The theory and treatment of differentiation and treatment in traditional Chinese medicine are the essence of its medical system, reflecting the clinical thinking process of traditional Chinese medicine, emphasizing personalized treatment based on individual differences, environment, and time factors. Traditional Chinese medicine has a long history, and its theoretical core includes the theories of yin and yang, the five elements, Zang Fu theory, which penetrate various aspects of traditional Chinese medicine, such as physiology, pathology, diagnosis, and treatment, embodying a simple dialectical materialist concept, emphasizing the harmonious unity of humans and nature and the interrelatedness within the body.
Traditional Chinese medicine believes that diseases arise from an imbalance of yin and yang, and the key to treatment lies in restoring the balance of yin and yang in the body. In the process of diagnosis and treatment, differentiation and treatment are crucial, requiring doctors to comprehensively consider the overall condition of patients, not only focusing on the pathogenic factors but also emphasizing the adjustment of constitution, achieving the therapeutic purpose through harmonizing yin and yang. Traditional Chinese medicine also emphasizes the importance of disease prevention, advocating measures to be taken before the onset of disease, embodying the concept of “preventing disease before it happens.”
The modern understanding of “syndromes” has evolved, with different scholars having different interpretations of differentiation and treatment, but it is generally believed that differentiation is based on grasping the essence of the disease based on a group of symptoms, and treatment is implemented on this basis of understanding. The effective application of differentiation and treatment depends on the doctor’s profound theoretical knowledge and rich practical experience, serving as a bridge between traditional Chinese medicine theory and practice.
In addressing diseases, there exists a complex relationship between disease, symptoms, and syndromes in traditional Chinese medicine. In traditional Chinese medical literature, “disease,” “syndrome,” and “pattern” are often interchangeable terms, with diseases typically consisting of symptoms and signs, while syndromes reflect the essence of the disease and serve as the basis for formulating treatment plans. There are various treatment methods including Chinese herbal medicine, acupuncture, massage, each method targeting different etiologies and pathogenesis, accurate differentiation being the premise to ensure the effectiveness of treatment.
In conclusion, the differentiation and treatment in traditional Chinese medicine are not only its core feature but also the cornerstone to ensure personalized and efficient treatment, embodying a comprehensive and dynamic understanding of diseases and a therapeutic philosophy that seeks harmony of body and mind.
