The core principles of TCM syndrome differentiation and tonification: Yin-Yang balance, meridian theory, and the tonifying effects of Ganoderma lucidum, longan, and ginseng.

The Yin-Yang theory is the core of traditional Chinese medicine and the theoretical basis for the properties, effects, and meridian tropism of Chinese herbal medicines. In terms of medicinal properties, cold and cool belong to Yin, while warm and hot belong to Yang. In terms of medicinal flavor, sour, bitter, and salty flavors often have astringent and purging effects and belong to Yin; pungent, sweet, and bland flavors often have dispersing effects and belong to Yang. Herbs with ascending and floating effects belong to Yang; herbs with descending and sinking effects belong to Yin. This is the specific application of the Yin-Yang theory in Chinese herbal medicine. Treating diseases with Chinese herbal medicine involves appropriately using medication based on the balance of Yin and Yang in the body to achieve Yin-Yang equilibrium. Chinese herbal medicine works by harmonizing Yin and Yang, reducing excessive functions and increasing deficient functions, thereby maintaining Yin-Yang balance and restoring normal physiological functions. For example, kidney-tonifying herbs can treat kidney Yang deficiency. Studies have shown that patients with kidney Yang deficiency have decreased function of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal cortex system and lower levels of corticosteroids in urine. Yang-tonifying herbs such as aconite and cinnamon can stimulate the pituitary-adrenal cortex system and promote the secretion of corticosteroids. Some have hypothesized that Yin deficiency and Yang deficiency, resulting from imbalances in the body's Yin and Yang, are pathologically based on abnormal energy metabolism. Studies have shown that individuals with Yang deficiency have significantly insufficient calorie and protein intake, and significantly lower levels of urinary creatinine and urea. Those who are sensitive to cold have lower urinary creatinine levels than those who are not. Patients with Yin deficiency have significantly higher urinary creatinine levels than normal individuals, and those with Yin deficiency and excessive Yang have significantly higher urinary creatinine levels than those without excessive Yang. Furthermore, in patients with hyperthyroidism and hypertension, those classified as having Yin deficiency and excessive Yang in Traditional Chinese Medicine show high levels of urinary creatinine and catecholamines, while those without Yin deficiency and excessive Yang show low levels. This result indicates that those with Yin deficiency and excessive Yang have higher energy metabolism and protein catabolism than normal individuals. Through syndrome differentiation and treatment, such as using Liuwei Dihuang Wan for hypertension and adding Huanglian for those with excessive heart fire, urinary creatinine levels significantly decrease while symptom relief of Yin deficiency and excessive Yang are achieved, indicating a correlation between Yin deficiency and excessive Yang symptoms and elevated creatinine levels.

Meridian tropism refers to the selective action of drugs on a specific organ or meridian in the body, i.e., the point of action or target organ. It is generally believed that each syndrome is a manifestation of disease in the organ or meridian. Any disease can be analyzed and its affected organ can be identified, thus classifying drugs treating certain organ or meridian diseases into a specific meridian. Meridian tropism is a summary based on the therapeutic effects of drugs. The theory of organ involvement is the main basis for drug meridian tropism, and its specific application in traditional Chinese medicine serves as one of the guiding principles for drug use. For example, ephedra enters the lung meridian, inducing sweating to relieve exterior syndromes, and clearing the lungs to relieve asthma; coptis mainly enters the heart meridian, clearing heart fire, relieving irritability, and calming the mind. Clinically, coptis and donkey-hide gelatin decoction is used to treat insomnia due to yin deficiency and excessive fire, with good results. Ziziphus jujuba seed enters the heart meridian, nourishing the heart, benefiting the liver, and calming the mind, and can induce sleep. The four natures and five flavors are also one of the bases for drug meridian tropism. Of these, salty herbs enter the kidney meridian (57.14%), sour herbs enter the liver meridian (56.25%), and pungent herbs enter the lung and large intestine meridians (50%). The taste and properties of a drug only reveal one aspect of its function. Considering them in conjunction with their meridian tropism provides a more comprehensive understanding of the relationship between their properties and the internal organs. For example, green tangerine peel (Citrus reticulata peel) is pungent and warm, entering the liver meridian; therefore, it can soothe the liver, regulate qi, and treat chest and rib pain. Modern research also indicates that green tangerine peel injection has a strong choleretic effect. A single Chinese herb often does not limit its meridian tropism; for example, licorice root (Glycyrrhiza uralensis) and aconite root (Aconitum carmichaelii) can traverse all twelve meridians. Some Chinese herbs not only enter a specific meridian themselves but also guide other herbs into other meridians; these are called guiding herbs.

