Differentiation and Treatment Heart Method (2nd Edition)

Author: Cheng Shaoen
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-07-01
Features: This book summarizes the author's many years of experience in teaching and clinical guidance, focusing on the integration of theory and practice. The writing aims to meet the needs of students in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) schools, Western medicine practitioners learning TCM, and TCM apprentices in studying basic TCM theory and clinical practice. It is suitable for reference by TCM school students, clinical TCM practitioners, and TCM enthusiasts.
Pattern differentiation and treatment (Bian Zheng Lun Zhi) is the essence of TCM, a unique diagnostic and therapeutic system developed through long-term clinical practice. "Bian" means identification, differentiation, and analysis; "Zheng" refers to evidence or proof. "Pattern differentiation" involves analyzing clinical symptoms, syndromes, and evidence obtained through the four diagnostic methods (inspection, auscultation, inquiry, and palpation). Using the Yin-Yang and Five Elements theories as theoretical tools, and guided by doctrines such as Zang-Fu organs, meridians, Qi, blood, body fluids, etc., it analyzes, summarizes, and determines the etiology and affected sites of the disease. "Treatment based on pattern differentiation" involves formulating treatment plans, selecting formulas, and prescribing medications based on the determined etiology and nature of the disease. Thus, "pattern differentiation" and "treatment based on pattern differentiation" are two aspects of a unified diagnostic and therapeutic process. "Pattern differentiation" is the prerequisite and foundation for "treatment based on pattern differentiation," while "treatment based on pattern differentiation" is the result and purpose of "pattern differentiation."
Throughout the process of pattern differentiation and treatment, the five key elements—pattern, theory, method, formula, and medicine—are always present. Among these, the most crucial element is "pattern." With patterns, differentiation is possible; without patterns, theory, method, formula, and medicine lose their effectiveness. "Pattern" is the reflection of etiology and pathological changes. The goal of pattern differentiation is to identify the cause, and once the cause is removed, the pattern resolves. The system of pattern differentiation is multifaceted, including Eight Principles differentiation, Qi and blood and body fluids differentiation, Zang-Fu organ differentiation, Six Channels differentiation, Wei-Qi-Ying-Xue differentiation, Three Jiao differentiation, and Symptom differentiation, among others. To master pattern differentiation methods, accurately grasp treatment principles, prescribe medications according to patterns, adjust formulas based on symptoms, and achieve the goal of "familiarity leading to proficiency," the author has compiled the main symptoms into rhyming couplets in the style of Jin Zong Yi Jing (Essentials of Medical Classics), hence the title The Heart Method of Pattern Differentiation and Treatment.
The Heart Method of Pattern Differentiation and Treatment summarizes the author's many years of experience in teaching and clinical guidance, focusing on the integration of theory and practice. Therefore, the writing aims to meet the needs of students in TCM schools, Western medicine practitioners learning TCM, and TCM apprentices in studying basic TCM theory and clinical practice.