摘要：在当今医疗领域，中医与西医的争论从未停歇，仿佛一场没有硝烟的战争。然而，当我们抛开偏见，深入剖析，会发现中医宛如一位智者，以其包容大度的胸怀和与时俱进的智慧，在历史的长河中熠熠生辉。
在当今医疗领域，中医与西医的争论从未停歇，仿佛一场没有硝烟的战争。然而，当我们抛开偏见，深入剖析，会发现中医宛如一位智者，以其包容大度的胸怀和与时俱进的智慧，在历史的长河中熠熠生辉。
科学概念的“迷雾”：打破常规认知
科学，这个被我们奉为圭臬的概念，本身就存在诸多值得探讨之处。从定义上看，科学是对自然规律的系统性探索和解释，旨在通过可重复的实验和观察来验证理论。然而，当我们以这种狭隘的科学标准去衡量中医时，却陷入了误区。科学并非是衡量一切真理的唯一标尺，就像我们不能仅用数学公式去评判文学作品的优劣。
有统计数据显示，全球范围内有超过 80%的人口依赖传统医学，其中中医占据着重要地位。这些人群在中医的呵护下，获得了健康和康复。这足以说明，中医的疗效并非是空穴来风，而是有着坚实的实践基础。如果仅仅因为中医的理论体系和表达方式不符合所谓的“科学标准”，就将其拒之门外，那无疑是错失了一种宝贵的医疗资源。
西医：科技应用下的医学之辨
西医，常常被视为现代医学的代表，但严格来说，它并不完全是传统意义上的医学，而是科学技术在人体健康领域的应用。西医借助先进的仪器设备、化学药物等手段，对疾病进行诊断和治疗。不可否认，西医在急性病、外伤救治等方面取得了显著成就。例如，在心脏手术领域，西医通过先进的手术技术和设备，挽救了无数患者的生命。
然而，西医也存在一定的局限性。过度依赖药物和手术，可能会带来一系列的副作用和并发症。据相关研究，长期使用某些抗生素可能导致细菌耐药性的增强，使得原本有效的药物失去作用。而且，西医在治疗一些慢性疾病和功能性疾病时，往往效果不尽如人意。这表明，西医并非是万能的，它也有自身的短板。
中医：与时俱进的智慧传承
中医并非是故步自封的古老学问，它也可以与时俱进，巧妙地运用先进的科学技术产物。在诊断方面，中医借助现代影像技术，如 CT、MRI 等，更准确地了解人体内部的结构和病变情况，为辨证论治提供更全面的依据。在治疗手段上，中医也在不断创新。例如，中医针灸结合电刺激技术，提高了针灸的治疗效果；中药制剂采用现代化的提取和制备工艺，提高了药物的纯度和稳定性。
以治疗癌症为例，传统的中医治疗方法主要是通过中药调理身体，增强免疫力，缓解症状。而现在，中医与西医相结合，形成了综合治疗方案。在手术、化疗、放疗等西医治疗的基础上，配合中药治疗，减轻了患者的毒副作用，提高了生活质量。据临床统计，采用中西医结合治疗癌症的患者，其五年生存率较单纯西医治疗有所提高。这充分证明了中医在与时俱进过程中所展现出的强大生命力。
表达语境的差异：解开“不科学”的误解
所谓的中医不科学，很大程度上是因为其表达方式不符合我们所接受的教育语境。中医的理论体系源于中国古代哲学，如阴阳五行学说，它用一种形象、比喻的方式来阐述人体的生理病理变化。这种表达方式虽然与现代科学的逻辑语言有所不同，但却蕴含着深刻的智慧。
就像中医所说的“心主神明”，并不是指心脏具有思考和意识的功能，而是强调心在人体精神活动中的重要地位。现代科学研究也发现，心脏与大脑之间存在着密切的神经联系，心脏的活动会影响人的情绪和精神状态。这表明，中医的理论并非是毫无根据的臆想，而是有着内在的科学逻辑。我们不能因为不理解其表达方式，就轻易地否定中医的科学性。
经验医学的平等：摒弃高低之分的偏见
所有的中医和西医，本质上都是经验医学。中医通过数千年的实践积累，形成了丰富的诊疗经验；西医则是在近代科学的基础上，通过大量的临床试验和研究，总结出了有效的治疗方法。两者都有其独特的优势和价值，没有高低之分。
以感冒为例，中医根据不同的症状和体质，将感冒分为风寒感冒、风热感冒等类型，采用不同的方剂进行治疗。而西医则主要针对病毒或细菌进行抗病毒或抗菌治疗。在实际应用中，两种方法都能取得一定的疗效。据调查，在感冒初期，采用中医治疗的患者，症状缓解时间与西医治疗相差无几，而且中医治疗更能调节人体的整体功能，减少复发的可能性。这告诉我们，无论是中医还是西医，都应该根据具体情况选择合适的治疗方法，而不是盲目地推崇一种，贬低另一种。
中医的追求：平衡之道下的高远境界
中医的追求比西医更为高远，它不仅仅关注疾病的治疗，更注重人体的平衡和健康的长久维持。中医认为，人体是一个有机的整体，阴阳平衡是健康的基础。当阴阳失衡时，就会产生疾病。因此，中医的治疗原则是调整阴阳，恢复人体的平衡状态。
