a tea to support breast health.

E

Earseeds and ear tacks

Tiny seeds or tacks on small stickers that are placed on points of the ear to gently stimulate them, as in the NADA treatment.

Epigenetic

Having to do with how our genes are switched on and off. We cannot change our DNA, but things like stress and care can change how it is used.

F

Five elements

Wood (also called wind), Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water. Chinese medicine uses these pictures from nature to describe how the body, organs, and seasons connect. For example, Wood and wind mean movement.

G

Gua sha

A hands-on technique where a smooth-edged tool is gently stroked over lubricated skin. It often leaves red or purple marks that fade in a few days. Say “gwah-shah.”

H

Heat surge

Dr. Haldeman’s word for a hot flash or sudden body heat and sweating. In Chinese medicine it is often linked to yin deficiency.

Hormesis

When a small amount of stress, such as cold, heat, fasting, or exercise, makes the body stronger. Too much stress can do harm. Say “hor-MEE-sis.”

I

Idiopathic

A medical word that means the cause is not known.

IVF

In vitro fertilization, a fertility treatment where an egg and sperm are joined outside the body.

J

Jiao (San Jiao)

The “three burners” or three areas of the body in Chinese medicine: upper (chest), middle (belly), and lower. The lower jiao is the lower part of the body, including the bladder.

Jing and Tian Gui

In Chinese medicine, a person’s deep, stored essence. A woman’s menstrual cycle and a man’s semen are seen as signs of this essence, and of health, youth, and strength.

L

Liver (in Chinese medicine)

An organ system that stores blood and keeps energy moving smoothly. It is called the “stress organ” because stress can make its energy stuck. See Stagnation.

M

Meridian

One of the pathways that carry qi (energy) through the body, like roads on a map. Acupuncture points sit along them. Also called channels.

Moxibustion (moxa)

A warming therapy where dried mugwort (moxa) is held near or over acupuncture points. You feel gentle warmth.

N

NADA

The National Acupuncture Detoxification Association. Its protocol uses 5 points on the outer ear to help people with stress, trauma, and addiction.

Needles

Acupuncture needles are very thin, about the width of a hair. They are sterile, used one time on one patient, never reused, and thrown away safely after each treatment.

O

Organ systems (Lung, Heart, Spleen, Stomach, Kidney, Small and Large Intestine)

In Chinese medicine, “organ” means a whole system of body and emotion, not only the body part. For example, the Lung is linked to grief and the immune system, the Stomach and Spleen to digestion and muscles, the Kidney to the “seed” of life, and the Small Intestine to sorting what is useful from what is not. When these words are capitalized on this site, they mean the Chinese medicine system.

P

PCOS

Polycystic ovary syndrome, a common hormone problem that can affect periods and fertility.

Protocol

A set plan of steps or points used for a certain treatment.

Q

Qi

Say “chee.” The body’s vital energy, or life force. In Chinese medicine, health is good when qi flows freely and in balance.

S

Sa’am acupuncture

A style of acupuncture from traditional Korean medicine that uses a small number of points. The Four-Needle Technique is one example.

Secondary infertility

Trouble getting pregnant after you have already had a child.

Stagnation (stuck qi)

When energy or blood does not move smoothly. “Liver Qi stagnation” means stress has made the liver’s energy stuck, which can cause pain, tension, and mood problems.

Sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems

The two parts of the nervous system. The sympathetic is “fight or flight.” The parasympathetic is “rest and digest.” Acupuncture helps the body move from the first to the second.

T

TaiJi symbol

The black and white circle that shows yin and yang in balance.

TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine)

The system of health care that began in China thousands of years ago. It includes acupuncture, herbs, food advice, and exercise.

TMJ

Temporomandibular joint, the joint that connects your jaw to your skull. TMJ pain is often caused by clenching the teeth.

Tongue diagnosis

Looking at the color, shape, and coating of the tongue to get clues about health inside the body. It helps an acupuncturist plan treatment.

W

Wei Qi

Say “way chee.” Our “defensive energy,” the protective qi that guards the body, much like the immune system.

Western medicine

The kind of medicine most doctors and hospitals in the United States practice. It is also called conventional medicine.

Y

Yin and yang

Two sides of energy that balance each other. Yin is calm, cool, resting, and nourishing (like blood, fluids, and sleep). Yang is active, warm, and moving. Health depends on keeping them in balance.

Yin deficiency

When the body does not have enough yin (cooling fluid), so heat is not calmed. It can show up as hot flashes, night sweats, or trouble sleeping.

This glossary is educational and is not medical advice.

← Back to Learn