中医理论建立在朴素的唯物论与自发的辩证法基础之上,中医药经历了数千年临床实践的考验,发展至今而不为时代所淘汰,正是说明其包含着丰富的科学内容。中医对某些西医目前尚无特效疗法的疾患,其疗效是有口皆碑、有目共睹的。但是由于过去几百年来闭关锁国,未能及时用现代科学技术予以发扬阐明,而存在着知其然而不知其所以然的不足,其理论较为抽像,往往使人难以理解和确信。
西医理论建立在实验室基础之上,虽然对人体的组织结构、生理病理认识比较清楚,甚至对某些细胞的生理病理变化都研究得相当透彻,诊断方法也是现代化的。但是,由于有时忽视人的整体作用,注重疾病的病因和局部作用,单纯追求特效药,存有部分形而上学的观点,所咀治疗方法也有不足的一面。
中西医各有所长,各有所短,虽然他们的理论体系不同,但都是科学的,研究的对象都是人,目的都是治愈疾病。我认为中西医结合实现中医现代化是必然的。当然,迭需要一段长期的、互相争鸣和互相渗透的过程。
我白一九五六年任北京中医学院教务长以来,从事中医教学工作,始终主张中医学院学生应当以中医为主,但是除了学习中医基础理论与临床课程之外,西医基础也一定要学。目的是培养既能够掌握中医药理论,同时又具有一定现代医学知识的中医人材,不主张培养「纯中医」。虽然在十年动乱期间,这一教学计划曾遭「批判」,事实胜于雄辩,中医学院1962、1963、1964等届的毕业生,现在既是中医的骨干力量,同时又可以较容易地与西医搞中西医结合工作,这样的人材是符合党和人民需要的。
青、中年中医掌握一定的现代医学知识是时代的要求。过去中医由于没有实验室指标参照,对疾病的疗效只能根据症状的改善或消除来判定,实际上不够完善。例如,肝炎病人只要肝区疼痛等症状消失就算治愈,肾炎病人只要浮胂等症状消失也算痊愈。现在,我们大多需要参照化验指标,若其转氨酶与尿蛋白等正常方可定为治愈。我曾治疗一青年女性,西医经心电图检查诊断为心肌病,并云较为严重,但没什么明显的自觉症状,真可谓无「证」可辨。于是我就根据西医的诊断,采用生脉散加昧治之,使其心电图的改变有了一定好转。
对于中医遗产,要有分析、有批判地接受,既不能过于迷信古人,也不要轻易否定古人。我在讲授《金匮要略》时,是本着古为今用的原则,从临床实践的角度教学的。特别是《金匮要略》这本书,历经年移代革,兵囊战乱,展转传抄,以至错简脱文甚多,有的条文有证无方,有的条文有方无证,有的条文不知所云,有的条文又过于简练,造成学习上的困难。对这些我们都不可看作是句句金石,字字珠玑,一字不能移,一字不能改。如若脱离实践,穿凿附会,随文敷衍地「以经解经」,则很难以理服人,所以学习《金匮》要从临床出发,或以证测方,或以方测证,或根据其所述主证研究组方,分析用药,方能体会仲景认证之准、组方之严、选药之精,然后再结合现代临床所见,扩大诸方的使用范围。例如,我在临床上常用黄芪建中汤治疗虚寒性溃疡病、体虚外感、下肢溃疡、淋巴结核未溃破或已成瘘管者,用小柴胡汤治疗肝炎、胃炎、胸膜炎、急性肾盂肾炎,用大柴胡汤治疗胆石症、胆道感染、急性腹膜炎、高血压病等等。当然,我都是在辨证施治的基础之上使用这些古方的,是辨证与辨病相结合的。
