数字中医药（英文）2026，Vol.9Issue(2)：211-222,12.DOI:10.1016/j.dcmed.2026.05.003
中医阴阳理论的宏观、中观与微观:一阴一阳,三层意蕴
The macro,meso,and micro dimensions of Yin-Yang theory in traditional Chinese medicine:a three-level analysis of Yin and Yang
摘要
Abstract
Yin-Yang theory is one of the core components of the foundational theory of traditional Chi-nese medicine(TCM),yet its classification as philosophical or scientific has long been contro-versial.To move beyond the longstanding either-philosophy-or-science debate surrounding Yin-Yang theory in TCM,this article,for the first time,proposes a three-level framework span-ning macro,meso,and micro perspectives.At the macro level,Yin and Yang are a theoretical achievement of ancient Chinese natural philosophy,used to explain universal laws governing how the cosmos operates,which constitutes Yin-Yang theory in philosophy;at the meso level,Huangdi Neijing(《黄帝内经》,Inner Canon of Huangdi)translated Yin-Yang from a cosmo-logical framework into medical discourse,making it a core methodological basis for clinical pattern differentiation and treatment,which constitutes Yin-Yang theory in medicine;at the micro level,Yin-Yang theory in TCM has increasingly converged with modern science,show-ing scientific features that are testable and reproducible,which constitutes Yin-Yang theory in science.The article further demonstrates that Yin-Yang theory in TCM differs markedly from Yin-Yang as a general philosophical doctrine in core application and practical orientation:in the course of its medical transformation,elements related to life phenomena were selectively incorporated,while,within a medical context,abstract propositions such as cosmological speculation were bracketed and rendered concrete,thereby achieving a practice-oriented transition from philosophy to medicine.Based on this,the present study conducts analyses from four aspects,namely philosophical roots,clinical application,modern scientific inter-pretation,and implications for life sciences;it substantiates the logical basis for Yin-Yang the-ory in TCM as the overarching framework for clinical pattern differentiation and treatment,reviews modern research progress from perspectives such as systems science and network regulation,and explores its potential value in advancing a new paradigm of state-based medicine.The study suggests that an accurate understanding of Yin-Yang theory in TCM re-quires moving beyond the either-philosophy-or-science binary and analyzing specific issues on a case-by-case basis.Across different perspectives,Yin-Yang theory in TCM has philo-sophical,medical,and scientific attributes.Only by grounding the theory in actual clinical ef-ficacy and engaging with modern science can the innovative development of Yin-Yang theory in TCM be promoted,thereby providing valuable Eastern insights for building a life science system with original Chinese contributions.关键词
中医阴阳理论/层级分析/生命科学/系统科学/复杂科学Key words
Yin-Yang theory in traditional Chinese medicine/Hierarchical analysis/Life sciences/Systems science/Complexity science引用本文复制引用
欧阳苗,张格第,喻梦丹,刘红宁..中医阴阳理论的宏观、中观与微观:一阴一阳,三层意蕴[J].数字中医药（英文）,2026,9(2):211-222,12.基金项目
Science and Technology Project of the National Adminis-tration of Traditional Chinese Medicine(GZY-KJS-2023-021),and Expert Consultation Special Project for Com-prehensive Reform of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Jiangxi Province(Ganzhongyiyaozonghezi[2023]No.3). （GZY-KJS-2023-021）
