On The Exploratory Discourse Of The Six Meridians Syndrome Diagnosis Originated From Cold-contracted Disease

Objective: There is currently a great disparity between the theoretical studies of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)classics and its clinical application.Shanghan Lun is widely recognised as the foundation of classical prescription studies,yet its six meridians syndrome diagnosis is been defined as only suitable for use in cold-contracted disease in the texts of modern Chinese Medicine diagnosis.The negligence of the six meridians is also contributed in part by the frenzy trend in formula-syndrome pair studies.Ironically,as the backbone of the formula-syndrome pair studies,there is hardly any advancement seen in the clinical application of six meridians syndrome diagnosis.Such fragmentation in the approach towards this diagnosis has severely threatened the holistic thinking emphasised by TCM.To resolve the above issue,this research aimed to: ○1 Rediscover the meaning of the six meridians syndrome diagnosis and understand the way it was clinically practised by important TCM practitioners throughout the history of China.○2 Further improve its significance through such rediscovery,so that the six meridians syndrome diagnosis could truly provide fundamental guidance in clinical practice.Method: Systematically study on the original Shanghan Lun text,historical texts written by important figures who published them between the Sui dynasty and Republic of China period,modern journal and magazine articles published in the CNKI database.Using systemic literary transtextuality and logical thinking,this research attempts to identify the intrinsic values that link the six meridians syndrome diagnosis with Defence-Qi-nutrientblood syndrome,sanjiao syndrome,aetiology syndrome,Qi-blood-body fluid syndrome and zang-fu viscera syndrome diagnosis,all by way of chronological and logical order.Then,the nine fundamental methods developed based on the six meridian syndrome diagnosis is introduced as a mean to integrate various syndrome diagnoses.Using the nine fundamental methods,this research further attempts to bring six meridians syndrome diagnosis to a higher level by solidifying its importance in TCM diagnosis.Results: The current dilemma faced by TCM has its root in lopsided understanding or misinterpretation of the six meridians syndrome diagnosis by TCM practitioners throughout the history.Although the concept of six meridians changes with time,however,its underlying intention of identifying exterior-interior,cold-heat and deficiency-excess has not changed.This connotation of the six meridians is also the common feature found in various syndrome diagnoses.Employing treatment methods as the classification criterion,the nine fundamental methods are highly abstract to better interpret the six meridians syndrome diagnosis.It emphasises on the smooth regulation of Qi and strong spleen-stomach system as prerequisites in all treatment methods,thus expanding the suitability of the six meridians syndrome diagnosis to all diseases.The nine fundamental methods are also useful in cases which have no prominent clinical presentation or merely abnormal indicators in a diagnostic test.By identifying a patient’s body constitution,it can still provide clinical guidance from syndrome diagnosis through to treatment.To assist beginners in mastering the correct syndrome diagnosis and its treatment,an attempt has been made to further simplify the application of the nine fundamental methods by way of combined syndrome.This simplification allows complicated clinical conditions to be analysed relatively concise and easily using the nine fundamental methods,thus ensuring the alignment of proposed medicinal prescription with treatment principle and diagnosis.A few actual cases were discussed to simply elaborate on the clinical effectiveness of this simplified application of the nine fundamental methods.Conclusion: The six meridians syndrome diagnosis is feasible even in modern day clinical practice.Various syndrome diagnosis methods that are commonly used have their historical roots and their underlying intentions derived from the six meridians syndrome diagnosis.The simplified application of the nine fundamental methods by way of combined syndrome further adapts the six meridians syndrome diagnosis to cater to the needs of beginners.It provides beginners with a fundamental and accurate direction for establishing diagnosis and treatment.It is a simple yet effective way to help beginners navigate their clinical practice.It also helps lay a solid foundation towards the research of formulae prescription—syndrome identification.