对待中医古籍,要有发隐就明,敢于创新的精神,不要只会循规蹈矩,不敢越雷池一步,似乎古人怎么说我们就怎么用,古人没有怎么说我们就不敢怎么用。这样思想就会被束缚在本本中,事物也不会有发展了。譬如现代肿瘤的发病率很高,不少肿瘤患者早期被发现后,西医往往采用放疗或化疗,因而产生副作用:放疗后多见咽干口燥、烦热失眠、舌红脉数等阴虚见证;化疗后多见面色不华、神疲乏力、纳差恶心,伴血象下降等气虚见证,有时也可以见到气阴两虚者。对这样的病如何认识?《伤寒》、《金匮》等中医古籍并没有也不可能记载有放疗或化疗等词句。我运用仲景理论,引申其意,把这些都看作是「火邪伤阴」或是误治而形成的「坏证」,治疗或养阴为主,或补气为主,或是二者兼施,以扶正固本,从而减轻其副作用。这亦属辨证辨病相结合。
辨证施治与辨病施治都是祖国医学的重要治疗原则,倘若脱离这个原则,单纯地去追求「特效方」、「特效药」,很容易钻进形而上学的死胡同。我继承了施今墨先生的学术思想,临床时把西医的诊断和病理融合到中医的辨证施治之中,采用西医诊断与病名,结合中医辨证施治的方法。曾治一老年病人;患慢性气管炎,肺心病合并肺感染,双肺听诊有干湿罗音,胸透发现肺部阴影。其症:咯痰粘稠量多,纳差,腹胀便溏,舌苔厚腻,脉弦滑。西医经用青、链霉素、羧苄青霉素等治疗无效。某一西学中的医生认为肺感染,投以大量清热解毒中药,数剂不应,邀诊于我。我本着中医「脾为生痰之源,肺为贮痰之器」之理论,辨证为脾失健运,痰湿阻肺,选用香砂六君子汤加贝母、1.瓜蒌皮益气健脾化痰,同时因辨病考虑肺部感染而重用鱼腥草三十克以清热解毒消炎,患者连续眼药十余剂,脾运得健,痰量大减,肺部阴影消失,感染基本控制。类似病例是很多的。、
发掘提高任重道远
一九七六年,我被调往首都医院中医科,主要从事临床科研工作。中医搞科研,对我来说是个新、课题,我选择了中医药治疗糖尿病和妇科病作为研究专题,同时兼治内科杂病。
糖尿病证情复杂,反复性太,往往缠绵难愈,梭被某些医生看作是不治之症。我认为中医在数千年的医疗实践中,对糖屎病的治疗积累了丰富的经验,现代又有日新月异的西药,只要我们认真研究它的规律,积极寻求治疗方法,实践证明,耐心的治疗,合理的调养是可以控制糖尿病的,精尿病并非不治之症。
糖尿病属于中医消渴病范畴,从历代中医文献记载来看,多认为本病的基本病理为阴虚燥热,以上、中、下三消分治。我在临床观察到多数糖尿病患者都不同程度地具有乏力、神疲,气短、舌淡胖或淡黯等气虚表现,且三消症状往往同时存在,仅侧重有所不同。因此,我认为气阴两伤,脾肾虚损方是糖尿病的基本病理。在治疗上,我选用增液汤合生脉散为主,再加苍朮配元参降血糖、黄芪配山药降尿糖(系施今墨先生的经验)为基本方。从肺、脾、肾三脏入手,尤以脾肾为重点,着重先后天两方面滋养培本论治,屡获显效。
现代医学对糖尿病的研究,侧重于其微血管病变等并发症的防治问题。我也发现许多糖尿病人合并有血管病变者(如冠心病、脉管炎、脑血管意外后遗症等)多具有刺痛、窜痛、舌质黯或有瘀点、瘀斑、舌下静脉青紫怒张等血瘀征象,部分患者经用活血化瘀为主治疗后,取得一定疗效。另外,有些长期使用胰岛素治疗的糖尿病人,多数也可出现上述血瘀征象,我同样采用活血化瘀法治疗。实践证明,活血化瘀法可以使部分患者的胰岛素甩量逐渐减少以至停用。因此我认为活血化瘀法应当作为治疗糖尿病的一条途径来探讨,这方面在中医文献中尚未见到论述。
前年在兰州召开的全国第一次糖尿病专题会议上,我们担负了糖尿病中医辨证分型的工作。我们从中医辨证的角度,系统观察了一百多例糖尿病门诊病人,经统计90%以上具有气虚见证,70%以上具有血瘀征象,只是程度轻重不同。当然,如何采用实验室检查来进一步验证(如血液流变图、血细胞压积、微循环测定等)是我们今后的工作之一。
