[About "Xiang" in traditional Chinese medicine].
The "Xiang" in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) contains various meanings such as phenomena, image and symbols. When we consider it as a thinking mode, "Xiang" permeates into all TCM aspects from natural phenomena, anatomical structures of human tissues to physiological functions as well as pathological manifestations of zang-fu organs. In addition, it may have profound but different connotations. The authors of this article analyzed the "Xiang" in TCM according to the "Xiang" of nature, "Xiang" of zang-organs, "Xiang" of spirit, "Xiang" of pulse (pulse conditions) and "Xiang" of tongue (tongue conditions).
Chu
Gui-xiang
GX
International Education College, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China. sokeishou@yahoo.com.cn
Li
Qi-zhong
QZ
D006801:Humans; D008516:Medicine, Chinese Traditional / Q000592:standards*; D009626:Terminology as Topic