Exploration on the theory of'clear-turbid'in Huangdi Neijing
The theory of'clear-turbid'in traditional Chinese medicine originated from Huangdi Neijing,which is a specific application of image thinking in traditional Chinese medicine,with dual connotations at the philosophical and scientific levels.This study firstly traces the origin of the concept of'clear-turbid',and explores its background in ancient Chinese philosophy.Secondly,the specific connotations of the theory of'clear-turbid'in Huangdi Neijing are interpreted from the perspectives of nature and physiology and diagnosis and treatment.The former includes five aspects,heaven and earth,cold and heat,qi and blood,ying and wei,and five viscera and six organs.The latter involves six aspects:pathogenesis,diagnosis,physique,acupuncture,emotion,and drug properties.Finally,the basic problems of'clear-turbid'and yin-yang are distinguished,and it is proposed that the concept of'clear-turbid'has the characteristics of dynamic and relativity.The views of yang-clear and yin-turbid and yin-clear and yang-turbid together constitute the theoretical system of'clear-turbid'in Huangdi Neijing,which should be treated comprehensively and dialectically.