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. 2013 Mar 28;2013(3):CD004559. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD004559.pub4

1. TCM definitions.

TCM term Definition
Qi In the theory of TCM, 'qi' is considered as a life force or energy in every body. 'Qi' must be kept balanced and flow freely to keep organs working well. When 'qi' is blocked in a certain part of the body, the organs involved get sick and people can have a pain there. For example, constrained 'gan qi' should be released to make 'qi' flow freely so that the liver can work well and 'qi' should be regulated to flow freely so that pain is relieved. Similarly, when the 'qi' of the lungs is not balanced, such as by being lost ascending out, people may cough; 'qi' must therefore be put down to maintain an adequate amount of 'qi' in the lungs
Wind‐cold type cold If manifested by more severe chilliness, slight fever and a tongue with thin, white fur, then it belongs to the exterior syndrome caused by wind and cold and should be treated with strong perspiration drugs which are pungent in taste and warm in property, to dispel the wind and cold
Wind‐heat type cold If manifested by more severe fever, milder chilliness and a tongue with thin, yellow fur, then it belongs to the exterior syndrome caused by wind and heat