The Basics of NMR

NMR is non-destructive, unlike Mass Spectrometry.

The basis of NMR is founded on and works with Nuclear Spin States. A Spin State results from an uneven number of protons to create a difference of magnetic charge and thus a magnetic field called a magnetic moment arises. In the presence of a magnetic field there are two spin states possible a +1/2 or -1/2. The +1/2 state is aligned with the magnetic field and the -1/2 state is higher in energy and spins in an opposing direction to the external field.

The difference in energy between the two spin states is directly proportional to the external magnetic field applied to it. The magnetic field that arises from it is always much smaller than the magnetic field applied to it. The magnetic field is generated by a powerful magnet and the magnetic field strength is measured in Tesla Units often between 1-20. 1 being relatively weak. The magnetic field of the earth is not constant, however, it is generally about 10-4 Tesla. As stated, the difference in Energy (ΔE) between the two spin states is extremely small and is measured as a frequency in MHz units. This electromagnetic radiation falls within the radio and television broadcast spectrum.

The difference between the two spin states at a given magnetic field strength will be proportional to their magnetic moments. This field strength is the number within a range that shows up on the bottom of the spectra.

NMR Links

http://www.cem.msu.edu/~reusch/VirtualText/Spectrpy/nmr/nmr1.htm

http://www.chemguide.co.uk/analysis/nmr/background.html#top

http://www.rider.edu/nmr/

http://riodb01.ibase.aist.go.jp/sdbs/cgi-bin/direct_frame_top.cgi

Interpreting and 1H NMR Spectra

1.) Count the distinct peaks in a spectra to determine the number of unique Hydrogen environments.

2.) Make an educated guess regarding Chemical Shifts (shielding/deshielding of electrons) and the relative upfield/downfield placement on the spectra. In 1H NMR Spectra the electromagnetic range is in PPM between 0-70

3.) Check for relative peak height. The relative peak heights are directly proportional the number of Hydrogens a molecule has.

4.) Determine peak splitting. The splitting of a peak into multiplets or a single peak shows the affects of neighboring hydrogens, thus helping to identify possible molecular structures.

5.) Cross reference with other experimental methods.

The Dichotomy Between Yin and Yang

The concept of Ying and Yang is derived from the notion that nature appears to group pairs of mutually dependent opposites. To give a definition to one attribute of the pair this automatically defines the opposite within the pair. Examples are night and day, up and down, cold and hot. Without one, the definition of either would be negated. The Yin and Yang are thought of as concepts of which to understand the working of the universe, and not as a definition of an object. “Yin translates literally as the dark side of the mountain, and represents cold, stillness, passiveness, darkness, within, and potential. Yang translates as the bright side of the mountain and represents qualities as warmth, activity, light, outside, and expression.” (Complete Illustrated Guide to Chinese Medicine, Williams) According to the Chinese perspective, everything has physical existence because everything manifests both the Yin and Yang qualities.

Define differences between Western and Chinese perspectives on a Circle
An example of how Yin and Yang relate to Western philosophies: A circle, by definition of Western terms is seen as an equal angular line that ends where is begins. The measurements and properties define it as a circle. However, utilizing the concepts of Yin and Yang, the circle contains within it the potential of a square, and a square can contain within it a circle. Utilizing this concept helps pulls away from defining dichotomies (a concise definition of an objects value) thus giving more weight to the open ended concept of process.

Fundamental principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine

Fundamental principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine seek to work with the energy or Qi systems of ones body and to achieve an equilibrium of the Qi through the system. This is seen as a practice that is undertaken by the individual in their daily lives as well as support from practitioners of acupuncture, herbalists, martial artists, and Feng Shui. It is very common, especially in the past, that the layperson would have an in-depth knowledge of the TCM practices. Thus prevention and cure of ones ailment is reliant on the patient and the supporting practitioner.

Finding harmony between Western and Traditional Chinese Medicine

Western Medicine is based on reductionist principles. The reduction of a higher system into constituent parts has brought about many great scientific discoveries and a tremendous leap in our understanding of the world that we live in. However, the reductionist system does not, nor is intended to meet the needs of the overall system at large. An overall system, in human well being terms, is considering the relationship or impact that the psyche, society, environment, locomotion, etc has on our bodily systems.. One way this is addressed is through the many thousands of years of Chinese history and its development of what is now know as Traditional Chinese Medicine. In our more recent times, there has been a more widely accepted movement to embrace both the micro and the macroscopic perspectives on promoting well being.

Both WM and TCM emphasize a healthy and active lifestyle as a means of maintaining and building a healthy self. The underlying reasoning and philosophies vary significantly, however, they both strive for the same common goal. In addition, WM and TCM address the many facets of well being through psychology, exercise, rehabilitation, medicinal remedies, touch, massage, visual therapy, music therapy, etc. However, we again come back to the basis of the underlying philosophies as the differentiating means of the steps taken towards remedy.

Both medicines rely on a practitioner that is hard working, thorough, well read, compassionate, objective, who relies on deductive, reductive, logic while assessing the overall whole. As quoted from Confucius “a man without persistence will never make a good Shaman or a good physician”.