01 Purpose and scope
The Pan-Canadian entry-level examinations assess competencies required for safe, competent and ethical entry-level practice. Eligibility is determined by each provincial regulator.
Important: This is an independent study summary based on the handbook. Confirm current dates, fees, locations and policies with your regulator and CARB-TCMPA.
02 Acupuncturists examination format
| Component | Time | Questions | Question types |
|---|---|---|---|
| Multiple-choice (MC) | 2.5 hours | 125 including up to 10% experimental items | Independent multiple-choice questions |
| Clinical case (CC) | 2.5 hours | 40 including up to 10% experimental items | Case-based and independent multiple-choice and multiple-select questions |
Scoring essentials
- Each component contributes 50% of the total mark.
- Each question is worth up to one mark; no penalty for incorrect or missed answers.
- Multiple-select questions can receive partial marks, but selecting more responses than requested results in zero for that item.
- Experimental items are unscored and not identified, so answer every question.
03 Acupuncturists examination blueprint
The following are approximate blueprint ranges, not fixed question counts for every administration.
Multiple-choice component
TCM foundations23–33%
Diagnostics & treatment26–36%
Biomedicine11–17%
Acupuncture techniques10–16%
Safety5–9%
Communication, professionalism & management5–9%
Clinical-case component
Diagnostics and treatment account for about 36–46%, TCM foundations 29–39%, biomedicine 8–12%, safety 6–10%, and interpersonal/professional competencies 5–9%. Most items emphasize application and clinical reasoning.
04 Build a study plan
Allocate time by blueprint
Cover every practice area, then use wrong-answer data to strengthen weak areas.
Cover every practice area, then use wrong-answer data to strengthen weak areas.
Learn the delivery platform
Use the tutorial and sample test after booking to learn bookmarking, review and response controls.
Use the tutorial and sample test after booking to learn bookmarking, review and response controls.
Practise time management
Flag uncertain items, avoid overspending time on one question, and answer every item.
Flag uncertain items, avoid overspending time on one question, and answer every item.
05 Registration and booking
- Apply through your provincial regulator and obtain approval.
- After approval, choose the administration date and provide first and second preferred locations.
- Booking confirmation is generally emailed about four weeks before the exam.
- If confirmation has not arrived within two weeks of the exam, contact CARB-TCMPA.
The registration name must match the valid government-issued photo ID presented on exam day. Confirm current fees and cancellation deadlines with official sources.
06 Exam-day essentials
- Arrive at least 30 minutes early. A 1–29 minute late arrival may be admitted without extra time; 30 minutes or more is not admitted.
- Bring valid, non-expired government-issued photo identification.
- Personal items, phones, smart watches, notes, books, dictionaries and translation software are prohibited.
- The centre supplies a writing utensil and one blank sheet; a clear label-free water bottle may be allowed subject to venue approval.
- The timer continues during the permitted washroom break; report technical issues immediately.
- Do not record, remove, discuss or distribute examination questions or answers.
07 Results, rewrites and appeals
Scores from both components are combined and compared with the passing standard. Results are generally issued about eight weeks after the administration through mail or a secure portal, not by telephone or fax.
Rewrite limits and any additional education requirements are determined by the provincial regulator. Each rewrite requires a new registration and fee.
08 Clinical cases and question styles
Clinical cases commonly provide demographics, chief complaint, history, findings, possible test results, initial treatment and follow-up information. Questions test differentiation, safety screening and treatment decisions.
Multiple-choiceFour options, one correct answer and no negative marking.
Multiple-selectThe required number is stated; partial credit is possible, but over-selection scores zero.
Case-linked itemsSeveral questions may share a case with evolving information.
Cognitive-level ranges
| Component | Remembering | Comprehension & application | Analysis & interpretation |
|---|---|---|---|
| MC | 20–30% | 35–50% | 20–30% |
| CC | 10–15% | 35–55% | 35–55% |
Study implication: about 70–90% of questions involve application or critical thinking. Practise differentiation, referral safety, point selection and treatment principles.
