Theory of “Analogous Patterns in the Same Disease” and Disease Identification in TCM: Development of TCM through a Scientific Outlook

The theory of “analogous patterns in the same disease” is important in the development of disease differentiation and treatment in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Syndrome differentiation and treatment were considered the characteristics of TCM. However, disease differentiation and treatment, which were included in the theory of “formula corresponds to the syndrome complex” by Dr Zhang Zhongjing, were neglected. In the modern technological environment, disease differentiation and treatment is the expansion and extension of syndrome differentiation and treatment. It is also an important way of promoting TCM development. Composite Denshen Pilulae (CDP) successfully passed Phase-II clinical trials of the Food and Drug Administration in the United States. One of the important reasons for this occurrence is that CDP adopted chronic myocardial ischemia of coronary heart disease as its indication, which met the international and modern practice of medicine. Clinical practice calls for enrichment of disease differentiation and treatment on the basis of further development of TCM syndrome differentiation and treatment. A favorable atmosphere needs to be created for innovative thought on this subject.