中西医之间由于理论体系之不同,故其诊断方法与病名亦不相同,有时病名虽相同,其含义也不尽相同。西医用现代仪器确诊的许多疾病,中医通过望闻问切是发现不了的。但虽经西医确诊,采用中药治疗时若不遵循辨证施治的原则也难收良效。我曾使用张锡纯的升陷汤为主方,配合超声雾化疗法治愈一例肺泡蛋白沉着症的病人,即是采用西医确诊,中医辨证相结合的方法治疗的。又如,我治疗过两例西医确诊为尿毒症的患者,其见症均为乏力、头晕、浮肿,纳差、泛恶、舌胖淡,脉虚弱。我辨证为脾肾两虚,浊阴上逆,以香砂六君子汤合六味地黄汤加味治之,两患者不但症状得以改善,而且尿素氮也明显下降或至正常。
因此,我认为对于目前一些西医确诊的疑难病或少见病,必须遵循中医的辨证原则遣方选药,在取得疗效的基础上进行药理实验研究,以明确其治疗机制,然后再付诸临床,这样多次反复,就可研究出某些疑难病或少见病的特效疗法。现在这方面已发现一些苗头,如验方过敏煎(银柴胡、防风、乌梅、五味子、甘草)经药理研究抗过敏反应作用较可靠,我在临床上治疗支气管哮喘、荨麻疹等病时,常用此方为主。又如抗免疫方(广木香、当归,益母草、赤芍,川芎)经药理研究证实确有抗免疫反应功能,所以我在治疗硬皮病、红斑狼疮、慢性肾小球肾炎等疾病时,亦常选用。
现在有许多西医学习中医的同道,应用现代科学技术研究中医,并取得了一些初步成果,如对脾、肾本质的探讨,通里攻下法治疗急腹症,活血化瘀法的实验研究等等。我以为这是正确的,这样做不是削弱中医,也不是「中医西化」,相反是为了使中医发扬光大,在国际间享有更高的声誉。我个人的中西医水平都还不高,在这方面未能做出多少成绩与贡献。在我的有余之年,我仍需要不断学习,努力工作。坚持走中西医结合的道路,逐步实现中医学术的发展与提高,这是我毕生的信念。
(董振华整理)
我学习伤科的四个阶段
上海市卢湾区中心医院副院长中医门诊部主任中华全国中医学会上海市分会伤科学会主任委员施维智
【作者简介】施维智(1917~),江苏海门人。祖传伤科,兼精内、外科。伤科理论造诣颇深,尝创「骨折三期分治」说。对诊治骨折、内伤、软组织损伤、脑外伤后遗症等疾患,尤多独到之处。发表有《脏象学说在伤科临床上的运用》、(《阴阳五行学说在伤科临床上的运用》、《中医伤科简史》、《骨折的诊断与治疗》等结多篇。
我出生于祖传伤科医家,传至我辈,已历五世。清代道光年间,高祖施镇仓从宋锡万老师学得拳术和理伤技术,用以问世,后又与少林寺拳师郭九皋结莫逆交,相互琢磨,尽得其传。曾祖施端葵弟兄四人,均承家业。祖父施秀康幼孤,从曾叔祖施简如学得拳术和理伤后,又就业于外科名医郁灿先生,学得外科,遂以伤、外科悬壶乡里,一时名噪南通地区,就诊者众。伯父施源亮自幼从祖父学伤、外科。父亲施源昌清末毕业于南通通州师范学校,后又继承祖传,且向同里儒医沈昌济先生学习中医理论和内科。学成,与伯父共同执业伤、外科,父亲兼理内科。我兄弟姐妹九人,我为长子。当时父亲目力欠佳,他以继承家业瞩目于我。一九三四年,我在读完初中后,乃跟随父亲学医共约五年。一九三七年抗日战争爆发,翌年我乡沦陷,举家到上海避难。一九三九年秋,父亲和我弟、妹等回乡开业,我已结婚,即留在上海独立行医,迄今已四十余年。回顾个人学医,行医的历程,对「学无止境」这句名言,颇有体会。
个人学医,基本上可分四个阶段。