09 Common examination terminology
TCM concepts are commonly capitalized while biomedical organs or diseases use lowercase. For example, Liver can indicate the TCM system while liver refers to the anatomical organ.
| English | Pin Yin | 中文 | Study focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Constitution | Ti Zhi | 体质 | Individual constitution |
| Organ Theories | Zang Xiang | 藏象 | Zang-Fu functions |
| Qi, Blood, Body Fluid, Essence, Spirit | Qi, Xue, Jin Ye, Jing, Shen | 气、血、津液、精、神 | Fundamental substances |
| Five Elements Theory | Wu Xing | 五行学说 | Five-phase relationships |
| Etiology / Pathogenesis | Bing Yin / Bing Ji | 病因／病机 | Cause and mechanism |
| Treatment Principles | Zhi Ze | 治疗原则 | Treatment strategy |
| Inspection | Wang Zhen | 望诊 | Observation and tongue |
| Auscultation and Olfaction | Wen Zhen | 闻诊 | Listening and smelling |
| Inquiry | Wen Zhen | 问诊 | History taking |
| Palpation | Qie Zhen | 切诊 | Pulse and palpation |
| Eight Principles Differentiation | Ba Gang Bian Zheng | 八纲辨证 | Eight principles |
| Organ Differentiation | Zang Fu Bian Zheng | 脏腑辨证 | Zang-Fu patterns |
| Six Stages Differentiation | Liu Jing Bian Zheng | 六经辨证 | Six stages |
| Four Levels Differentiation | Wei Qi Ying Xue | 卫气营血辨证 | Warm-disease levels |
| Triple Energizer Differentiation | San Jiao Bian Zheng | 三焦辨证 | Triple Energizer |
| Meridians and Collaterals | Jing Luo | 经络 | Channels and collaterals |
| Acupuncture Point | Shu Xue | 腧穴 | Point location and actions |
| Five Transporting Points | Wu Shu Xue | 五输穴 | Five Shu points |
| Source / Connecting / Cleft Points | Yuan / Luo / Xi Xue | 原穴／络穴／郄穴 | Special-point categories |
| Back-Shu / Front-Mu Points | Bei Shu / Mu Xue | 背俞穴／募穴 | Zang-Fu related points |
| Lower He-Sea Points | Xia He Xue | 下合穴 | Fu organ points |
| Eight Confluent / Influential Points | Ba Mai Jiao Hui / Ba Hui Xue | 八脉交会穴／八会穴 | Extraordinary vessels and tissues |
| Moxibustion / Cupping / Scraping | Ai Jiu / Ba Guan / Gua Sha | 艾灸／拔罐／刮痧 | Technique and safety |
10 Tongue and pulse terminology
Tongue body
light red 淡红 Dan Hongpale 淡 Danred 红 Hongcrimson 绛 Jiangblue-purple 青紫 Qing Zienlarged 胖大 Pang Dathin 瘦薄 Shou Bospotted 点 Dianprickly 刺 Cicracked 裂纹 Lie Wenteeth-marked 齿印 Chi Yinflaccid 痿软 Wei Ruanstiff 强硬 Qiang Yingdeviated 歪斜 Wai Xietrembling 颤动 Chan Dong
Tongue coating
white 白 Baiyellow 黄 Huanggray-black 灰黑 Hui Heithick 厚 Houthin 薄 Bomoist 润 Runslippery 滑 Huadry 燥 Zaogreasy 腻 Nicurdy 腐 Fupeeled 剥 Bogeographic 地图舌 Ditu Shemirror-like 镜面舌 Jingmian She
Pulse qualities
| Pin Yin | English | 中文 | Dimension |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fu / Chen | Floating / Deep | 浮／沉 | Depth |
| Chi / Shuo | Slow / Rapid | 迟／数 | Rate |
| Xu / Shi | Deficient / Excessive | 虚／实 | Fullness |
| Hua / Se | Slippery / Choppy | 滑／涩 | Fluency |
| Xuan / Jin | Wiry / Tight | 弦／紧 | Tension |
| Xi / Da | Thready / Large | 细／大 | Width |
| Ruo / Wei | Weak / Feeble | 弱／微 | Strength |
| Cu / Jie / Dai | Skipping / Knotted / Intermittent | 促／结／代 | Rhythm |
| Chang / Duan | Long / Short | 长／短 | Length |
11 Standard acupuncture nomenclature
| English | Pin Yin | 中文 |
|---|---|---|
| Meridian / Collateral | Jing / Luo | 经／络 |
| Main / Extra Meridian | Zheng Jing / Qi Jing | 正经／奇经 |
| Meridian / Extraordinary Point | Jing Xue / Qi Xue | 经穴／奇穴 |
| Needle Handle / Root | Zhen Bing / Zhen Gen | 针柄／针根 |
| Needle Body / Tip | Zhen Ti / Zhen Jian | 针体／针尖 |
| B-cun | Gudu Fen Cun | 骨度分寸 |
| F-cun | Shouzhi Tongshen Cun | 手指同身寸 |
Key B-cun measurements: manubrium to end of sternum 9; sternum to umbilicus 8; umbilicus to pubic symphysis 5; medial malleolus to ground 3; greater trochanter to knee 19; knee to lateral malleolus 16.
