Everyday Chinese Medicine from Coursera

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.

What's inside

Syllabus

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Examines Chinese medicine theory and principles, which is relevant to health and wellness

Taught by instructors who are recognized for their work in Chinese medicine

Develops core Chinese medicine concepts in detail

Covers a range of topics in Chinese medicine, promoting awareness of diagnostic and therapeutic approaches

Examines the relationship between Chinese and Western medicine perspectives

Prerequisites may be required for optimal learning

Reviews summary

Everyday chinese medicine roots system

learners say this is a well received course that introduces the foundational principles of traditional Chinese medicine, providing key terminology and concepts. According to students, the course is full of engaging assignments and well-paced video lectures from knowledgeable instructors. Reviewers find that the course is well-organized and the information is easy to understand. The quizzes and exams are challenging but fair, helping students to retain the information. Overall, students say this course is a great introduction to Chinese medicine and highly recommend it to others.

well-paced video lectures, gradual

"A clear and informative introductory course by interesting professors."

"The course is easy to learn and very interesting about TCM."

"The course is gradually formulating, generating an easy line of understanding."

"A wonderful overview of Chinese Medicine. Though it is hard to understand, at times, the script at the bottom is very useful."

clear and easy to understand

"The lectures and quizzes were actually quite effective in providing a good representation of the fundamentals of Chinese Medicine."

"Covers a wide range of TCM topics. This course helped take my TCM understanding to a much higher level -- and makes me realize how much there is still to learn!"

"The course is basic but it's very well explained and objective."

"I would like to thank Professor Vincent Chung, Professor Lin Zhi Xu and Professor Wendy Wong. I will definitely recommend those who are interested in TCM to take the course because it is clear with the use of graphics and and the explanation is concise!"

challenging but fair

"And the tests were hard enough to be challenging, but well taught in the sessions."

"The test questions are tricky."

"The quizzes and exams are challenging but fair, helping students to retain the information."

key terminology and concepts, distinctive character

"This course offers a fantastic overview of the basic components that help individuals understand the principles of traditional chinese medicine."

"Excellent course! Opened my eyes and I learned a lot. Would definitely take another more in depth Chinese medicine course if Chinese University offers one. Thank you!"

"As a person who does not know anything about Chinese medicine this course has much to offer."

"They also tend to miss parts of long words by skipping parts of them when reading."

"Please do not translate them word for word, because each language has its distinctive character."

knowledgeable and experienced instructors

"Very concise and well paced. Astonishing when considering that english is the second language of the presentors. Well done and thank you."

"Great for beginners! The optional text is near impossible to find online and as a tangible copy. However, the study groups on here help with that!"

"An excellent course for a beginner like me to understand the Chinese Medicine. I am only finding it hard to locate the optional reading materials."

"Excellent course. Detailed, organized, comprehensive and while challenging your mind, instilling the knowledge you can apply right away. Thank you."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Everyday Chinese Medicine with these activities:

Review the basics of Western medicine

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Strengthen understanding of Western medical concepts as a foundation for comparing and contrasting with Chinese medicine.

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Review course materials from previous studies
Read introductory textbooks or articles on Western medicine
Consult with a healthcare professional for guidance

Seek guidance from experienced Chinese medicine practitioners

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Gain valuable insights and practical advice from professionals in the field.

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Attend Chinese medicine conferences or workshops
Network with others in the field
Reach out to practicing Chinese medicine practitioners for guidance

Practice Chinese Medicine terminology

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Reinforce key concepts of Chinese medicine terminology and build foundational understanding.

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Review the terms in the course materials and online resources
Create flashcards for key terms
Take practice quizzes or use spaced repetition software

Four other activities

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Volunteer at a Chinese medicine clinic

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Gain practical experience in a real-world Chinese medicine setting and observe the application of principles learned in the course.

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Contact Chinese medicine clinics and inquire about volunteer opportunities
Complete necessary training and background checks
Assist with daily operations and observe patient interactions
Engage with healthcare professionals and learn from their experiences

Develop a personal Chinese Medicine wellness plan

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Apply knowledge of Chinese medicine to create a personalized plan for promoting health and well-being.

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Consult with a qualified Chinese medicine practitioner for personalized guidance
Research and select appropriate self-care practices based on your body constitution
Create a detailed plan that includes specific dietary recommendations, acupressure points, Baduanjin exercises, and herbal remedies
Monitor your progress and make adjustments as needed

Write a blog or article about a specific Chinese medicine topic

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Enhance understanding of Chinese medicine concepts by researching and presenting information in a clear and concise manner.

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Choose a specific topic related to the course
Research and gather information from reliable sources
Organize and structure your content logically
Write a clear and engaging article
Proofread and edit your work

Attend a workshop on Chinese medicine diagnostics

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Gain hands-on experience in Chinese medicine diagnostic techniques and enhance clinical skills.

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Research and identify reputable workshops
Register for the workshop and prepare accordingly
Actively participate in the workshop
Practice the learned techniques regularly

Career center

Learners who complete Everyday Chinese Medicine will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Chinese Herbalist

Chinese herbalists use herbs to treat and prevent illnesses. This course provides learners with a comprehensive understanding of the core principles of Chinese herbs and their role in promoting health and wellness. By studying the properties and uses of different herbs, learners can develop the knowledge and skills necessary to become proficient Chinese herbalists.