(一)为打好基础而学父亲毕业于通州师范学校,擅长古文。他在从儒医洗老先生学习后,更感到学医必须有古文根底。所以,他在作出让我学医的决定时,首先就安排我在私塾中读四书、五经,进入高小和初中时,每逢寒暑假,都安排我选读古文,培养我对古文的理解能力和爱好。这为我阅读中医典籍,提供了有利条件。
当我正式开始学医时,父亲曾经郑重教导说:要当好一个医生,首先要有一颗救人的心。古人说过,医生要有割股之心。所谓割股,就是指为了治好病人不惜牺牲一切,也就是舍己救人的意思。所以,我们施家祖辈相传有这么一条:看病不问有钱没钱,有钱的也看,没钱的也看,甚至赔钱给药的也看。关于学习哪一专科的问题,父亲一向主张「十三科一理贯之」。他经常谈起古代扁鹊擅长各科「随俗为变」的故事。他说:「扁鹊之所以各科都擅长,主要是因为他的医学基础好。其实,要懂得多科知识也并不难,只要先把基础打好就行。拿我们施家来说,现成的就有内、外、伤三科。基础打好了,就能掌握多科知识了。各科都来得,就可以更好地为病人解除痛苦。例如,我们祖代伤科,一旦遇到已届晚期的虚痨病人来就诊骨折,我们对运用活血化瘀法就应慎重,并在整个治疗过程中,既考虑治疗骨折,又兼治虚痨,做到双方兼顾。又如,骨折病人中,突然又患了时病,我们就应既治时病,又治骨折}况且,伤科病往往并发感染,就联系到外科,孕妇受伤或伤后经行,又都和妇科有关等等。总之,只要我们兼通各科,临证才能得心应手。」父亲的教导和期望,始终作为我的奋斗目标铭记于心。
中医理论建立在朴素的唯物论与自发的辩证法基础之上,中医药经历了数千年临床实践的考验,发展至今而不为时代所淘汰,正是说明其包含着丰富的科学内容。中医对某些西医目前尚无特效疗法的疾患,其疗效是有口皆碑、有目共睹的。但是由于过去几百年来闭关锁国,未能及时用现代科学技术予以发扬阐明,而存在着知其然而不知其所以然的不足,其理论较为抽像,往往使人难以理解和确信。
中医理论建立在朴素唯物主义和自发辩证法的基础之上。中医药历经数千年的临床实践检验,发展到今天仍未被时代淘汰,这正说明其中蕴含着丰富的科学内涵。对于某些西医目前尚缺乏特效治疗方法的疾病,中医药的疗效是众所周知、显而易见的。然而,由于过去几百年间闭关锁国,未能及时运用现代科学技术加以发扬和阐释,导致存在“知其然不知其所以然”的不足;其理论较为抽象,往往使人难以理解并产生怀疑。
西医理论建立在实验室基础之上,虽然对人体的组织结构、生理病理认识比较清楚,甚至对某些细胞的生理病理变化都研究得相当透彻,诊断方法也是现代化的。但是,由于有时忽视人的整体作用,注重疾病的病因和局部作用,单纯追求特效药,存有部分形而上学的观点,所咀治疗方法也有不足的一面。
西医理论建立在实验室研究基础之上。虽然对人体组织结构及生理病理的认识较为清晰,甚至对某些细胞层面的生理病理变化研究得相当透彻,且诊断手段已实现现代化。但是,由于有时忽视人体的整体作用,过于侧重疾病的病因和局部病变,单纯追求特效药物,保留了一些形而上学的观点,因此其治疗方法也存在不足之处。
中西医各有所长,各有所短,虽然他们的理论体系不同,但都是科学的,研究的对象都是人,目的都是治愈疾病。我认为中西医结合实现中医现代化是必然的。当然,迭需要一段长期的、互相争鸣和互相渗透的过程。
中医和西医各有长处和短处。尽管两者的理论体系不同,但都是科学的,研究对象均为人,目的均为治愈疾病。我认为,通过中西医结合来实现中医现代化是必然趋势。当然,这需要经历一个长期的、相互争鸣与相互渗透的过程。