12 Conditions and pattern scope
The appendix standardizes condition terminology; not every item appears on every exam. Review presentation, red flags, differentiation, referral and acupuncture principles.
Infectious & respiratoryHepatitis, tuberculosis, asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia and pneumothorax
CardiovascularHypertension, ischemic heart disease, heart failure and myocarditis
GI & urinaryGastritis, ulcers, pancreatitis, cirrhosis, colitis, UTI and renal failure
NeurologicalCerebrovascular disease, epilepsy, facial paralysis, sciatica and neuralgia
Acute care & safetyPoisoning, bleeding, coma, shock, stroke and trauma: recognize and refer
Common TCM conditionsCold, cough, dyspnea, chest impediment, pain, bowel disorders, vertigo, insomnia, Bi syndrome and Wind-Stroke
Selected appendices are available during the exam, including terminology, nomenclature, tongue/pulse terms, materia medica, formulae and condition lists. Learn their structure before exam day.
13 What does the acupuncture examination actually test?
Are herbs tested?
The Acupuncturist blueprint marks Herbal Dispensary Management as n/a. However, herb and formula appendices are supplied and related names may arise in TCM illness, treatment or integrated cases. Know common categories, core actions, indications, contraindications and risks, but do not study dispensary management at the Herbalist depth.
Are herb properties tested?
Know clinically relevant nature and flavour, movement, channel entry, principal actions and major cautions. The useful level is explaining why an herb/formula fits a pattern or creates risk, rather than memorizing obscure facts in isolation.
Is Six-Stage differentiation tested?
Yes. Six Stages Differentiation (Liu Jing Bian Zheng) appears in the official common terminology appendix and belongs to TCM foundations and diagnosis/treatment. Know the six stages, core location, cold/heat and deficiency/excess features, representative symptoms and progression.
Which other differentiation systems?
Review Eight Principles, etiology, Qi-Blood-Fluid, Zang-Fu, channel, Six Stages, Four Levels and Triple Energizer differentiation. Questions often ask for the best pattern or treatment from a case, not a definition alone.
Is safety tested?
Definitely. Safety is about 5–9% of MC and 6–10% of CC. Review clean needle technique, infection control, sharps, pregnancy, anticoagulants, risky locations/depths, pneumothorax, fainting, stuck/broken needles, bleeding, burns, emergencies and referral.
Are law and professional rules tested?
Yes. Interpersonal skills, professionalism and practice management are about 5–9% in both components. The national exam tests entry-level practice; actual practice also follows provincial law, College standards and privacy law. Know consent, confidentiality, records, advertising, boundaries, mandatory reporting, conflicts, termination and referral.
Important limit: appearing in an appendix does not mean an item is tested in every administration. The blueprint defines ranges and proportions, not a fixed question list. These priorities guide study and are not official predictions.
14 English–Chinese disease glossary
Do more than translate each disease. Connect the name to typical presentation, red flags, basic differentiation, referral urgency and acupuncture safety.
