Chinese medicine: from rural hospitals to top three hospitals in Kyoto

Chapter 1295 Chen Yang's Transformation (Part 2)

"Any innovation based on the core theories of traditional Chinese medicine is worth trying. Equipment and instruments cannot replace people; people are still the users. This is the core principle."

"Secondly, it is the integration and expansion of disease understanding."

Chen Yang continued to delve deeper, touching on clinical realities: "When faced with diseases named by modern medicine such as 'diabetes,' 'hypertension,' and 'tumor,' traditional Chinese medicine cannot simply apply the terms 'xiaoke,' 'xuanyun,' and 'zhengjia' to resolve the issue."

"What we need to do is to use the cognitive framework of traditional Chinese medicine to re-observe and analyze the new patterns of syndrome evolution of these modern diseases in the context of traditional Chinese medicine, so as to summarize more targeted syndrome differentiation and treatment plans that integrate the patterns of modern diseases. This is an innovation in the theoretical and clinical practice model."

This argument provides a clear path for many students who feel confused by modern disease names.

"Finally, and most challenging, is the innovation of knowledge transfer and verification models."

Chen Yang continued, "There is a lot of tacit knowledge in traditional Chinese medicine that can only be understood intuitively. How can it be passed on? There are countless effective experiences scattered among the people. How can they be identified, verified, and integrated?"

"We need to establish a new mechanism."

"For example, we can use big data and artificial intelligence to analyze a massive amount of medical records from ancient and modern times to find hidden patterns in prescriptions and syndromes; we can establish rigorously designed clinical research methods to objectively evaluate experiences that have proven effective; and we can design immersive, apprenticeship-based inheritance programs, rather than just classroom lectures. This is an innovation in methodology and education system."

When big data and AI were mentioned, a slight commotion arose in the audience, with students whispering among themselves, clearly moved by this cutting-edge perspective.

"Therefore, 'upholding the right path' is not about clinging to the old ways, but about preserving our 'soul'; 'innovation' is not about betrayal, but about strengthening our 'body'."

"Without upholding the correct principles, innovation will lose its direction and become water without a source; without innovation, upholding the correct principles will become rigid and shriveled and become a tree without roots. The balance and tension in this is the secret to the continuous vitality of traditional Chinese medicine over thousands of years, and it is also the most exciting issue facing you all."

"I hope everyone can remember this and understand this point. Because you all bear the future of traditional Chinese medicine."

After speaking, Chen Yang turned around, carefully wiped the blackboard clean, and then wrote a new title: Traditional Chinese Medicine in the Era of Globalization - Confidence and Dialogue.

Looking at the students below the stage, Chen Yang once again spoke frankly and to the point: "If traditional Chinese medicine is to go global, we must first figure out ourselves: what do we have to talk to?"

"Is it presented as a 'mysterious Eastern art,' or as a mature, rational, understandable, and verifiable medical system?"

This question has given many students who dream of "going out" pause for thought.

"We must have confidence in our theories."

Chen Yang's voice continued, reaching everyone's ears: "Don't underestimate yourselves just because we can't fully explain it using modern scientific language for the time being."

“Modern cutting-edge ideas such as systems theory, complexity science, and ecomedicine are increasingly approaching the holistic view of traditional Chinese medicine. What we need to do is to articulate our theories more clearly and logically, rather than forcing them into a rigid, unnatural way.”

These words acted like a shot in the arm, making some students who were feeling uneasy due to external doubts straighten their backs involuntarily.

"We need to have more confidence in our clinical practice."

Chen Yang cited international cases treated at the center, speaking in a simple yet powerful tone: "The therapeutic effect is the ultimate language."

"When a patient whom Western medicine has declared helpless regains their quality of life through traditional Chinese medicine treatment, this is the most powerful dialogue. This confidence comes from our down-to-earth and accurate clinical work every day."

Below the stage, many students clenched their fists secretly, their eyes burning with a desire for clinical practice.

"But at the same time, we need the wisdom of dialogue."

Chen Yang changed the subject and continued, "Dialogue is neither about talking to oneself nor about accepting everything."

"It is to explain our thinking and rationale in a language and logic that others can understand; it is to openly understand the advantages and limitations of other medical systems; it is to seek the possibility of collaboration under the common goal of human health."

"Just like the integrated Chinese and Western medicine model we are trying at the center, it is not about one replacing the other, but about choosing the most suitable 'combination strategy' for the patient in the face of a specific disease."

“Future practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine may not only need to be well-versed in the classics, but also need to have good cross-cultural communication skills, understand modern scientific research methods, and have an international perspective.”

Looking at the youthful, eager faces below the stage, Chen Yang realized that young people are the most receptive to new ideas, which was why he decided to talk about these things today.

"We are the new era of TCM practitioners. The times have chosen us, and we are destined to be the 'generation of bridges,' connecting ancient wisdom with future needs, and connecting Eastern medicine with global health."

As he spoke, Chen Yang's tone softened: "I don't expect these few lessons to teach you much specific knowledge. I only hope that they can plant a few seeds in your hearts."

Chen Yang's voice softened, but every word was clearly audible to everyone:

"One seed is the seed of 'critical thinking,' which means not blindly following others, not being superstitious, and daring to question the origins and future of traditional Chinese medicine..."

"One seed is the seed of 'responsibility,' recognizing that you will shoulder not only your personal career, but also the fate of an ancient discipline in the modern world;"

"There is also a seed of 'passion.' Only genuine passion can support you through any confusion and difficulties you may encounter in the future."

After he finished speaking, the auditorium fell silent, as if even the air had stopped moving.

Many students gazed at the young yet composed figure on the stage, their eyes slightly warming.

Unbeknownst to them, these three seeds quietly took root deep in the hearts of some students.

"thank you all."

After Chen Yang finished speaking, he faced the entire audience and bowed deeply.

There was a brief silence.

Immediately, thunderous applause erupted in the auditorium.

The applause was like a floodgate opening, surging and lasting for a long time.

At first it was orderly and enthusiastic, then it became somewhat chaotic but even more forceful, as if everyone wanted to use all their strength to express their inner excitement and respect.

The applause rose in waves and lasted for two or three minutes. Many students stood up and clapped vigorously, their eyes fixed on the bowing figure on the stage.

Chu Yiyun, Wen Xiuping, Xiao Jingyun, and others also smiled with satisfaction and applauded sincerely.

Standing at the same level as Chu Yiyun and Wen Xiuping, they could hear more from him and they understood Chen Yang's purpose in saying all this today.

Today's lesson may truly change how many young people view traditional Chinese medicine and their own future.