Empirical evidence of traditional Chinese medicine: concepts, methods and clinical significance

The empirical evidence of traditional Chinese medicine refers to the pathological conclusions drawn from the objective symptoms and signs collected through the four diagnostic methods (inspection, smell, inquiry, and palpation) combined with the analysis of the eight cardinal principles (external and internal syndromes, cold and heat, deficiency and excess, and yin and yang). Empirical evidence emphasizes that evil qi is strong but righteous qi is not weakened, which manifests as excitement, congestion and other characteristics, such as high fever, constipation, excessive phlegm, etc. This article will start from the definition, common types, diagnostic methods and conditioning principles of empirical evidence to help readers understand the core logic of empirical evidence in traditional Chinese medicine.

1. Definition and core characteristics of empirical evidence

Empirical syndrome is an important concept in the syndrome differentiation system of traditional Chinese medicine. As opposed to deficiency syndrome, it refers to a pathological state in which the body's healthy energy is still sufficient and shows a violent reaction after the human body is invaded by external evils or endogenous pathogenic factors (such as phlegm and dampness, blood stasis, etc.). Typical symptoms includeStrong pulse, thick and greasy tongue coating, pain that refuses to be pressed, fever and no sweatingWait. For example, aversion to cold, fever, and joint pain in the early stages of a cold are considered symptoms. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that the disease requires "purging excess" and expels evil spirits through methods such as sweating, clearing away heat, and resolving phlegm.

2. Common types and manifestations of empirical evidence

Evidence can be subdivided into many types. Common clinical ones include:Evidence of qi stagnation(such as swelling and pain in the chest and hypochondrium),Evidence of blood stasis(such as dysmenorrhea with blood clots),Evidence of phlegm and dampness(Such as coughing with yellow phlegm) etc. Taking phlegm-dampness as an example, patients often present with body fat, white and greasy tongue coating, chest tightness and vomiting. Chinese medicine commonly uses Erchen Decoction or Wendan Decoction for treatment. In addition, the six external factors (wind, cold, heat, dampness, dryness, and fire) are mostly symptomatic in the early stage, such as sore throat and yellow nasal discharge caused by wind-heat and cold.

3. Empirical diagnosis and conditioning principles

Diagnosis requires comprehensive information from four diagnostic methods: Inspection focuses on red complexion and crimson tongue; auscultation focuses on loud voice or phlegm; interrogation reveals the short course of the disease and severe symptoms; and examination reveals stringy or slippery pulse. Follow the treatment"In fact, it is purged", such as using ephedra decoction to induce sweating and relieving the symptoms, or using rhubarb for diarrhea and laxatives. However, it should be noted that positive and deficient syndromes may coexist (such as a mixture of deficiency and excess), and accurate syndrome differentiation is required to avoid mistreatment.

4. Modern applications and precautions of empirical evidence

In modern TCM clinical practice, empirical theory is widely used in emergencies (such as acute cholecystitis) and infectious diseases (such as pneumonia). Common Chinese patent medicines such asLianhua Qingwen Capsules(clearing the lungs and purging heat),Compound Danshen Tablets(activating blood circulation and removing blood stasis), etc. are all based on empirical evidence. It should be emphasized that patients with syndrome should not take supplements blindly, and should eat a light diet, avoid spicy, fatty, and sweet foods. If necessary, medication should be taken under the guidance of a physician.

Quote sources:"Diagnostics of Traditional Chinese Medicine" (People's Medical Publishing House), Zhang Boli's "Internal Medicine of Traditional Chinese Medicine", Lianhua Qingwen Capsules (produced by Yiling Pharmaceutical), Compound Salvia Tablets (produced by Baiyunshan, Guangzhou).