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The Decline of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Efficacy: Challenges and Paradigm Shifts in Clinical Practice

  The Decline of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Efficacy: Challenges and Paradigm Shifts in Clinical Practice Ka Kui Wong Abstract The efficacy of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has seen a marked decline, raising concerns among practitioners, educators, and patients alike. This paper explores how the widespread adoption of a standardized approach to herbal prescriptions and diagnoses has undermined the core principles of TCM. By examining historical, educational, and clinical factors, the paper argues for a return to TCM's foundational practices of individualized and holistic patient care. The paper also identifies the critical misinterpretations and misapplications of classical prescriptions and diagnostic methods and proposes pathways for restoring TCM’s clinical efficacy and relevance. 1. Introduction Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has a rich history rooted in holistic and individualized approaches to healthcare. However, modern trends in TCM practice ha...
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人工智能遇上中医：开启医疗新纪元

  人工智能与中医学 王嘉驹 2024 近年来，随着人工智能技术的迅猛发展， AI 的应用已经深入各个领域。机器人技术的日益成熟，尤其是配备 AI 的机器人，为这些创新技术赋予了广泛的可能性。一些研究机构和学者甚至预测，通用人工智能（ Artificial General Intelligence ）将在不久的将来成为现实。中医学领域同样不乏对 AI 的探索与研究。作为一名中医师，且对人工智能有一定的技术基础，我对 AI 在中医学中的应用充满了兴趣。大约十年前，我参与了中医临床科技应用的研究。彼时，国内外（包括台湾和香港）都在研究机械脉诊仪和其他四诊设备的开发。我也对这些脉诊仪的研发方向和技术应用进行了深入的学习。 当时，相关技术如 MEMS 振动感应、光学感应、声波感应的研究正在发展中，但也面临各自的局限。最终的结论是，当时的技术尚不足以支撑一个具备全面临床可靠性的中医自动化系统。然而，十年后的今天，人工智能技术已经取得了长足的进步。那么， AI 在中医四诊中的应用是否也取得了相应的突破呢？我想结合十年前的发现，讨论其中的挑战与问题：   1.       脉诊仪的技术瓶颈 脉诊仪的核心挑战在于能否模拟人类手指的灵敏度。要解决这一问题，必须： 收集大量的脉象数据并进行建模。 确保这些数据与临床医生的诊断结果具有高度一致性。 借助中医师对治疗反馈的分析，来验证脉象数据的准确性。 需要足够有经验的中医师参与研究，确保数据的完整性与可靠性。 2. 触诊技术的局限 触诊场景复杂多样，目前需要依赖类似机器人的设备来辅助完成。 3. 望诊技术的发展 望诊技术已经取得了较大进展，但仍需克服一些问题，如光照条件的干扰、不同皮肤颜色对病征判断的影响，以及复杂皮肤病变的识别。 4. 问诊的技术难点 问诊本身的算法和模型已相对成熟，但语音识别方面仍存在挑战，尤其是在应对不同口音和方言时。此类问题会影响病人回答的准确记录与提取有效信息。 5. 闻诊的复杂性 闻诊涉及对声音和气味的分析，例如区分不同类型的咳嗽声或体味的采集与判断。这与脉诊技术的复杂性相似，尤其是在模拟人类嗅觉方面具有相当高的技术难度。 模拟技术的...
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Unlocking Hope: Exploring TCM Approaches to Enhance Brain Health in Alzheimer's

Unlocking Hope: Exploring TCM Approaches to Enhance Brain Health in Alzheimer's   What is Alzheimer’s disease? Alzheimer's disease is a progressive and degenerative brain disorder that primarily affects memory, thinking, and behavior. It is the most common cause of dementia in older adults. Alzheimer's disease is characterized by the accumulation of abnormal protein deposits, including beta-amyloid plaques and tau tangles, in the brain, leading to the gradual deterioration of brain cells and cognitive functions. Common symptoms include memory loss, confusion, difficulty with problem-solving, language impairment, and changes in mood and behavior. The exact cause of Alzheimer's disease is not fully understood, and there is currently no cure, though various treatments and interventions may help manage symptoms and improve quality of life for affected individuals. Several key factors are associated with the development of Alzheimer's disease: Amyloid Plaques: On...
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How TCM Explains Chronic Insomnia and Its Risks

TCM's Approach to Chronic Insomnia and Related Diseases In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), 'Qi' represents the physiological functions of the body's various systems and subsystems, and health is understood as the balanced operation of these functions. When this balance is disrupted, various health issues can arise, including insomnia. Chronic insomnia, defined as a persistent struggle with falling asleep, staying asleep, or achieving truly restorative sleep, is more than just a nightly inconvenience. In TCM, it's often considered a precursor or contributing factor to a range of other diseases, underscoring the holistic, interconnected nature of human health as understood in TCM. The foundational philosophy of TCM is grounded in the principles of Yin and Yang—opposing yet complementary forces that govern life and the universe. In the context of sleep issues, sleep corresponds to Yin qualities, which are passive and akin to the functions of the parasympathetic n...
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How High-Resolution Diagnosis in TCM Can Dramatically Improve Your Treatment

How High-Resolution Diagnosis in TCM Can Dramatically Improve Your Treatment The Cornerstone of Effective Treatment: Diagnosis In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), effective treatment hinges on one fundamental principle: diagnosis, diagnosis, diagnosis! Understanding the patient's condition with precision is crucial for devising the most effective treatment plan. What is High-Resolution Diagnosis in TCM? High-resolution diagnosis in TCM involves a meticulous examination using four diagnostic methods: Inquiry (verbal communication), Inspection (visual assessment), Auscultation (listening to sounds and detecting smells), and Palpation (pulse reading and tactile examination of the body). While all these methods provide valuable insights, the level of detail or 'resolution' they offer varies significantly. Inquiry, Inspection, and Auscultation : These methods provide data on visible symptoms and subjective experiences. However, this information can ...
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Signs You're With a Skilled TCM Practitioner

  How to find a skilled TCM practitioner? Choosing the right Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioner can feel like a daunting task, especially if you're new to this ancient form of healthcare. You might be asking yourself: 'How can I tell if this practitioner really knows what they're doing?' The stakes are high; after all, what you're really after is effective treatment to address your health concerns as efficiently and cost-effectively as possible. The cornerstone of any successful TCM treatment lies in precise diagnosis and tailored treatment plans. But how can you, without a background in TCM, distinguish a highly skilled practitioner from a mediocre one? In this blog post, we'll explore key signs to look for in a TCM practitioner who can not only correctly diagnose your condition but also provide the most effective treatment to resolve it. To treat all diseases, one must diagnose. Only with a correct diagnosis can there be proper treatment, rath...
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Harnessing the Power of Traditional Chinese Medicine in the Battle Against Long COVID

Harnessing the Power of Traditional Chinese Medicine in the Battle Against Long COVID As the world grapples with the challenges and complications presented by COVID-19, it is becoming increasingly clear that the fight against this pandemic extends beyond the initial infection. The emergence of Long COVID, a persistent and complex condition with a broad spectrum of lingering symptoms affecting millions of survivors, calls for a comprehensive approach in its management [ 8 ]. In this ongoing battle, a holistic and time-tested practice, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), is gaining attention for its potential to alleviate Long COVID symptoms[ 10 ]. At the heart of TCM lies a 3,000-year-old philosophy of balance and harmony, striving for a health equilibrium in the body by aligning one's physical and emotional state with nature. This unique perspective allows TCM practitioners to approach Long COVID from a different angle, potentially contributing to symptom relief and overall wel...
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