Analysis of the Cognitive Model of Traditional Chinese Medicine

ZHANG Yupeng; WU Meng; WANG Guowei; WU Qiong; HU Sile; LI Yafei; YU Zheng; DU Song; TONG Xu; FU Gaoshuang; LI Fei; TANG Zhuhui; JIA Yafei; DENG Shiyue

doi:10.3969/j.issn.1006-3250.2025.11.009

Abstract：The cognition of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)can be divided into four stages."Perception"is the starting point of TCM cognition.The knowledge of TCM is derived from the records of clinical practice experience.The correspondence between formula and syndrome is the basic form of clinical experience and also the underlying logic to ensure the scientificity and effectiveness of TCM diagnosis and treatment."Thinking"involves in-depth processing and handling of information.It is a process of integrating clinical experience into theory,which is mainly constructed through the mode of imagery thinking."Learning"is the way for knowledge to be passed on among different individuals.Imager thinking sacrifices the certainty of knowledge in exchange for greater openness and universality.Through practical verification,it eliminates the false and retains the true,enabling the effective inheritance of knowledge."Application"is the process in which individual physicians use medical theories to solve the specific actual clinical problems they face.Innovation is the process in which physicians solve problems and improve their practical abilities during the application.Clinical practice,medical theory,and physicians are the three key elements of TCM cognition.Practice originates from clinical experience and needs to be tested.It serves as the driving force for academic development.Theory undertakes the task of standardizing knowledge and has instrumental value.Physicians are the main body of practice.The practice of TCM is a subjective practice process,which is more inclusive and open,and individual physicians play an important role in it.The development of TCM requires inheriting traditions while returning to clinical practice,adhering to its unique cognitive approach,and establishing theoretical awareness and academic self-confidence.