论象思维在中医理论中的应用:以阴阳五行为例OA

Xiang(象images)Thinking is a unique mode of thought in Chinese culture that distinguishes itself from the Western conceptual thinking.In a sense,the difference between Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM)and Western medicine also reflects the difference between Xiang Thinking and conceptual thinking.Yin-yang(阴阳)and Wu Xing(五行 five phases)are highly representative tools of Xiang Thinking,which have been fully applied in TCM,providing it with an important conceptual model.Yin-yang lays the foundation for the dialectical thinking in TCM.The Earth-in-the-Middle Model of Wu Xing helps TCM establish extensive connections in human body and between the human body and the natural world,while the Generating-Inhibiting Model of Wu Xing further incorporates all things into a systematic framework for thinking through complex dialectical relationships,making it an ideal model for treatment based on pattern differentiation of TCM.In essence,Wu Xing represents a two-dimensional diagram of yin-yang dialectical thinking,possessing remarkable explanatory power.Faced with the complexity of life systems,Xiang Thinking provides TCM with intellectual tools,while TCM,in turn,offers a practical arena for the application of Xiang Thinking.