我白一九五六年任北京中医学院教务长以来,从事中医教学工作,始终主张中医学院学生应当以中医为主,但是除了学习中医基础理论与临床课程之外,西医基础也一定要学。目的是培养既能够掌握中医药理论,同时又具有一定现代医学知识的中医人材,不主张培养「纯中医」。虽然在十年动乱期间,这一教学计划曾遭「批判」,事实胜于雄辩,中医学院1962、1963、1964等届的毕业生,现在既是中医的骨干力量,同时又可以较容易地与西医搞中西医结合工作,这样的人材是符合党和人民需要的。
自1956年担任北京中医学院教务长以来,我一直从事中医教学工作,始终主张中医学院的学生应以中医为主修方向,但在学好中医基础理论和临床课程的同时,也必须学习西医基础知识。其目的是培养既掌握中医药理论,又具备一定现代医学知识的人才,而不主张培养所谓的“纯中医”。虽然在“文革”期间,这一教学计划曾遭到“批判”,但事实胜于雄辩:北京中医学院1962、1963、1964届等毕业生,如今既是中医领域的骨干力量,又能较顺利地开展中西医结合工作。这类人才完全符合党和人民的需要。
青、中年中医掌握一定的现代医学知识是时代的要求。过去中医由于没有实验室指标参照,对疾病的疗效只能根据症状的改善或消除来判定,实际上不够完善。例如,肝炎病人只要肝区疼痛等症状消失就算治愈,肾炎病人只要浮胂等症状消失也算痊愈。现在,我们大多需要参照化验指标,若其转氨酶与尿蛋白等正常方可定为治愈。我曾治疗一青年女性,西医经心电图检查诊断为心肌病,并云较为严重,但没什么明显的自觉症状,真可谓无「证」可辨。于是我就根据西医的诊断,采用生脉散加昧治之,使其心电图的改变有了一定好转。
中青年中医师掌握一定的现代医学知识是时代发展的要求。过去,由于缺乏实验室指标的参考,中医对疾病疗效的判断仅依据症状的改善或消失,这在实质上是不够完善的。例如,肝炎患者只要肝区疼痛等症状消失即被视为治愈,肾炎患者只要浮肿等症状消失即视为痊愈。而现在,我们通常需要参照化验指标,只有当转氨酶、尿蛋白等指标恢复正常时,才能判定为治愈。我曾治疗一名青年女性,西医通过心电图检查诊断为心肌病,认为病情较重,但她并无明显自觉症状,可谓无“证”可辨。于是,我依据西医的诊断,采用生脉散(Shengmai San, Pulse-Generating Powder)加减进行治疗,使其心电图改变得到了一定程度的改善。
对于中医遗产,要有分析、有批判地接受,既不能过于迷信古人,也不要轻易否定古人。我在讲授《金匮要略》时,是本着古为今用的原则,从临床实践的角度教学的。特别是《金匮要略》这本书,历经年移代革,兵囊战乱,展转传抄,以至错简脱文甚多,有的条文有证无方,有的条文有方无证,有的条文不知所云,有的条文又过于简练,造成学习上的困难。对这些我们都不可看作是句句金石,字字珠玑,一字不能移,一字不能改。如若脱离实践,穿凿附会,随文敷衍地「以经解经」,则很难以理服人,所以学习《金匮》要从临床出发,或以证测方,或以方测证,或根据其所述主证研究组方,分析用药,方能体会仲景认证之准、组方之严、选药之精,然后再结合现代临床所见,扩大诸方的使用范围。例如,我在临床上常用黄芪建中汤治疗虚寒性溃疡病、体虚外感、下肢溃疡、淋巴结核未溃破或已成瘘管者,用小柴胡汤治疗肝炎、胃炎、胸膜炎、急性肾盂肾炎,用大柴胡汤治疗胆石症、胆道感染、急性腹膜炎、高血压病等等。当然,我都是在辨证施治的基础之上使用这些古方的,是辨证与辨病相结合的。
