Using Xiang Thinking to Unravel the Mystery of Wu Xing in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Abstract. From the perspective of Xiang thinking (象思维 imagery thinking), the application of Wu Xing (五行 five elements) in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) provides a reasonable cognitive model. Wu Xing with the earth in the center (中土五行) helps TCM establish extensive connections between the human...
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| Main Authors: | , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Wolters Kluwer Health/LWW
2025-03-01
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| Series: | Chinese Medicine and Culture |
| Online Access: | http://journals.lww.com/10.1097/MC9.0000000000000132 |
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| Summary: | Abstract. From the perspective of Xiang thinking (象思维 imagery thinking), the application of Wu Xing (五行 five elements) in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) provides a reasonable cognitive model. Wu Xing with the earth in the center (中土五行) helps TCM establish extensive connections between the human body and the universe, while Wu Xing in the generating and conquering cycles (生克五行) incorporates everything into a systematic thinking framework through complex dialectical relationships, becoming an ideal cognitive tool for TCM diagnosis and treatment. In essence, Wu Xing represents an upgrade of yin-yang dialectical thinking into a two-dimensional Xiang thinking diagram, possessing powerful explanatory capabilities. When faced with complex life systems, Wu Xing provides TCM with a theoretical framework, and TCM, in turn, offers a practical application for Wu Xing. |
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| ISSN: | 2589-9627 2589-9473 |