Theoretical research on LOU Ying′s guideline and item syndrome differentiation
10.3969/j.issn.1006-2157.2025.04.005
- VernacularTitle:楼英纲目辨证理论探析
- Author:
Yanzi GAO
1
;
Zhimin YU
2
Author Information
1. Institute for the History of Chinese Medicine and Medical Literature, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences
2. Institute of Basic Theory for Traditional Chinese Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
LOU Ying;
Yixue Gangmu;
guideline and item classification;
treatment based on syndrome differentiation;
disease differentiation and treatment
- From:
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine
2025;48(4):483-489
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
The guideline and item classification approach represents a distinct historical method ology, first introduced by ZHU Xi in his Compendium of Comprehensive Mirror for Aid in Government during the Southern Song Dynasty. LOU Ying later adapted this framework to the field of traditional Chinese medicine, critically analyzing and addressing the limitations of prior academic theories. By drawing upon the rich intellectual traditions of classical texts and historical works, LOU Ying restructured and refined his ideas, ultimately establishing the "guideline and item" medical theory. This innovative framework profoundly influenced LOU Ying′s work, shaping both the compilation of medical texts and the development of novel theoretical approaches in traditional Chinese medicine. In disease differentiation and treatment, LOU Ying proposed the theory of guideline and item classification, that is, taking yin and yang as two guidelines, taking qi and blood, exterior and interior, upper and lower parts, deficiency and excess, cold and heat as ten items, and constructing a syndrome differentiation system focusing on qi and blood, focusing solely on upper and lower parts, distinguishing exterior and interior, carefully examining deficiency and excess, and distinguishing cold and heat. The guideline and item classification system integrates and harmonizes multiple syndrome differentiation method ologies, including the eight-principle pattern identification, viscera syndrome differentiation, differentiation of syndromes according to the pathogenesis of Sanjiao, and qi-blood-fluid pattern identification. As a precursor to modern method of syndrome differentiation and treatment, it possesses unique theoretical significance and considerable clinical relevance. Its applicability to diagnosing and treating various diseases, coupled with its greater operational practicality compared to other methods, highlights its value in contemporary clinical practice. This system offers a complementary and enhanced framework for syndrome differentiation and treatment, warranting further adoption and promotion in the clinical setting.
- Full text:2025102816423515540Theoretical research on LOU Ying′s guideline and item syndrome differentiation.pdf