对待中医文化遗产,应采取分析与批判的态度进行继承,既不能盲目迷信古人,也不应轻易否定古人。我在讲授《金匮要略》(Jingui Yaolue, Essential Prescriptions from the Golden Cabinet)时,秉持“古为今用”的原则,从临床实践的角度进行教学。特别是《金匮要略》一书,历经朝代更迭、兵荒马乱,辗转传抄,导致错简(bamboo slips out of order)和脱文现象严重。有的条文有证候无方剂,有的有条文有方剂无证候,有的条文晦涩难懂,有的条文过于简略,给学习带来困难。对于这些,我们不能将其视为句句真理、字字精华,认为一字不可移动、不可更改。如果脱离临床实践,牵强附会,仅仅顺着经文敷衍式地“以经解经”,则很难令人信服。因此,学习《金匮要略》应从临床实际出发,或通过证候推测方剂,或通过方剂反推证候,或根据其所述的主证研究组方思路,分析用药规律,这样才能体会到张仲景辨证之准确、组方之严谨、选药之精良,进而结合现代临床所见,扩大这些方剂的应用范围。例如,我在临床上常用黄芪建中汤(Huangqi Jianzhong Tang, Astragalus Decoction for Building the Middle)治疗虚寒性消化性溃疡、体质虚弱所致的外感、下肢溃疡、淋巴结核未溃破或已形成瘘管者;用小柴胡汤(Xiaochaihu Tang, Minor Bupleurum Decoction)治疗肝炎、胃炎、胸膜炎、急性肾盂肾炎;用大柴胡汤(Dachaihu Tang, Major Bupleurum Decoction)治疗胆石症、胆道感染、急性腹膜炎、高血压病等。当然,我都是在辨证施治(Bian Zheng Shi Zhi, Syndrome Differentiation and Treatment)的基础上使用这些古方的,体现了辨证与辨病(Bian Bing, Disease Identification)相结合的原则。
对待中医古籍,要有发隐就明,敢于创新的精神,不要只会循规蹈矩,不敢越雷池一步,似乎古人怎么说我们就怎么用,古人没有怎么说我们就不敢怎么用。这样思想就会被束缚在本本中,事物也不会有发展了。譬如现代肿瘤的发病率很高,不少肿瘤患者早期被发现后,西医往往采用放疗或化疗,因而产生副作用:放疗后多见咽干口燥、烦热失眠、舌红脉数等阴虚见证;化疗后多见面色不华、神疲乏力、纳差恶心,伴血象下降等气虚见证,有时也可以见到气阴两虚者。对这样的病如何认识?《伤寒》、《金匮》等中医古籍并没有也不可能记载有放疗或化疗等词句。我运用仲景理论,引申其意,把这些都看作是「火邪伤阴」或是误治而形成的「坏证」,治疗或养阴为主,或补气为主,或是二者兼施,以扶正固本,从而减轻其副作用。这亦属辨证辨病相结合。
