About this course: This course aims to serve as an education platform on Chinese medicine (CM) for the general public. Our primary goal is to empower healthcare choices by promoting awareness and practical application on CM diagnostic and therapeutic approaches, as well as regulation on CM services and herbal products using international examples. In the first part of this course, learners will develop skills in applying basic theory of Chinese medicine (CM) for understanding health and illnesses, and be able to compare and contrast views from Chinese and western medicine perspectives. In the second part, learners will be able to diagnose their own CM body constitution, and to apply appropriate CM self-care practice including food therapy, acupressure, Baduanjin and meditation. Learners will also be able to identify commonly used Chinese herbs, and to describe the core principle of acupuncture. Specific competencies include: 1. State the basic theory of Chinese medicine and compare it with the principle of western medicine. 2. Apply the diagnostic approach of Chinese medicine and describe one’s body constitution. 3. Describe the core principle of Chinese herbs and acupuncture, and to understand their role in promoting health and wellness. 4. Develop self-care plan according to body constitution, using the practice of food therapy, acupressure, and Baduanjin.
Who is this class for: This course is primary aimed at the public interested in Chinese medicine.
Created by: The Chinese University of Hong Kong
Taught by: Prof. Vincent CHUNG, Assistant Professor
Hong Kong Institute of Integrative Medicine
Taught by: Prof. Zhi-xiu LIN, Associate Professor
School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine
Taught by: Prof. Wendy WONG, Assistant Professor
School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine
Taught by: Dr. Ching LIONG, Professional Consultant
School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine
Taught by: Prof. Justin Che-Yuen WU, Professor
Department of Medicine and Therapeutics
| Level | Intermediate |
| Commitment | Workload 2 hours / week |
| Language | English |
| How To Pass | Pass all graded assignments to complete the course. |
| User Ratings |
Syllabus
WEEK 1
Session 1: Chinese Medicine: Introduction to Basic Theory
In this session, the learners will develop detailed understanding of the role of Zang-fu in manifesting health and disease in human body. The inter-relationship between various Zang-fu organs will also be introduced.
9 videos, 1 reading
- Video: Course Introduction Video
- Reading: Reading list for Session 1
- Video: The Initiation of Chinese Medicine
- Video: The Essential Characteristics of Chinese Medicine
- Video: Treatment by Differentiation of Syndromes
- Video: The Doctrine of Yin and Yang
- Video: The Theory of Yin-Yang - The Formation of the Theory of Yin and Yang
- Video: Application of the Theory of Yin-yang in Chinese Medicine
- Video: The Theory of Zang-fu Organs (Part 1)
- Video: The Primary Characteristics of the Zang-Fu Theory
Graded: Session 1
WEEK 2
Session 2: Zang-Fu Organs Concepts in Chinese Medicine
This part is about the application of Zang-fu Organs concepts in understanding health and disease.
5 videos, 1 reading
- Reading: Reading list for Session 2
- Video: The Heart
- Video: The Lung
- Video: The Spleen
- Video: The Liver
- Video: The Kidney
Graded: Session 2
WEEK 3
Session 3: Relationship between Zang-Fu Organs; An introduction of Qi in Chinese medicine
In this session, the learners will develop further knowledge on how the inter-relationship between various Zang-fu organs contribute to health and diseases in human body. The session ends with an introduction to the concept of Qi in Chinese medicine.
4 videos, 1 reading
- Reading: Reading list for Session 3
- Video: The Relationship between the Zang Organs
- Video: The Functions of the Six Fu Organs
- Video: The Relationship between Zang-Fu Organs
- Video: The Theory of Qi
Graded: Session 3
WEEK 4
Session 4: Blood, Body Fluids and Pathogenesis of disease in Chinese Medicine
The session starts with an introduction to the concept of Blood and Body Fluid in Chinese medicine, followed with an overview of the principles of pathogenesis in Chinese medicine.
12 videos, 1 reading
- Reading: Reading list for Session 4
- Video: Theory of Blood, Body Fluids and Qi
- Video: Pathogenic Factors and Pathogenesis in Chinese Medicine
- Video: 3.1 Six External Pathogens
- Video: 3.2 Wind
- Video: 3.3 Cold
- Video: 3.4 Summer-heat
- Video: 3.5 Dampness
- Video: 3.6 Dryness
- Video: 3.7 Fire
- Video: Internal Injury by the Seven Emotions
- Video: Diet, Work and Rest
- Video: Pathogenesis
Graded: Session 4
WEEK 5
SESSION 5: Basics of Chinese Medicine Diagnostics (I)
Diagnostics techniques are the bridge between basic theories and clinical practice in Chinese medicine. Long history of clinical practice allowed the accumulation of rich diagnostic experiences among generations of Chinese medicine practitioners, facilitating the formation of a comprehensive diagnostic system. This system includes the Four Examinations of inquiry, inspection, listening, and palpation, diagnosis of disease, and differentiation of syndrome. Diagnosis of disease and differentiation of syndrome are achieved by analyzing information obtained from the Four Examinations. It is essential to perform both diseases diagnosis and syndrome differentiation. In this session, the learners will know how to distinguish these two processes, which is important to understand the definitions of disease, symptoms, syndrome and syndrome differentiation.
14 videos, 1 reading
- Reading: Reading list for Session 5
- Video: Introduction of Chinese Medicine Diagnostics
- Video: 1.1.1 Definition of Inquiry, Common Symptoms - Chills and Fever
- Video: 1.1.2 Common Symptoms - Pain: according to its nature
- Video: 1.1.3 Common Symptoms - Pain: according to its location
- Video: 1.2 Sweating and Thirst
- Video: 1.3 Appetite and Taste
- Video: 1.4 Bowel Habits
- Video: 1.5 Urination
- Video: 1.6 Sleep
- Video: Definition of Inspection, Inspecting Facial Complexion and Sense Organs
- Video: Inspection of Body Shape and Movement
- Video: Inspection of Tongue
- Video: Definition of Listening, Listening to Voice, Respiration and Cough
- Video: Palpation
Graded: Session 5
FAQs
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Coursework
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Creators
The Chinese University of Hong Kong
Founded in 1963, The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) is a forward looking comprehensive research university with a global vision and a mission to combine tradition with modernity, and to bring together China and the West. CUHK teachers and students hail from all corners of the world. CUHK graduates are connected worldwide through an expansive alumni network.
Ratings and Reviews
Thank you so much for sharing this knowledge
Thanks was a great course
Very informative lectures. Great for a first deeper understanding. I liked the combination of lectures, and parallel reading possibility for better memorization. Thank you
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A simple but interesting aproach. A must for iniciates!