Biomedical conditions
| English | 中文 | Category / study cue |
|---|---|---|
| viral hepatitis | 病毒性肝炎 | Infection, liver function and referral |
| pulmonary tuberculosis | 肺结核 | Transmission and public health |
| bronchial asthma | 支气管哮喘 | Severe attack and respiratory red flags |
| pneumothorax | 气胸 | Critical needling-related emergency |
| hypertension | 高血压 | Blood pressure and emergency features |
| ischemic heart disease | 缺血性心脏病 | Chest pain differentiation and emergency care |
| chronic heart failure | 慢性心力衰竭 | Dyspnea, edema and deterioration |
| acute pancreatitis | 急性胰腺炎 | Severe abdominal pain and emergency referral |
| gastrointestinal ulcer | 胃肠溃疡 | GI bleeding red flags |
| ulcerative colitis | 溃疡性结肠炎 | Bloody stool, dehydration and flare |
| chronic renal failure | 慢性肾衰竭 | Fluid/electrolyte, medication and infection risk |
| urinary tract infection | 尿路感染 | Fever and pyelonephritis red flags |
| aplastic anemia | 再生障碍性贫血 | Bleeding and infection risk |
| thrombocytopenic purpura | 血小板减少性紫癜 | Needling-related bleeding risk |
| diabetes mellitus | 糖尿病 | Hypoglycemia, wounds and infection |
| hyperthyroidism | 甲状腺功能亢进 | Heart rate, weight loss and crisis |
| acute cerebrovascular disease | 急性脑血管病 | Sudden neurologic deficit |
| epilepsy | 癫痫 | Seizure safety and emergency response |
| Guillain–Barré syndrome | 吉兰－巴雷综合征 | Progressive weakness and respiratory risk |
| trigeminal neuralgia | 三叉神经痛 | Facial-pain differentiation |
| shock | 休克 | Circulatory failure; immediate emergency care |
| acute poisoning | 急性中毒 | Stop exposure and activate emergency care |
Common TCM conditions
| Official English | Pin Yin | 中文 |
|---|---|---|
| Chest Impediment | Xiong Bi | 胸痹 |
| Consumptive Thirst | Xiao Ke | 消渴 |
| Dizziness and Vertigo | Xuan Yun | 眩晕 |
| Dyspnea | Chuan Zheng | 喘证 |
| Wheezing Syndrome | Xiao Zheng | 哮证 |
| Impediment / Painful Obstructive Syndrome | Bi Zheng | 痹证 |
| Atrophy-Flaccidity | Wei Zheng | 痿证 |
| Palpitation | Xin Ji | 心悸 |
| Stranguria | Lin Zheng | 淋证 |
| Urine Retention | Long Bi | 癃闭 |
| Abdominal Mass | Ji Ju | 积聚 |
| Drum Distension / Ascites | Gu Zhang | 臌胀 |
| Dysphagia Occlusion Syndrome | Ye Ge | 噎膈 |
| Depressive Disorder | Yu Zheng | 郁证 |
| Fainting / Syncope | Jue Zheng | 厥证 |
| Stroke | Zhong Feng | 中风 |
| Urticaria | Yin Zhen | 瘾疹 |
| Dysmenorrhea | Tong Jing | 痛经 |
| Abnormal Uterine Bleeding | Beng Lou | 崩漏 |
| Frozen Shoulder | Jian Guan Jie Zhou Wei Yan | 肩关节周围炎 |
| Tinnitus and Deafness | Er Ming Er Long | 耳鸣耳聋 |
| Turbid Nasal Discharge | Bi Yuan | 鼻渊 |
Common reading trap: biomedical “stroke” is an acute cerebrovascular event, while TCM “Wind-Stroke / Zhong Feng” is a TCM condition name. Manage the real-world emergency before TCM differentiation.
15 Core differentiation-system comparison
Questions commonly provide symptoms, tongue/pulse and course, then ask for location, nature, pattern, principle or progression. The following is a minimum working level.
