Volume 2,Issue 3
On the Integration of Chinese and Western Science—The Way of Uniting Eastern and Western Scientific Paradigms
The integration of Chinese and Western medicine is not a simple addition of herbal remedies to pharmaceuticals, nor a division of labor where “TCM treats the root while Western medicine treats the symptoms”. Rather, it represents a deep methodological fusion between Eastern science and Western science at the paradigmatic level. This article argues, from the perspectives of the history of science and systems theory, that Eastern science emphasizes holism and dynamic equilibrium, while Western science excels in reductionism and quantitative precision. Both share the same foundational languages—mathematics, physics, and chemistry—yet differ in their observational scales, forming a complementary relationship between the “macro” and “micro” perspectives. Using the pulse diagnostic device—an instrument that translates traditional Chinese pulse-taking experience into objective indicators through sensors and mathematical algorithms (Fourier transform, wavelet analysis, machine learning)—as a typical case, this article demonstrates how the integration of Eastern and Western sciences achieves unique clinical advantages, including non-invasiveness, rapidity, low cost, and early warning capability. The article concludes with ten policy recommendations, including the establishment of a national-level integrated Chinese-Western medicine laboratory, the creation of major scientific research programs, and the inclusion of TCM diagnostic devices into the national medical insurance system, calling for the elevation of this integration to a national strategy that can lead a global paradigm shift in medicine.
[1] National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 2016, Strategic Development Plan for Traditional Chinese Medicine (2016–2030). Beijing: NACTCM.
[2] State Council, 2016, “Healthy China 2030” Planning Outline. Beijing: State Council.
[3] Chen K, Li L, Zhang B, 2018, Strategic Research on the Development of Integrated Chinese-Western Medicine. Chinese Journal of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine, 38(1): 8–12.
[4] Wang Y, Zhang Q, Zhang Z, 2019, Systems Science Approaches to TCM Pattern Research. China Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy, 34(5): 1876–1880.
[5] Zhang B, Wang Y, Li L, et al., 2021, Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine in the Treatment of COVID-19: A Systematic Review. Journal of Integrative Medicine, 19(3): 187–198.
[6] Chinese Association of Integrative Medicine, 2022, Methodology for Developing Clinical Guidelines in Integrated Chinese-Western Medicine. Chinese Journal of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine, 42(3): 261–267.
[7] Liu B, Li P, He L, 2020, Current Status and Prospects of Big Data Research in TCM Clinical Practice. China Digital Medicine, 15(7): 1–5.
[8] Wang J, Chen X, Liu H, et al., 2022, Pulse Diagnosis Using Machine Learning: A Review of Recent Advances. IEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering, 69(12): 3745–3756.
[9] Tian S, 2018, A Pulse Diagnostic Device: China, CN208129992U.
[10] Tian S, 2015, A Pulse Sensor-Based Pulse Waveform Analysis Method: China, CN104997493A.
[11] Tian S, He C, 2015, Fu Bing Lun (On Latent Disease) — Modern TCM New Thinking Series. Beijing: China Press of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
[12] Tian S, He C, 2020, Fu Bing Zhong Liu Lun (On Latent Disease and Tumors). Beijing: China Press of Traditional Chinese Medicine.