对待中医古籍,应具备发掘隐微、阐明显义以及敢于创新的精神,不应只是墨守成规、不敢越雷池一步,仿佛古人怎么讲我们就怎么做,古人没讲的我们就不敢做。如果思想被束缚在书本中,事物就不会有发展。例如,现代肿瘤发病率很高,许多肿瘤患者在早期被发现后,西医常采用放射治疗或化学治疗,从而产生副作用:放疗后常见咽干口燥、烦热失眠、舌红脉数等阴虚(Yin Deficiency)证候;化疗后多见面色无华、神疲乏力、食欲不振、恶心,伴有血象下降等气虚(Qi Deficiency)证候,有时也可出现气阴两虚者。面对此类病症该如何认识?《伤寒论》、《金匮要略》等中医古籍中并未也不可能记载放射治疗或化学治疗等词汇。我运用张仲景的理论,引申其意,将这些情况视为“火邪伤阴”或因误治形成的“坏证”(Bad Syndrome/Complication),治疗上或以养阴为主,或以补气为主,或二者兼顾,旨在扶正固本,从而减轻副作用。这也属于辨证与辨病相结合的方法。
辨证施治与辨病施治都是祖国医学的重要治疗原则,倘若脱离这个原则,单纯地去追求「特效方」、「特效药」,很容易钻进形而上学的死胡同。我继承了施今墨先生的学术思想,临床时把西医的诊断和病理融合到中医的辨证施治之中,采用西医诊断与病名,结合中医辨证施治的方法。曾治一老年病人;患慢性气管炎,肺心病合并肺感染,双肺听诊有干湿罗音,胸透发现肺部阴影。其症:咯痰粘稠量多,纳差,腹胀便溏,舌苔厚腻,脉弦滑。西医经用青、链霉素、羧苄青霉素等治疗无效。某一西学中的医生认为肺感染,投以大量清热解毒中药,数剂不应,邀诊于我。我本着中医「脾为生痰之源,肺为贮痰之器」之理论,辨证为脾失健运,痰湿阻肺,选用香砂六君子汤加贝母、1.瓜蒌皮益气健脾化痰,同时因辨病考虑肺部感染而重用鱼腥草三十克以清热解毒消炎,患者连续眼药十余剂,脾运得健,痰量大减,肺部阴影消失,感染基本控制。类似病例是很多的。、
辨证施治与辨病施治均是祖国医学的重要治疗原则。如果脱离这一原则,单纯追求“特效方”或“特效药”,很容易陷入形而上学的误区。我继承了施今墨先生(Shi Jinmo)的学术思想,在临床中将西医的诊断和病理融入中医的辨证施治之中,采用西医诊断与病名,结合中医辨证施治的方法。曾治疗一位老年患者,患有慢性支气管炎,肺源性心脏病合并肺部感染,双肺听诊有干湿啰音,胸部透视发现肺部阴影。其症状为:咳痰粘稠量多,食欲不振,腹胀便溏,舌苔厚腻,脉弦滑。西医使用青霉素、链霉素、羧苄西林等药物治疗无效。另一位“西学中”(Western doctors learning Chinese medicine)的医生认为系肺部感染,投予大量清热解毒中药,服用数剂未见成效,遂邀请我诊治。我依据中医“脾为生痰之源,肺为贮痰之器”的理论,辨证为脾失健运、痰湿阻肺,选用香砂六君子汤(Xiangsha Liujunzi Tang, Atractylodes Macrocephala and Amomum Six Gentlemen Decoction)加川贝母、瓜蒌皮以益气健脾、化痰;同时,鉴于辨病考虑肺部感染,重用鱼腥草(Houttuyniae Herba, Houttuynia Herb)30克以清热解毒、消炎。患者连续服药十余剂后,脾运功能恢复,痰量大幅减少,肺部阴影消失,感染基本得到控制。此类病例不胜枚举。
发掘提高任重道远
一九七六年,我被调往首都医院中医科,主要从事临床科研工作。中医搞科研,对我来说是个新、课题,我选择了中医药治疗糖尿病和妇科病作为研究专题,同时兼治内科杂病。
糖尿病证情复杂,反复性太,往往缠绵难愈,梭被某些医生看作是不治之症。我认为中医在数千年的医疗实践中,对糖屎病的治疗积累了丰富的经验,现代又有日新月异的西药,只要我们认真研究它的规律,积极寻求治疗方法,实践证明,耐心的治疗,合理的调养是可以控制糖尿病的,精尿病并非不治之症。
