To learn Traditional Chinese Medicine well, one should focus on understanding the concepts of "syndrome differentiation and treatment determination" and "theory, method, prescription, and medicine." These eight words are intrinsically connected. "Syndrome differentiation" primarily involves determining the cause, location, and nature of a disease, which corresponds to the content of TCM diagnostics and falls under the category of "theory and method" in "theory, method, prescription, and medicine." "Treatment determination" refers to formulating a treatment plan, which belongs to the realm of TCM therapy. In "theory, method, prescription, and medicine," it is often reflected in "prescription and medicine," but it is not limited to these, as there are many other treatment methods besides prescriptions and medicines, such as acupuncture, cupping, massage, and qigong.
For beginners of traditional Chinese medicine, one should first understand TCM from a macro perspective, while gradually learning about various TCM theories. Do not rush for quick results, and avoid seeking instant benefits.
As is known to all, traditional Chinese medicine diagnosis emphasizes the integration of the four diagnostic methods, but many people tend to confuse the four diagnostic methods of traditional Chinese medicine with the theory of syndrome differentiation in traditional Chinese medicine.
The so-called four diagnostic methods, namely "inspection, auscultation and olfaction, inquiry, and palpation," are means of collecting information about a patient's illness and serve the purpose of diagnosing diseases. However, the specific determination of the nature of the disease and its treatment relies more on the guidance of relevant theories of traditional Chinese medicine. Therefore, the four diagnostic methods of traditional Chinese medicine are merely techniques, while the various dialectical theories of traditional Chinese medicine are the essence. This explains why different physicians can arrive at different conclusions based on the same patient's information, as the understanding of the disease and the dialectical theories applied vary from person to person.
Traditional Chinese medicine has numerous dialectical theories, including those that are more macroscopic, such as the theories of yin and yang and the circulation of qi, as well as those that are more specific, such as the theories of phlegm stasis and blood disorders. There are theories that determine the location of disease, such as the theories of the triple energizer and the zang-fu organs, as well as those that differentiate the nature of disease, such as the theories of the eight principles and the wei, qi, ying, and blood. The six-meridian differentiation in the "Treatise on Cold Damage" is a representative example of the many theories in traditional Chinese medicine.
Although there are many theories in traditional Chinese medicine syndrome differentiation, beginners can learn them gradually without rushing. At the same time, it is important to understand the relationships and differences among various theories. In the process of diagnosing and treating diseases, whichever theory is applicable should be chosen. There is no need to deliberately favor or neglect any theory; one should learn to integrate and master them comprehensively.
Among the many theories of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Peng Ziyi's "Circular Movement" theory is the most macroscopic and can help establish a good worldview of TCM, making it essential for beginners to learn first. Secondly, the Six Meridians Differentiation and Eight Principles Differentiation are the most practical and should be studied intensively. In addition, other theories such as Yin-Yang Differentiation, Zang-Fu Differentiation, Triple Burner Differentiation, Wei Qi Ying Xue Differentiation, and Phlegm-Stasis Differentiation should also be gradually understood and learned, integrating these theories comprehensively. When applied in clinical practice, combining them with the Four Diagnostic Techniques or learning to utilize modern technology will make the diagnosis and treatment of diseases more proficient.
