Scientific Syndrome Differentiation and the Development of Traditional Chinese Medicine

1. Direction of TCM Development: (1) Theoretical Foundation, Cultural Connotation, and Thinking Methods of TCM: The academic foundation of TCM is represented by theoretical principles and methods in the "Huangdi Neijing," the syndrome differentiation and treatment principles in "Shanghan Zabing Lun," and the fundamental theories of herbal medicine in "Shennong Bencao Jing" and "Huangdi Neijing." TCM emphasizes observing the functional aspects of the five zang organs, focusing on function rather than anatomy. For example, the diagnostic method based on the interaction and inhibition among organs and the pathological manifestations of the body. The treatment principle is based on syndrome differentiation—treating according to the syndrome, using the corresponding herb for the corresponding syndrome, known as the "syndrome-drug correlation" principle. (2) Establishing a new diagnostic and therapeutic science combining horizontal and vertical thinking: Diagnose the essence of disease, following the principles of yin-yang interaction, causality, and priority, studying changes in the disease origin (location) and the resulting systemic symptoms, comprehensively applying macroscopic and microscopic recognition methods.
2. Pathways for Herbal Medicine Development: (1) Formulation improvement. (2) Research on Chinese herbs: Study the pharmacology of herbs, starting with individual herbs—a necessary step. However, since prescriptions are compound formulas, researching the effects of the compound in the human body is the higher-level, true TCM pharmacology. Studying herbs with rigorous scientific methods will inevitably trigger a leap forward in TCM development. (3) Route of administration: Intramuscular, intravenous, and intracavity injections of Chinese medicines should develop widely according to contemporary demands.
3. Academic Relationship between TCM and Western Medicine: (1) Reference between TCM and Western medicine syndromes: The implementation of syndrome differentiation and treatment is based on "syndrome-drug correlation," which differs from Western medicine's primary reliance on etiology and anatomical location. While there are some similarities, many differences exist. One is a horizontal summary, the other a vertical summary; one focuses on surface phenomena, the other on internal essence. They don't directly correspond but can complement each other. (2) Language expression for TCM to go global: A classical medical text is itself a literary masterpiece. It should be translated by experts fluent in foreign languages to preserve its artistic quality and clarity. As modern TCM continues to develop horizontal culture while striving to create vertical microscopic culture, it should boldly incorporate new scientific achievements directly, without restrictive textual rules.
4. Philosophical Debate between Functionalism and Materialism: (1) Characteristics of Eastern and Western Medicine: Western medicine is materialistic, while Eastern medicine is functionalist. The core of TCM lies in observing and reasoning the dynamic changes between body and environment, function and organs, organ and organ, studying normal organ functions and functional disorders caused by disease, and bodily imbalance. (2) Applying yin-yang theory to practice: Clinically, seeking the essence begins through surface manifestations. For example, jaundice is a surface manifestation, not the essence. Heat toxin invasion is a classification of jaundice syndrome. Why and how does heat toxin invasion occur? Where is the key point? One must dig deeper beyond the surface to understand the essence. Different etiologies require different treatments, leading to vastly different outcomes—not solvable by simply modifying Yinchenhao Tang.
5. Establishing a New TCM System: Under today's favorable conditions, TCM should confidently stride into the 21st century, rooted in the East, integrating Western knowledge. Any approach that develops TCM is a good one. With its strengths in macroscopic and microscopic diagnosis and treatment, TCM will advance rapidly, moving hand in hand with Western medicine. The cohesion of TCM strengthens through development. All shadows from past relative backwardness will vanish under brilliant light, allowing Chinese culture to shine anew. What we uphold is TCM; what we advance is TCM.