Six Stages Differentiation 六经辨证
| Stage | 中文 | Core recognition | Common comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tai Yang | 太阳 | Exterior; aversion to cold, fever, stiff neck/back, floating pulse | Wind-strike with sweat vs cold damage without sweat |
| Yang Ming | 阳明 | Interior heat/excess; high fever, sweat, thirst, surging pulse or constipation | Channel pattern vs bowel-organ pattern |
| Shao Yang | 少阳 | Half-exterior/half-interior; alternating chills/fever, hypochondrial fullness, bitter taste, wiry pulse | Compare Tai Yang exterior and Yang Ming interior heat |
| Tai Yin | 太阴 | Spleen Yang deficiency-cold; fullness, poor appetite, diarrhea, little thirst | Compare Yang Ming bowel excess |
| Shao Yin | 少阴 | Heart/Kidney deficiency; cold or heat transformation | Cold transformation vs Yin-deficiency heat |
| Jue Yin | 厥阴 | Cold-heat complex, upper/lower disharmony and reversal | True/false cold-heat and reversal patterns |
Four Levels 卫气营血辨证
| Level | 中文 | Typical direction | Tongue, pulse and course |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wei | 卫分 | Warm pathogen at exterior; fever, slight aversion, thirst | Red tip/edges, floating-rapid pulse |
| Qi | 气分 | Interior exuberant heat; high fever, sweat, thirst | Red tongue/yellow coat, forceful rapid pulse |
| Ying | 营分 | Heat enters nutritive level; worse at night, agitation or altered consciousness | Crimson tongue/scant coat, thready rapid pulse |
| Xue | 血分 | Heat agitates blood/wind; bleeding, eruptions, convulsions | Deep-crimson or purple-dark tongue |
Triple Energizer and other systems
Upper Jiao 上焦Lung/Wei and possibly Pericardium; respiratory, fever and consciousness signs.
Middle Jiao 中焦Spleen/Stomach damp-heat or dryness-heat; thirst, epigastrium, stool and dampness.
Lower Jiao 下焦Liver/Kidney fluid injury or downward damp-heat; bleeding, elimination and deficiency wind.
Eight Principles 八纲First identify exterior/interior, cold/heat and deficiency/excess, then Yin/Yang.
Qi-Blood-Fluids 气血津液Qi deficiency/sinking/stagnation/rebellion; Blood deficiency/stasis/heat/bleeding; fluids, damp and phlegm.
Zang-Fu 脏腑Link symptoms, emotions, sense organs, tongue/pulse and organ functions/pathogenesis.
16 Complete official biomedical condition glossary
The official appendix lists 54 biomedical diseases or acute conditions. This system-based glossary supports English case reading; not all 54 appear in every administration.
| System | English | 中文 |
|---|---|---|
| Infectious | bacillary dysentery; cholera; epidemic encephalitis; leptospirosis; malaria; mumps; schistosomiasis; typhoid fever; viral hepatitis | 细菌性痢疾；霍乱；流行性脑炎；钩端螺旋体病；疟疾；腮腺炎；血吸虫病；伤寒；病毒性肝炎 |
| Respiratory | bronchial asthma; bronchitis; pneumococcal pneumonia; pneumothorax; primary bronchopulmonary carcinoma; pulmonary tuberculosis | 支气管哮喘；支气管炎；肺炎球菌性肺炎；气胸；原发性支气管肺癌；肺结核 |
| Cardiovascular | chronic heart failure; chronic lung cardiopathy; hypertension; ischemic heart disease; panic attack; rheumatic fever; rheumatic heart disease; viral myocarditis | 慢性心力衰竭；慢性肺源性心脏病；高血压；缺血性心脏病；惊恐发作；风湿热；风湿性心脏病；病毒性心肌炎 |
| Gastrointestinal | acute pancreatitis; chronic gastritis; gastrointestinal ulcers; hepatocirrhosis; primary hepatic carcinoma; stomach carcinoma; ulcerative colitis | 急性胰腺炎；慢性胃炎；胃肠溃疡；肝硬化；原发性肝癌；胃癌；溃疡性结肠炎 |
| Urinary | chronic glomerulonephritis; chronic renal failure; urinary tract infection | 慢性肾小球肾炎；慢性肾衰竭；尿路感染 |
| Hematological | aplastic anemia; leukemia; leukopenia and agranulocytosis; thrombocytopenic purpura | 再生障碍性贫血；白血病；白细胞减少及粒细胞缺乏；血小板减少性紫癜 |
| Endocrine | diabetes; hyperthyroidism | 糖尿病；甲状腺功能亢进 |
| Nervous system | acute cerebrovascular diseases; epilepsy; facial paralysis; Guillain–Barré syndrome; Ménière’s disease; neurosis; sciatica; trigeminal neuralgia | 急性脑血管病；癫痫；面瘫；吉兰－巴雷综合征；梅尼埃病；神经症；坐骨神经痛；三叉神经痛 |
| Acute conditions | acute poisoning; bleeding; acute coma; organophosphate insecticide poisoning; shock; stroke; trauma | 急性中毒；出血；急性昏迷；有机磷杀虫剂中毒；休克；卒中；创伤 |
Disease-glossary priority: first recognize time-critical conditions—pneumothorax, stroke, shock, poisoning, coma, severe bleeding and cardiopulmonary emergencies—then review acupuncture precautions for chronic disease.
