The "four characteristics" of traditional Chinese medicine are the "four natures" of traditional Chinese medicine, which refers to the classification system of sexual taste based on the four major properties and divided according to their functional characteristics. According to a complex classification system based on the properties of drugs, the properties of drugs are divided into four natures: cold, hot, warm and cool.
The concept of "four sexes" is not a new concept, this concept first appeared in the "Yellow Emperor's Neijing", the cold, heat, warmth and coolness of traditional Chinese medicine can affect the nature and efficacy of traditional Chinese medicine, and can also guide the use and compatibility of traditional Chinese medicine.
Coldness:It is used to clear heat and detoxify, write fire and laxative, and commonly used medicinal materials are skullcap, honeysuckle, zhimu, etc.
Coolness:It is used to clear away heat and trouble, reduce fire, and commonly used medicinal materials are mint, chrysanthemum, barley, monk fruit, etc.
Warmth:It is used to replenish deficiency in temperature, dissipate cold and dampness, and pass through meridians, etc., and common medicinal materials mainly include red dates, angelica, longan meat, etc.
Thermality:It is used to dissipate cold in warmth, warm menstruation and relieve pain, and common medicinal materials include dried ginger, aconite, cinnamon, etc.
Cold and warm are two relative medicinal properties, and between cold and cold, between warm and hot, there is only a difference in degree, that is, "cool is cold", "warm is second to hot", but from the essence of the four sexes, there is only the distinction between cold and hot. Generally, cold drugs are suitable for patients with high fever and irritability, red face, red ears, and sore throat, such as gypsum, zhimu, gardenia, mung bean, and donggue. It should be used with caution or contraindicated in patients with cold limbs and cold pain in the abdomen. For warm drugs, it is suitable for patients who are sensitive to chills and cold limbs, delayed menstruation, cold pain in the lower abdomen, and the temperature is reduced. Such as aconite, cinnamon, dried ginger, yam, millet. Use with caution or prohibit patients who are irritable, have bad breath, are afraid of heat and sweating, are hyperactive, and have a strong appetite. The English philosopher Bacon famously said, "Character determines the fate of man". Understand that mastering the "four personalities" of Chinese medicine is related to the effect of disease**, and the proper application is like a drum, covering the cup and healing. On the contrary, not only will it not be effective, but it will even worsen the situation and add fuel to the fire. When the body feels unwell, you must go to the hospital for active treatment and dialectical treatment, and you must not blindly use Chinese medicine decoction pieces.
Author: Liu Sujun.
Editor: Wang Pengfei.
*: Puyang Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine.