The Philosophy and Practical Pathway of "Dao （道）-Shen （神）-Formula" in Traditional Chinese Medicine
10.13288/j.11-2166/r.2026.09.001
- VernacularTitle:“道-神-方”一体的中医哲学及实践路径
- Author:
Lesong ZHANG
1
;
Jun LI
1
;
Zhaorui CUI
1
;
Xiao XIA
1
;
Zirui WANG
1
Author Information
1. Guang'anmen Hospital，China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences，Beijing，100053
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
formula;
traditional Chinese medicine philosophy;
dao （道）;
shen （神）
- From:
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine
2026;67(9):921-925
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
By tracing back to the classical literature of traditional Chinese medicine （TCM）， this paper proposes a TCM philosophy integrating "dao （道）-shen（神）-formula" as a unified whole. It systematically elaborates the formula-constructing thought that "the monarch drug follows dao， and the formula carries dao"， analyzes shen （spirit/ life vitality） from the perspectives of its substance， manifestation and function， and explains the pivotal role of shen in connecting dao and formula. Taking Treatise on Cold Damage and Miscellaneous Diseases （《伤寒杂病论》） as an example， the paper explores how the "dao-shen-formula" union is implemented in classics. Based on the Inner Canon of Yellow Emperor （《黄帝内经》）， the paper articulates a practical pathway for the "dao-shen-formula" union， namely "observing shen to differentiate the mechanism → restoring dao to regulate shen → achieving harmony of shen and restoration of dao"， thereby transforming abstract concepts into operable and verifiable practical approaches. It is hoped that this study will provide theoretical foundation and practical guidance for the shift from treating diseases to treating the person， and from correcting deviations to restoring dao in TCM.
