Maryland Acupuncturist Licensing Exam
Practice Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationale 2026
Q&A| Instant Download Pdf
1. A licensed acupuncturist is evaluating a patient presenting with
chronic fatigue, spontaneous sweating, and a weak pulse. Based on
traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) principles, which diagnosis is most
consistent with these symptoms?
A. Liver Qi stagnation
B. Kidney Yin deficiency
C. Lung Qi deficiency
D. Excess Heat in the Stomach
The symptoms of fatigue, spontaneous sweating, and a weak pulse
are classic signs of Qi deficiency, particularly Lung Qi deficiency,
which governs respiration and defensive Qi.
,2. In acupuncture practice, which meridian is primarily associated with
the regulation of digestion and transformation of food into Qi and
Blood?
A. Large Intestine meridian
B. Spleen meridian
C. Gallbladder meridian
D. Bladder meridian
The Spleen meridian is responsible for transformation and
transportation, making it central to digestion and the production of
Qi and Blood.
3. Which acupuncture point is commonly used for treating headaches
located at the vertex of the head?
A. LI4 (Hegu)
B. ST36 (Zusanli)
C. DU20 (Baihui)
D. SP6 (Sanyinjiao)
DU20 is located at the top of the head and is indicated for vertex
headaches and lifting Yang energy.
4. A patient presents with red eyes, irritability, and a wiry pulse. Which
TCM pattern is most likely?
A. Spleen Qi deficiency
B. Liver Fire rising
C. Lung Yin deficiency
, D. Kidney Yang deficiency
Red eyes and irritability are hallmark signs of Liver Fire rising, often
accompanied by a wiry pulse.
5. Which of the following techniques involves rapid insertion and
withdrawal of a needle without retention?
A. Moxibustion
B. Electroacupuncture
C. Plum blossom needling
D. Auricular therapy
Plum blossom needling uses a tapping technique with minimal
insertion for superficial stimulation.
6. Which organ in TCM is said to “open into the eyes”?
A. Heart
B. Lung
C. Liver
D. Kidney
The Liver is associated with the eyes, and its health is reflected in
visual acuity and eye condition.
7. What is the primary function of Wei Qi in TCM?
A. Nourishing the organs
B. Circulating blood
C. Protecting the body from external pathogens
D. Regulating emotions
, Wei Qi acts as the body’s defensive energy, protecting against
external invasions like wind and cold.
8. Which acupuncture point is considered the “command point” of the
face and mouth?
A. ST25
B. LI4
C. SP3
D. BL23
LI4 is widely used for disorders of the face and mouth due to its
strong dispersing action.
9. Which pulse quality is described as feeling taut like a guitar string?
A. Slippery
B. Floating
C. Wiry
D. Choppy
A wiry pulse is associated with Liver disorders and feels tense and
straight.
10. In TCM, which emotion is primarily associated with the Kidney
organ system?
A. Anger
B. Joy
C. Worry
D. Fear
Practice Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationale 2026
Q&A| Instant Download Pdf
1. A licensed acupuncturist is evaluating a patient presenting with
chronic fatigue, spontaneous sweating, and a weak pulse. Based on
traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) principles, which diagnosis is most
consistent with these symptoms?
A. Liver Qi stagnation
B. Kidney Yin deficiency
C. Lung Qi deficiency
D. Excess Heat in the Stomach
The symptoms of fatigue, spontaneous sweating, and a weak pulse
are classic signs of Qi deficiency, particularly Lung Qi deficiency,
which governs respiration and defensive Qi.
,2. In acupuncture practice, which meridian is primarily associated with
the regulation of digestion and transformation of food into Qi and
Blood?
A. Large Intestine meridian
B. Spleen meridian
C. Gallbladder meridian
D. Bladder meridian
The Spleen meridian is responsible for transformation and
transportation, making it central to digestion and the production of
Qi and Blood.
3. Which acupuncture point is commonly used for treating headaches
located at the vertex of the head?
A. LI4 (Hegu)
B. ST36 (Zusanli)
C. DU20 (Baihui)
D. SP6 (Sanyinjiao)
DU20 is located at the top of the head and is indicated for vertex
headaches and lifting Yang energy.
4. A patient presents with red eyes, irritability, and a wiry pulse. Which
TCM pattern is most likely?
A. Spleen Qi deficiency
B. Liver Fire rising
C. Lung Yin deficiency
, D. Kidney Yang deficiency
Red eyes and irritability are hallmark signs of Liver Fire rising, often
accompanied by a wiry pulse.
5. Which of the following techniques involves rapid insertion and
withdrawal of a needle without retention?
A. Moxibustion
B. Electroacupuncture
C. Plum blossom needling
D. Auricular therapy
Plum blossom needling uses a tapping technique with minimal
insertion for superficial stimulation.
6. Which organ in TCM is said to “open into the eyes”?
A. Heart
B. Lung
C. Liver
D. Kidney
The Liver is associated with the eyes, and its health is reflected in
visual acuity and eye condition.
7. What is the primary function of Wei Qi in TCM?
A. Nourishing the organs
B. Circulating blood
C. Protecting the body from external pathogens
D. Regulating emotions
, Wei Qi acts as the body’s defensive energy, protecting against
external invasions like wind and cold.
8. Which acupuncture point is considered the “command point” of the
face and mouth?
A. ST25
B. LI4
C. SP3
D. BL23
LI4 is widely used for disorders of the face and mouth due to its
strong dispersing action.
9. Which pulse quality is described as feeling taut like a guitar string?
A. Slippery
B. Floating
C. Wiry
D. Choppy
A wiry pulse is associated with Liver disorders and feels tense and
straight.
10. In TCM, which emotion is primarily associated with the Kidney
organ system?
A. Anger
B. Joy
C. Worry
D. Fear