When people fall ill, they always hope for a panacea that can cure all ailments. The common people believe that consuming Ganoderma lucidum (reishi mushroom) can grant "immortality," which is certainly a beautiful wish, but it also reflects the effects of Ganoderma lucidum. Ganoderma lucidum grows in many parts of my country. It is sweet and warm in nature. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that Ganoderma lucidum has the effects of nourishing and strengthening the body, consolidating the body's foundation, tonifying the spleen, stomach, liver, and kidneys, nourishing the heart and calming the mind, and prolonging life. Modern nutrition and pharmacology have proven that Ganoderma lucidum contains sugars, water-soluble proteins, organic acids, mannitol, alkaloids, ergosterol, etc., and can treat aging, tumors, low immune function, coronary heart disease, acute and chronic hepatitis, neurasthenia, and also has effects such as lowering blood sugar, lowering blood lipids, and increasing white blood cell count. It is not only an anti-cancer, anti-fatigue, and anti-aging drug, but also an excellent tonic. Currently, there are many preparations of Ganoderma lucidum, which can be selected according to the situation. It can also be taken in doses of 1.5-3.0 grams, crushed and dissolved in water, or soaked in wine, or combined with other Chinese herbs in a decoction.

Longan pulp, originally called dragon eye, is also known as Yizhi or Mipi. It is mainly produced in Guangxi, Fujian, Guangdong, Taiwan, and Sichuan provinces of my country. Traditional Chinese medicine believes it nourishes the heart and spleen, replenishes blood, and calms the mind. It is used for palpitations, insomnia, forgetfulness, dizziness, vertigo, bloody stools, and excessive menstruation in women due to insufficient heart blood. It is especially suitable for elderly people who are weak and prone to illness, without excessive heat or phlegm. Modern research has proven that longan pulp is rich in glucose, protein, and B vitamins, making it an essential tonic. It can be used alone or in combination with other herbs in traditional Chinese medicine formulas.

Ginseng, also known as ginseng root or divine herb, has a sweet and slightly bitter taste and is slightly warm in nature. It is a typical medicine for treating qi deficiency and tonifying qi. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that ginseng has the effects of greatly replenishing vital energy, strengthening the spleen and lungs, promoting body fluid production and quenching thirst, and calming the mind and improving intelligence. It is mainly used to treat qi deficiency syndromes, such as heart failure, cardiogenic shock, insomnia, forgetfulness, and weakness in the elderly without obvious diseases. When using ginseng, it is important to note that it should not be taken with radishes or tea; it should not be used in the early stages of a cold or by those with sufficient vital energy; and it is contraindicated for those with high blood pressure. Modern pharmacological research has shown that ginseng contains ginsenosides, ginseng acid, sugars, volatile oils, various vitamins, choline, etc., which help improve the function of various organs, especially the circulatory, nervous, and endocrine systems, enhance immunity, delay aging, prevent thromboembolic diseases in the elderly, and help prolong life. A common dietary therapy is to simmer 15-25 grams of ginseng with one old hen or duck over low heat for 12-24 hours, then drink the soup and eat the meat. It can replenish qi and calm the mind, improve appetite, and restore physical strength. For those in a sub-healthy state, 1.5-3 grams of ginseng can be ground into powder and taken once daily for 5-10 days for noticeable improvement. For treating lung and kidney qi deficiency with persistent cough and asthma, use 30 grams of ginseng and 2 pairs of whole geckos, roasted, ground into powder, and made into capsules. Take 1-2 grams each time, twice a day, for 1-2 months.