TCM Diagnostic Series: The 8 Principles

This series on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) diagnostics will cover key frameworks, starting with the 5 Element Theory, which explores how Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water correspond to organ systems and emotions, and how imbalances manifest. Next, the 8 Principles will focus on Yin/Yang, Interior/Exterior, Cold/Hot, and Deficiency/Excess, essential for understanding patterns of disharmony. We’ll apply these principles through case studies, such as diagnosing Liver Qi Stagnation and exterior wind-heat. Finally, complex cases will integrate both frameworks to show how TCM diagnostics guide holistic treatment planning.

In this course:

The 8 Principles is the basic groundwork of disharmony pattern identification in Traditional Chinese Medicine. This allows the practitioner to identify the location and nature of the disharmony, as well as establish the principle of treatment. Learn the concepts of interior/exterior, hot/cold, full/empty and yin/yang and practice applying them to practical situations. 

Martina Kostova's Bio

Traditions acupuncturist, Dr. Martina Kostova, just completed a rigorous program at Pacific College of Health & Science to earn her Doctorate in Acupuncture with a Chinese Herbal Medicine Specialization. This clinical doctorate program is similar to the programs taken by M.D.s and Chiropractors, focusing on developing clinical skills applicable to practice. Dr. Kostova's focus was on how to integrate Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) with Western Medicine. Through extensive research, Dr. Kostova learned ways to connect and communicate TCM with Western medical perspectives. Her hope is that one day, she will be able to work in a hospital where TCM is incorporated with Western practices, along with integrative medicine practices such as massage, naturopathy, and meditation. 

With her diverse education and keen teaching skills, Dr. Kostova provides community education in Traditional Chinese Medicine.