The Philosophical Implications of "Xiang （Manifestation）" and "Xing （Physique）" and Their Theoretical Construction and Future Value in Traditional Chinese Medicine
10.13288/j.11-2166/r.2026.01.001
- VernacularTitle:“象”与“形”的哲学意蕴及其在中医药领域的理论建构与未来价值
- Author:
Yongyan WANG
1
;
Yan MA
1
;
Yipin FAN
1
Author Information
1. Institute of Basic Research in Clinical Medicine，China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences，Beijing，100700
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
xiang （manifestation）;
xing （physique）;
traditional Chinese medicine theory
- From:
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine
2026;67(1):2-9
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
As a pair of core categories in traditional Chinese philosophy， "xiang （manifestation）" and "xing （physique）" together construct a cognitive paradigm distinct from the western subject-object dichotomy. Both originate from the common ontological foundation of "qi" ， exhibiting a dialectical unity between "xiang" which is characterized by change， virtuality， and functionality， and "xing" which is characterized by determinacy， substance， and structure. Their relationship achieves profound unity through shared origins， mutual transformation， and interdependence as substance and function. This dialectical "xiang-xing" paradigm is deeply embedded in the theoretical system of traditional Chinese medicine （TCM）. It is reflected in the multi-layered construction of visceral manifestation theory， the cognitive approach of "inferring the viscera through manifestation" ， the clinical practice of "treating the physique by observing the manifestation"， and the academic feature of "emphasizing qi and body， unifying body and qi". Looking to the future， the "xiang-xing" paradigm can not only provide a philosophical foundation and methodological guidance for the modernization of TCM theory and the integration of Chinese and western medicine， but also demonstrate unique practical value in areas such as clinical precision diagnosis and treatment， innovative development and quality control of Chinese herbal medicine. Therefore， it can promote the creative transformation and innovative deve-lopment of TCM， and contribute holistic and dynamic Chinese wisdom to contemporary life sciences.