See salaries and explore the career path for Chinese Herbalist

Massage Therapist

Massage therapists use massage techniques to relieve pain, promote relaxation, and improve overall well-being. This course provides learners with a foundation in the principles and practices of Chinese medicine, including acupressure and other massage techniques. By learning about the body's energy meridians and pressure points, learners can develop the skills necessary to become effective massage therapists.

See salaries and explore the career path for Massage Therapist

Wellness Coach

Wellness coaches help individuals improve their overall health and well-being. This course provides learners with a solid foundation in the principles and practices of Chinese medicine, which is an essential part of holistic wellness. By learning about the body's energy meridians and pressure points, wellness coaches can develop the skills necessary to help their clients achieve optimal health and well-being.

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Naturopath

Naturopaths use natural therapies to prevent and treat illnesses. This course provides learners with a solid foundation in the principles and practices of Chinese medicine, which is an essential part of naturopathic medicine. By learning about the Zang-fu organs, Qi, and other key concepts, learners can develop a comprehensive understanding of the human body and its functions, enabling them to effectively diagnose and treat patients using natural therapies.

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Acupuncturist

Acupuncturists diagnose and treat patients using acupuncture, which involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body. This course provides a solid foundation for understanding the basic principles and concepts of Chinese medicine, which is essential for aspiring acupuncturists. By learning about the Zang-fu organs, Qi, and other key concepts, learners can develop a comprehensive understanding of the human body and its functions, enabling them to effectively diagnose and treat patients using acupuncture.

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Pharmacist

Pharmacists dispense medications and provide information about their use. This course provides learners with a comprehensive understanding of the core principles of Chinese herbs and their role in promoting health and wellness. By learning about the properties and uses of different herbs, learners can develop the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively counsel patients on the use of Chinese herbal products.

See salaries and explore the career path for Pharmacist

Health Coach

Health coaches help individuals improve their health and well-being. This course provides learners with the knowledge and skills to develop and implement self-care plans based on their individual body constitutions. By learning about the principles of Chinese medicine, learners can develop a holistic approach to health and wellness, enabling them to effectively guide clients towards achieving their health goals.

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Dietitian or Nutritionist

Dietitians and nutritionists provide dietary advice and support to individuals and groups. This course provides learners with a deep understanding of the role of food in Chinese medicine, including the principles of food therapy and how different foods can affect the body. By learning about the relationship between diet and health from a Chinese medicine perspective, learners can develop the knowledge and skills necessary to become effective dietitians or nutritionists.

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Researcher

Researchers design and conduct studies to advance scientific knowledge. This course provides learners with a solid foundation in the principles and concepts of Chinese medicine, which can be valuable for researchers interested in studying the effectiveness of Chinese medicine interventions. By learning about the theoretical framework and methodological approaches used in Chinese medicine, researchers can develop more rigorous and culturally sensitive research designs.

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Physical Therapist

Physical therapists help patients restore and maintain their physical function after an injury or illness. This course may be helpful for aspiring physical therapists who are interested in incorporating Chinese medicine principles into their practice. By learning about the body's energy meridians and pressure points, physical therapists can develop a more comprehensive understanding of the human body and its functions, enabling them to provide more effective and holistic rehabilitation programs.

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Teacher

Teachers educate and guide students at various levels. This course may be helpful for aspiring teachers who are interested in teaching Chinese medicine or incorporating Chinese medicine principles into their teaching. By learning about the history, philosophy, and practices of Chinese medicine, teachers can develop a deeper understanding of this ancient healing system and its relevance to health and well-being, enabling them to share this knowledge with their students in a meaningful and engaging way.

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Nurse

Nurses provide care and support to patients in various healthcare settings. This course may be helpful for aspiring nurses who are interested in providing holistic care to their patients. By learning about the basic principles and concepts of Chinese medicine, nurses can develop a more comprehensive understanding of the human body and its functions, enabling them to provide more effective and culturally sensitive care to patients from diverse backgrounds.

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Social Worker

Social workers provide support and assistance to individuals and families facing challenges. This course may be helpful for aspiring social workers who are interested in providing culturally sensitive care to clients from diverse backgrounds. By learning about the basic principles and concepts of Chinese medicine, social workers can develop a more comprehensive understanding of the biopsychosocial factors that influence health and well-being, enabling them to provide more effective and holistic support to their clients.

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Psychologist

Psychologists diagnose and treat mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders. This course may be helpful for aspiring psychologists who are interested in integrating Chinese medicine into their practice. By learning about the mind-body connection from a Chinese medicine perspective, psychologists can develop a more holistic approach to mental health, enabling them to provide more effective and culturally sensitive care to their clients.

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Medical Doctor

Medical doctors diagnose and treat a wide range of illnesses and diseases. This course may be helpful for aspiring medical doctors who are interested in integrating Chinese medicine into their practice. By learning about the basic principles and concepts of Chinese medicine, medical doctors can develop a more comprehensive understanding of the human body and its functions, enabling them to provide more holistic and effective care to their patients.

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