California Acupuncture Certification
Practice Exam Questions And Correct
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Rationales 2025 Q&A | Instant
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1. What is the function of the Lung in the generation of Qi according to
TCM?
Kidney stores essence
Lung governs Qi and respiration
Heart governs blood
Liver stores blood
The Lung extracts Qi from air and combines it with food Qi to form
Zong Qi, playing a key role in Qi production.
2. Which meridian is associated with controlling the flow of Qi and
storing blood?
Lung
Liver
, Spleen
Heart
The Liver ensures smooth flow of Qi throughout the body and stores
blood, especially during rest.
3. What is the function of the Du Mai (Governing Vessel)?
Stores blood
Controls Yang meridians
Regulates fluids
Anchors the mind
The Du Mai governs all the Yang channels and is often referred to as
the “Sea of Yang.”
4. What is the traditional indication for LI4 (Hegu)?
Headache, facial pain, labor induction
Abdominal bloating
Shoulder pain only
Nausea
LI4 is a powerful point used for pain, especially in the head and face,
and to stimulate labor.
5. Which of the following pairs is commonly used to harmonize the
exterior and interior?
ST36 & SP6
LI4 & LV3
HT7 & PC6
, LU7 & KD6
LI4 and LV3 (Four Gates) are used to regulate Qi and blood and
harmonize internal and external imbalances.
6. According to California acupuncture laws, which of the following is
within the scope of practice?
Surgery
Chiropractic adjustment
Ordering diagnostic lab tests
Prescription drug administration
Licensed acupuncturists in California may order lab tests as part of
diagnosis, but cannot prescribe drugs.
7. Which organ is responsible for controlling the sinews?
Spleen
Liver
Heart
Kidney
The Liver nourishes the sinews (tendons and ligaments) with Liver
Blood.
8. The point ST36 (Zusanli) is located:
3 cun above the lateral malleolus
3 cun below the patella, 1 finger-breadth lateral to the anterior crest
of the tibia
On the dorsum of the foot
, Between the first and second metatarsal bones
ST36 is a major tonifying point for Qi, blood, and the immune system,
located on the lower leg.
9. A patient complains of night sweating, a red tongue with little coating,
and a rapid pulse. What is the most likely TCM diagnosis?
Damp-heat in the Large Intestine
Yin Deficiency with Empty Heat
Yang Deficiency
Qi Stagnation
Night sweating and heat signs such as red tongue and rapid pulse
are classic for Yin Deficiency with Empty Heat.
10. What is the appropriate needle depth for GV20 (Baihui)?
2 cun
1.5 cun
1 cun perpendicular
0.5 cun subcutaneous
GV20 is on the vertex of the head; shallow insertion is required to
avoid injury.
11. What is the main function of SP6 (Sanyinjiao)?
Clears heat from the Heart
Tonifies Spleen and Stomach, nourishes Blood and Yin
Treats cough and wheezing
Practice Exam Questions And Correct
Answers (Verified Answers) Plus
Rationales 2025 Q&A | Instant
Download Pdf
1. What is the function of the Lung in the generation of Qi according to
TCM?
Kidney stores essence
Lung governs Qi and respiration
Heart governs blood
Liver stores blood
The Lung extracts Qi from air and combines it with food Qi to form
Zong Qi, playing a key role in Qi production.
2. Which meridian is associated with controlling the flow of Qi and
storing blood?
Lung
Liver
, Spleen
Heart
The Liver ensures smooth flow of Qi throughout the body and stores
blood, especially during rest.
3. What is the function of the Du Mai (Governing Vessel)?
Stores blood
Controls Yang meridians
Regulates fluids
Anchors the mind
The Du Mai governs all the Yang channels and is often referred to as
the “Sea of Yang.”
4. What is the traditional indication for LI4 (Hegu)?
Headache, facial pain, labor induction
Abdominal bloating
Shoulder pain only
Nausea
LI4 is a powerful point used for pain, especially in the head and face,
and to stimulate labor.
5. Which of the following pairs is commonly used to harmonize the
exterior and interior?
ST36 & SP6
LI4 & LV3
HT7 & PC6
, LU7 & KD6
LI4 and LV3 (Four Gates) are used to regulate Qi and blood and
harmonize internal and external imbalances.
6. According to California acupuncture laws, which of the following is
within the scope of practice?
Surgery
Chiropractic adjustment
Ordering diagnostic lab tests
Prescription drug administration
Licensed acupuncturists in California may order lab tests as part of
diagnosis, but cannot prescribe drugs.
7. Which organ is responsible for controlling the sinews?
Spleen
Liver
Heart
Kidney
The Liver nourishes the sinews (tendons and ligaments) with Liver
Blood.
8. The point ST36 (Zusanli) is located:
3 cun above the lateral malleolus
3 cun below the patella, 1 finger-breadth lateral to the anterior crest
of the tibia
On the dorsum of the foot
, Between the first and second metatarsal bones
ST36 is a major tonifying point for Qi, blood, and the immune system,
located on the lower leg.
9. A patient complains of night sweating, a red tongue with little coating,
and a rapid pulse. What is the most likely TCM diagnosis?
Damp-heat in the Large Intestine
Yin Deficiency with Empty Heat
Yang Deficiency
Qi Stagnation
Night sweating and heat signs such as red tongue and rapid pulse
are classic for Yin Deficiency with Empty Heat.
10. What is the appropriate needle depth for GV20 (Baihui)?
2 cun
1.5 cun
1 cun perpendicular
0.5 cun subcutaneous
GV20 is on the vertex of the head; shallow insertion is required to
avoid injury.
11. What is the main function of SP6 (Sanyinjiao)?
Clears heat from the Heart
Tonifies Spleen and Stomach, nourishes Blood and Yin
Treats cough and wheezing