17 How safety and professional scenarios are tested
| Scenario | First decision | Likely correct direction |
|---|---|---|
| Patient does not understand risk | Whether consent is valid | Pause, explain and confirm understanding/voluntariness |
| Family decides for capable adult | Capacity and autonomy | Communicate with and respect the patient |
| Request for records | Authorization, legal authority and custody | Verify authority, provide appropriately and document |
| Advertising guarantees results | Truthful, accurate, verifiable and non-misleading | Remove guarantees and unverifiable claims |
| Sudden chest pain or dyspnea | Needling-related or other emergency | Stop, assess vitals and activate emergency response |
| Persistent post-needling bleeding | Anticoagulants, coagulopathy and severity | Direct pressure, monitor, escalate and document |
| Suspected boundary or sexual misconduct | Whether mandatory reporting applies | Protect patient and follow local legal/regulatory process |
| Beyond competence or scope | Risk, urgency and appropriate referral | Do not proceed beyond scope; refer and ensure continuity |
| Ending the therapeutic relationship | Risk of abandonment | Reasonable written notice, transition and record-transfer process |
Professional-law details vary by province. The national blueprint tests entry-level competence, while consent, privacy, reporting, record retention and advertising details may depend on provincial law and College standards. This guide provides a decision framework, not a substitute for current local rules.
18 Detailed study checklist by domain
This is not a prediction list. It converts the blueprint into an actionable checklist. For each item, be able to explain it, recognize it in a case, compare close options and identify safety limits.
Professional practiceConsent, privacy, records, termination, advertising, conflicts, boundaries, mandatory reporting, referral and collaboration.
TCM foundationsYin-Yang, Five Phases, Zang-Fu, substances, channels, etiology, pathogenesis, four examinations and differentiation systems.
BiomedicineAnatomy, physiology, vital signs, common conditions, infection, medication risks, red flags, emergencies and referral.
Diagnosis & treatmentChief complaint, data synthesis, mechanism, pattern, principles, outcome assessment, follow-up, contraindications and education.
AcupunctureChannel pathways, point location/actions, special points, combinations, angle/depth, techniques, moxa, cupping and adverse events.
SafetyClean needle technique, hand hygiene, sharps, exposure response, fainting, stuck/broken needle, pneumothorax, bleeding, burns and high-risk patients.
Case-question sequence: rule out emergencies and contraindications, identify the main pattern, choose principles/points/technique, then verify consent, documentation and referral.
19 How to study the herb and formula appendices
The official appendices standardize herb and formula names; they are not full action charts. Link each name to category, core action, representative use, contraindications and higher-risk substances.
