Review and prospect of homeostatic medicine

Yin Xiuping; Shui Jiacheng; Liu Chengyuan

doi:10.3760/j.issn.1673-4777.2026.01.033

Abstract：This study adopted a method combining literature review and theoretical analysis.Firstly,it systematically reviewed the evolution of the concept of homeostatic medicine,covering its various stages from germination,establishment to in-depth development.Secondly,it focused on interpreting the theoretical framework of homeostatic medicine proposed by Professor Liu Chengyuan in the early 21st century,and further explored the intrinsic connection between this framework and traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)theory.According to the theory of homeostatic medicine,homeostasis is the core characteristic for the healthy survival of living organisms,which is a complex system collaboratively composed of three states:material state,energy state and information state.These three states are interrelated and indispensable,maintaining the dynamic balance of the life system through nonlinear interaction.The theory of homeostatic medicine has formed a holistic cognitive framework for the life system.Under this framework,modern medicine(focusing on the material state)and TCM(focusing on the energy state and information state)have achieved complementary unification.As a core concept at the level of life sciences,the theory of homeostatic medicine not only provides strong theoretical support for the modern construction of the TCM theoretical system,but also profoundly influences the future medical health concepts,medical research directions and clinical medical practice.From the perspective of homeostatic medicine theory,it is expected to truly establish a"new medicine"integrating traditional Chinese and Western medicine.