Metaphorical analysis of the functional characteristics of the decoction based on Jingui Yuhan Jing
The relationship between dosage form and efficacy is an important aspect of traditional Chinese medicine pharmacy research.However,there is a lack of systematic analysis of how ancient physicians understood the functional characteristics of decoction.By analyzing the advantages and effects of using decoction in the Jingui Yuhan Jing,it can be observed that ancient people's understanding of the therapeutic effect of decoction did not solely stem from medical practice,but also understood and elaborated on the function of decoction through the characteristics of water.This article starts with a discussion on the application of decoction in Jingui Yuhan Jing and uses metaphorical cognitive theory to analyze how ancient physicians understood and constructed the cleansing,opening,guiding,dispersing,nourishing,and moisturizing effects of decoction in the aspects of water cleanliness,connectivity,fluidity,impact,and moisturizing.This has formed a relatively complete set of explanations on the functional characteristics of decoction based on the"water metaphor".This has affected the widespread application of decoction and selection of solvents and has developed a new thinking system for the understanding and research of ancient dosage forms.