🌿 Folk Prescriptions

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 Yellow Emperor’s Inner Canon*, the syndrome differentiation and treatment principles in *Treatise on Cold Damage and Miscellaneous Diseases*, and the fundamental theories of formulas and herbs in *Shennong Bencao Jing* and *The Yellow Emperor’s Inner Canon*. TCM focuses on observing the five zang-organs through their functional manifestations rather than anatomical structures. It employs diagnostic methods based on pattern recognition derived from interrelationships among organs (mutual generation and control), using pathological presentations as the basis for inference. Its therapeutic approach is symptom-based: treat the syndrome with appropriate herbs—this is the principle of matching formula with syndrome. (2) Establishing a new diagnostic and therapeutic system combining horizontal and vertical thinking: Diagnose diseases by identifying their essence, following the principles of yin-yang interaction, causality, and priority, studying changes in etiology (location) and the resulting systemic responses, and comprehensively applying macroscopic and microscopic methods of cognition.
2. Pathways for the Development of Herbal Medicine: (1) Improvement of dosage forms. (2) Research on Chinese herbs: Initially study individual herbs systematically—a necessary step—but true pharmaceutical research lies in understanding how compound prescriptions act in the human body. Rigorous scientific research on Chinese herbs will inevitably trigger a leap forward in TCM development. (3) Routes of administration: Methods such as intramuscular, intravenous, and intracavitary injections of Chinese medicinal substances should develop widely in line with contemporary demands.
3. Academic Relationship between TCM and Western Medicine: (1) Reference between TCM syndromes and Western diseases: Syndrome differentiation and treatment involve direct formula-syndrome matching, which differs significantly from Western medicine’s focus on etiology and anatomical location. Although there are some overlaps, many aspects do not align. One is a horizontal summary of surface phenomena, the other a vertical analysis of internal mechanisms—unmatched in comparison but complementary in application. (2) Expressing TCM for international audiences: A classic medical text is itself a literary masterpiece, requiring translation by experts fluent in foreign languages to preserve its artistic quality and clarity. As modern TCM continues developing horizontal cultural dimensions while pioneering vertical micro-level culture, it should boldly incorporate new scientific achievements directly without restrictive textual barriers.
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 about interactions between organism and environment, function and organ, organ and organ—studying normal organ functions and dysfunctions caused by disease, as well as imbalances in the body. (2) Applying yin-yang theory to practice: To explore the essence clinically, one must first examine surface manifestations. For example, jaundice is a surface sign, not the essence of disease. Heat-toxin invasion is a classification of jaundice syndrome. Why and how does heat-toxin invasion occur? Where lies the key to the onset? Only by penetrating beyond surface appearances can we uncover the essence. Different etiologies require different treatments, yielding vastly different outcomes—not merely resolved by slight modifications of Yinchenhao Tang.
5. Establishing a New TCM System: Under today’s favorable circumstances, TCM should advance confidently into the 21st century, rooted in Eastern traditions yet embracing Western knowledge. Any method that develops TCM is a good method. Based on modern science, TCM’s strengths in macroscopic and microscopic diagnosis and treatment will enable rapid progress, advancing alongside Western medicine. The cohesion of TCM strengthens through development. All shadows cast by past relative backwardness will vanish under brilliant light, allowing Chinese culture to shine anew. What is preserved is TCM; what advances is TCM.