以长寿为例，中医强调养生保健，通过饮食调理、运动锻炼、情志调节等方法，增强人体的体质，延缓衰老。据统计，在一些注重中医养生的地区，人群的平均寿命明显高于其他地区。而且，中医追求的无病状态，并非是没有任何疾病，而是通过调节人体的内部环境，提高自身的抵抗力，使人体能够更好地适应外界环境的变化，减少疾病的发生。这种高远的追求，体现了中医对人类健康的深刻理解和关怀。
包容大度的传承：中西医结合的典范
中医被改造和传承了 2000 多年，尤其是在民国以后，中医积极吸收西方科学的成果，进行了大胆的改造和创新。中西医结合就是中医包容性的典型体现。它将中医的整体观念和辨证论治与西医的精确诊断和先进治疗技术相结合，形成了一种优势互补的医疗模式。
例如，在治疗糖尿病方面，西医通过口服降糖药或注射胰岛素来控制血糖水平，但长期使用可能会带来一些副作用。而中医则通过中药调理、针灸等方法，改善人体的代谢功能，调节血糖。中西医结合治疗糖尿病，既能有效控制血糖，又能减少并发症的发生，提高患者的生活质量。这种包容大度的传承方式，使得中医在新的时代背景下焕发出新的活力。
中医以其包容大度的胸怀和与时俱进的智慧，在医疗领域中占据着不可替代的地位。我们应该摒弃偏见，以开放的心态去认识和理解中医，让中医这一古老的医学瑰宝在新时代绽放出更加绚烂的光彩，为人类的健康事业做出更大的贡献。让我们共同期待中医在未来的发展中，书写出更加辉煌的时代华章。
作者简介：梁世杰 中医高年资主治医师，本科学历，从事中医临床工作24年，积累了较丰富的临床经验。师从首都医科大学附属北京中医院肝病科主任医师、著名老中医陈勇，侍诊多载，深得器重，尽得真传！擅用“商汤经方分类疗法”、专病专方结合“焦树德学术思想”“关幼波十纲辨证”学术思想治疗疑难杂症为特色。现任北京树德堂中医研究院研究员，北京中医药薪火传承新3+3工程—焦树德门人（陈勇）传承工作站研究员，国际易联易学与养生专委会常务理事，中国中医药研究促进会焦树德学术传承专业委员会委员，中国药文化研究会中医药慢病防治分会首批癌症领域入库专家。荣获2020年中国中医药研究促进会仲景医学分会举办的第八届医圣仲景南阳论坛“经方名医”荣誉称号。2023年首届京津冀“扁鹊杯”燕赵医学研究主题征文优秀奖获得者。事迹入选《当代科学家》杂志、《中华英才》杂志。
Liang Shijie: Traditional Chinese Medicine evolves with the times in tolerance and generosity
In today's medical field, the debate between traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine has never stopped, as if it were a war without smoke. However, when we put aside our biases and go deeper into the analysis, we will find that traditional Chinese medicine is like a wise man, with its inclusive heart and progressive wisdom, shining through the long rivers of history.
The "fog" of scientific concepts: Breaking the conventional wisdom
Science, a concept that we hold dear to us, has a lot to explore in itself. By definition, science is the systematic exploration and interpretation of the laws of nature, with the aim of validating theories through repeatable experiments and observations. However, when we measure traditional Chinese medicine according to this narrow scientific standard, we fall into a misunderstanding. Science is not the only measure of all truth, just as we cannot judge the merits of literary works by mathematical formulas alone.