Selected materia medica names
| Pin Yin | 中文 | Pharmaceutical / common English | Study cue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ren Shen | 人参 | Radix Ginseng | Qi tonic; compare related tonics |
| Huang Qi | 黄芪 | Radix Astragali | Qi, lifting, exterior and fluid actions |
| Dang Gui | 当归 | Radix Angelicae Sinensis | Blood tonifying vs moving contexts |
| Sheng Di Huang | 生地黄 | Radix Rehmanniae | Compare with Shu Di Huang |
| Ma Huang | 麻黄 | Herba Ephedrae | Release exterior; contraindications and risk |
| Fu Zi | 附子 | Radix Aconiti Lateralis Praeparata | Processing, toxicity and preparation safety |
| Ban Xia | 半夏 | Rhizoma Pinelliae | Phlegm, counterflow and raw-product toxicity |
| Gan Cao | 甘草 | Radix Glycyrrhizae | Harmonizing; dose and interaction awareness |
| Dan Shen | 丹参 | Radix Salviae Miltiorrhizae | Blood movement; bleeding/anticoagulants |
| Tian Ma | 天麻 | Rhizoma Gastrodiae | Wind, spasm and vertigo contexts |
Selected formula names
| Pin Yin | 中文 | Official English name | Comparison cue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gui Zhi Tang | 桂枝汤 | Cinnamon Twig Decoction | Compare exterior deficiency/excess |
| Ma Huang Tang | 麻黄汤 | Ephedra Decoction | Absence of sweat, wheeze and cautions |
| Si Jun Zi Tang | 四君子汤 | Four-Gentleman Decoction | Core Qi-deficiency formula |
| Si Wu Tang | 四物汤 | Four-Substance Decoction | Blood deficiency and modifications |
| Liu Wei Di Huang Wan | 六味地黄丸 | Six-Ingredient Pill with Rehmannia | Kidney Yin and derivative formulae |
| Jin Gui Shen Qi Wan | 金匮肾气丸 | Kidney Qi Pill from the Golden Cabinet | Compare Kidney Yin/Yang presentation |
| Long Dan Xie Gan Tang | 龙胆泻肝汤 | Gentiana Decoction to Drain the Liver | Liver/Gallbladder fire and damp-heat |
| Ban Xia Xie Xin Tang | 半夏泻心汤 | Pinellia Decoction to Drain the Epigastrium | Cold-heat complex and focal distention |
Safety focus: go beyond actions and indications. Review toxicity, pregnancy, bleeding/cardiovascular risks, liver/kidney impairment, interactions and when prescribing is inappropriate.
20 Biomedical, emergency and professional vocabulary
| English | 中文 | Recognition cue |
|---|---|---|
| Informed consent | 知情同意 | Capacity, disclosure, understanding and voluntariness |
| Confidentiality / privacy | 保密／隐私 | Minimum disclosure and legal exceptions |
| Mandatory reporting | 强制报告 | Recognize legally reportable situations |
| Professional boundary | 专业界限 | Power imbalance, dual roles and sexual boundaries |
| Standard of practice | 执业标准 | Minimum professional expectations |
| Contraindication / precaution | 禁忌证／注意事项 | Do not perform vs modify/monitor |
| Adverse event | 不良事件 | Recognize, manage, document and follow up |
| Syncope | 晕厥／晕针 | Stop, position, vitals and escalation |
| Pneumothorax | 气胸 | Post-needling chest pain and dyspnea |
| Anaphylaxis | 过敏性休克 | Airway, breathing and circulation emergency |
| Cerebrovascular accident / stroke | 脑血管意外／中风 | Sudden neurologic deficit; emergency response |
| Myocardial infarction | 心肌梗死 | Chest pain, radiation, sweating and emergency care |
| Anticoagulant | 抗凝药 | Bleeding and bruising risk |
| Immunocompromised | 免疫功能低下 | Infection risk and technique modification |
| Referral / emergency referral | 转诊／急诊转送 | Outside scope or red flags |
English case-reading tip: identify onset, duration, severity, aggravating/relieving factors, associated symptoms, medication and red flags before evaluating options.
21 Final checklist
- Eligibility approved by regulator
- Registration name matches ID
- Location and room confirmed
- Delivery-platform tutorial completed
- MC and multiple-select scoring understood
- All blueprint areas reviewed
- Travel planned for 30-minute early arrival
- Prohibited-item and break rules understood