Professor WANG Qi (王琦), Academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and National Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Master, recently published a pivotal article titled “ From digits to digitization: the past, present, and future of traditional Chinese medicine ” in Digital Chinese Medicine . Centered on Xiangshu ( 象数 , phenotype-numerology) philosophy , the article systematically explores pathways for deep integration between TCM and digital technology, validating this approach through research breakthroughs by his team and peers.
The study reveals that TCM developed a unique cognitive model millennia ago, built on Xiang ( 象 , observed phenotypes) as its foundation and Shu ( 数 , numerological modeling) as its analytical framework. This early prototype of TCM theory—aligned with classical texts like Hetu Luoshu (《河图洛书》) and Yijing (《易经》)—manifested in practices such as correlating the Five Organs ( 五脏 ) with the Five Elements ( 五行 ) , Four Seasons ( 四时 ) , and Five Directions ( 五方 ) , or mapping human Q i -blood rhythms via Ziwu Liuzhu ( 子午流注 , midnight-midday ebb flow) theory. Yet, these insights long remained experiential, lacking modern data validation, and technological translation.
To bridge this gap, W ANG ’s team created a digital TCM constitution collection and analysis platform . Using self-developed devices to capture diagnostic data (tongue imaging, pulse patterns, respiratory waves) and incorporating globally recognized scales (sleep, anxiety, pain), they achieved quantifiable recording of symptoms and Zhenghou ( 证候 , syndrome patterns) . This significantly enhanced the objectivity and standardization of TCM diagnostics , laying groundwork for big-data development.
Building on this, the team constructed a “TCM Constitution Knowledge Graph” , linking TCM constitutions with modern diseases, genomics, and metabolic pathways. This computationalization of TCM knowledge not only deepens theoretical understanding but enables real-world applications. Their WeChat mini-program, “Digital TCM Practitioner” ( 数字中医人 ) , auto-generates constitution reports and health recommendations based on user-submitted tongue/facial images and consultation data— empowering public self-health management .
Academician W ANG emphasizes that TCM digitization must transcend superficiality and stay rooted in TCM’s theoretical logic. When deploying AI and big data , practitioners should “preserve the essence while innovating” ( 守正创新 ) , avoiding oversimplification or misinterpretation. Future progress, he argues, hinges on continuous “data + clinical” iteration and mutual validation between technology and tradition .
Through rigorous research, WANG Qi demonstrates TCM’s unique advantages in digital transformation. This work charts a clear path for modernizing TCM and secures its evolving role in contemporary healthcare.
Digital Chinese Medicine
Systematic review
People
From digits towards digitization: the past, present, and future of traditional Chinese medicine
25-Mar-2025
The authors declare no conflict of interest.