Statistics show that more than 80% of the world's population relies on traditional medicine, and traditional Chinese medicine plays an important role. These people have gained health and recovery under the care of traditional Chinese medicine. This is enough to show that the efficacy of traditional Chinese medicine is not a myth, but has a solid foundation of practice. If you turn away traditional Chinese medicine simply because its theoretical system and expression do not meet the so-called "scientific standards," you will undoubtedly miss a valuable medical resource.
Western medicine: Differences in medicine under the application of science and technology
Western medicine is often regarded as the representative of modern medicine, but strictly speaking, it is not exclusively medicine in the traditional sense, but rather the application of science and technology in the field of human health. Western medicine uses advanced instruments, chemical drugs and other means to diagnose and treat diseases. There is no denying that Western medicine has made remarkable achievements in the treatment of acute diseases and injuries. For example, in the field of heart surgery, Western medicine has saved the lives of countless patients through advanced surgical techniques and equipment.
However, Western medicine also has certain limitations. Overreliance on drugs and surgery can lead to a host of side effects and complications. According to relevant studies, the long-term use of certain antibiotics may lead to increased bacterial resistance, making otherwise effective drugs lose their effectiveness. Moreover, Western medicine often does not work as well as it does when treating some chronic and functional diseases. This shows that Western medicine is not a panacea, and it has its own shortcomings.
Chinese medicine: a heritage of wisdom that keeps pace with the times
Traditional Chinese medicine is not a self-styled ancient study, but it can also evolve with the times and use the products of advanced science and technology with cleverness. In terms of diagnosis, TCM uses modern imaging techniques, such as CT and MRI, to more accurately understand the internal structure and pathological changes of the human body, and provide a more comprehensive basis for syndrome differentiation and treatment. In terms of treatment, traditional Chinese medicine is also constantly innovating. For example, traditional Chinese acupuncture combined with electrical stimulation technology has improved the therapeutic effect of acupuncture. The preparation of Chinese materia medica adopts modern extraction and preparation technology.
Taking cancer as an example, traditional Chinese medicine treatments mainly use Chinese medicine to regulate the body, strengthen the immune system, and relieve symptoms. Now, traditional Chinese medicine combines with Western medicine to form a comprehensive treatment plan. On the basis of operation, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, combined with traditional Chinese medicine, the toxic and side effects were alleviated and the quality of life was enhanced. According to clinical statistics, the five-year survival rate of patients who use combination of Chinese and Western medicine for cancer has increased compared to the treatment of Western medicine alone. This fully proves the strong vitality of traditional Chinese medicine in keeping with the times.
Differences in the context of expression: unraveling the misconception of "unscientific"
The so-called traditional Chinese medicine is not scientific, in large part because its expression does not conform to the educational context in which we are taught. The theoretical system of traditional Chinese medicine is derived from ancient Chinese philosophies such as the theory of yin and yang, which uses an image and metaphor to describe the physiological changes of the human body. Although this expression is different from the logical language of modern science, it contains profound wisdom.
As traditional Chinese medicine refers to, "the master of the heart," it does not mean that the heart has the function of thinking and consciousness, but emphasizes the important position of the heart in human spiritual activities. Modern scientific research has also found that there is a close neural connection between the heart and the brain, and the activity of the heart affects people's mood and mental state. This shows that the theory of traditional Chinese medicine is not an unfounded assumption, but has an inherent scientific logic. We cannot easily deny the scientific nature of traditional Chinese medicine because we do not understand its expression.
Equality in Empirical Medicine: Discarding the Prejudice of High and Low
All traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine are essentially empirical medicine. Through the accumulation of thousands of years of practice, traditional Chinese medicine has developed a rich experience of diagnosis and treatment. Western medicine is based on modern scientific basis, through a lot of clinical trials and studies, summed up the effective treatment. Both have their unique strengths and values, and there is no high or low.
Take the cold as an example, according to different symptoms and physical conditions, traditional Chinese medicine divides the cold into colds such as colds, colds, and hot colds, using different formulations for treatment. Western medicine, on the other hand, mainly treats viruses or bacteria with antiviral or antibacterial treatment. In practical application, both methods can achieve certain therapeutic effects. According to the survey, in the early stage of a cold, patients who use TCM treatment have no difference in the time of symptom relief compared with Western medical treatment, and TCM treatment is more capable of regulating the overall function of the human body and reducing the likelihood of recurrence. This tells us that both traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine should choose the appropriate treatment method according to the specific situation, rather than blindly promoting one and devaluing the other.
The pursuit of traditional Chinese medicine: the lofty realm under the balanced approach
The pursuit of traditional Chinese medicine is more ambitious than Western medicine, which focuses not only on the treatment of diseases, but also on the balance and long-term maintenance of human health. TCM believes that the human body is an organic whole and that yin and yang balance is the foundation of health. When yin and yang are imbalanced, illness develops. Therefore, the principle of TCM treatment is to adjust yin and yang and restore the balanced state of the human body.
Taking longevity as an example, traditional Chinese medicine emphasizes health care, enhancing the body's physical condition and slowing aging through such methods as diet conditioning, exercise, and mood regulation. According to statistics, in some areas that focus on traditional Chinese medicine, the average life expectancy of the population is significantly higher than in other areas. Moreover, the disease-free state pursued by TCM is not that there are no diseases, but by regulating the internal environment of the human body, improving its own resistance, enabling the human body to better adapt to changes in the external environment, and reducing the occurrence of diseases. This lofty pursuit reflects the deep understanding and concern of traditional Chinese medicine for human health.
The inheritance of tolerance: an example of integrated Chinese and Western medicine
Traditional Chinese medicine has been modified and passed down for over 2,000 years, especially after the Republic of China era, during which it actively absorbed the achievements of Western science and underwent bold modifications and innovations. The combination of Chinese and Western medicine is typical of the inclusiveness of traditional Chinese medicine. It combines the holistic concept and dialectical treatment of traditional Chinese medicine with the accurate diagnosis and advanced treatment techniques of Western medicine, forming a complementary medical model.
For example, in the treatment of diabetes mellitus, Western medicine uses oral hypoglycemic drugs or injectable insulins to control blood sugar levels, but long-term use may bring some side effects. TCM, on the other hand, improves the metabolic function of the human body and regulates blood sugar through traditional Chinese medicine, such as acupuncture and acupuncture. Treatment of diabetes mellitus with combination of traditional Chinese and western medicine can not only effectively control blood sugar, but also reduce the incidence of complications and improve the quality of life. This inclusive inheritance style has allowed traditional Chinese medicine to glow with new vitality in the new era.
Traditional Chinese medicine occupies an irreplaceable position in the field of medicine with its inclusive mindset and wisdom to keep pace with the times. We should abandon prejudice and have an open mind to recognize and understand TCM, so that this ancient medical treasure will shine brighter in the new era and make greater contribution to human health. Let us all hope that traditional Chinese medicine will write even more brilliant chapters of the times in the future development.
Author Bio: Liang Shijie is a senior medical practitioner in traditional Chinese medicine with an undergraduate degree. He has been engaged in traditional medicine clinical work for 24 years and has accumulated a wealth of clinical experience. Following Chen Yong, chief physician of liver disease at Beijing Traditional Medicine Hospital, affiliated with Capital Medical University, and renowned old Chinese medicine, he has been treated for many years and received great attention. He specializes in the treatment of difficult diseases using "conversational traditional therapy" and special treatments combined with the academic ideas of Jiao Shude and Guan Yubo's ten-level diagnosis.He is currently a researcher at the Shude Tang TCM Research Institute in Beijing, a fellow at the new 3 + 3 project of traditional Chinese medicine flame inheritance in Beijing - a scholar at the inheritance workstation of Jiao Shude's protégés (Chen Yong),He is a standing committee member of the International Expert Committee on E-learning and Health Care, a member of the Jiao Shude Academic Heritage Special Committee of the Chinese Association for the Advancement of Chinese Medicine Research, and the first cancer specialist to be included in the chapter of the Chinese Pharmaceutical Culture Research Association. Won the 2020 China Association for the Promotion of Traditional Chinese Medicine Zhongjing Medical Branch held the eighth session of the Medical Saint Zhongjing Nanyang Forum "Classic Prescription Famous Doctor" honorary title. The winner of the first Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei "Pingui Cup" Yanzhao Medical Research Essay Award in 2023. His work was featured in the journal Current Scientist and the journal Chinese Talent.
来源：首都专家梁世杰一点号