糖尿病属于中医消渴病范畴,从历代中医文献记载来看,多认为本病的基本病理为阴虚燥热,以上、中、下三消分治。我在临床观察到多数糖尿病患者都不同程度地具有乏力、神疲,气短、舌淡胖或淡黯等气虚表现,且三消症状往往同时存在,仅侧重有所不同。因此,我认为气阴两伤,脾肾虚损方是糖尿病的基本病理。在治疗上,我选用增液汤合生脉散为主,再加苍朮配元参降血糖、黄芪配山药降尿糖(系施今墨先生的经验)为基本方。从肺、脾、肾三脏入手,尤以脾肾为重点,着重先后天两方面滋养培本论治,屡获显效。
现代医学对糖尿病的研究,侧重于其微血管病变等并发症的防治问题。我也发现许多糖尿病人合并有血管病变者(如冠心病、脉管炎、脑血管意外后遗症等)多具有刺痛、窜痛、舌质黯或有瘀点、瘀斑、舌下静脉青紫怒张等血瘀征象,部分患者经用活血化瘀为主治疗后,取得一定疗效。另外,有些长期使用胰岛素治疗的糖尿病人,多数也可出现上述血瘀征象,我同样采用活血化瘀法治疗。实践证明,活血化瘀法可以使部分患者的胰岛素甩量逐渐减少以至停用。因此我认为活血化瘀法应当作为治疗糖尿病的一条途径来探讨,这方面在中医文献中尚未见到论述。
前年在兰州召开的全国第一次糖尿病专题会议上,我们担负了糖尿病中医辨证分型的工作。我们从中医辨证的角度,系统观察了一百多例糖尿病门诊病人,经统计90%以上具有气虚见证,70%以上具有血瘀征象,只是程度轻重不同。当然,如何采用实验室检查来进一步验证(如血液流变图、血细胞压积、微循环测定等)是我们今后的工作之一。
中西医之间由于理论体系之不同,故其诊断方法与病名亦不相同,有时病名虽相同,其含义也不尽相同。西医用现代仪器确诊的许多疾病,中医通过望闻问切是发现不了的。但虽经西医确诊,采用中药治疗时若不遵循辨证施治的原则也难收良效。我曾使用张锡纯的升陷汤为主方,配合超声雾化疗法治愈一例肺泡蛋白沉着症的病人,即是采用西医确诊,中医辨证相结合的方法治疗的。又如,我治疗过两例西医确诊为尿毒症的患者,其见症均为乏力、头晕、浮肿,纳差、泛恶、舌胖淡,脉虚弱。我辨证为脾肾两虚,浊阴上逆,以香砂六君子汤合六味地黄汤加味治之,两患者不但症状得以改善,而且尿素氮也明显下降或至正常。
因此,我认为对于目前一些西医确诊的疑难病或少见病,必须遵循中医的辨证原则遣方选药,在取得疗效的基础上进行药理实验研究,以明确其治疗机制,然后再付诸临床,这样多次反复,就可研究出某些疑难病或少见病的特效疗法。现在这方面已发现一些苗头,如验方过敏煎(银柴胡、防风、乌梅、五味子、甘草)经药理研究抗过敏反应作用较可靠,我在临床上治疗支气管哮喘、荨麻疹等病时,常用此方为主。又如抗免疫方(广木香、当归,益母草、赤芍,川芎)经药理研究证实确有抗免疫反应功能,所以我在治疗硬皮病、红斑狼疮、慢性肾小球肾炎等疾病时,亦常选用。
现在有许多西医学习中医的同道,应用现代科学技术研究中医,并取得了一些初步成果,如对脾、肾本质的探讨,通里攻下法治疗急腹症,活血化瘀法的实验研究等等。我以为这是正确的,这样做不是削弱中医,也不是「中医西化」,相反是为了使中医发扬光大,在国际间享有更高的声誉。我个人的中西医水平都还不高,在这方面未能做出多少成绩与贡献。在我的有余之年,我仍需要不断学习,努力工作。坚持走中西医结合的道路,逐步实现中医学术的发展与提高,这是我毕生的信念。
(董振华整理)
我学习伤科的四个阶段
上海市卢湾区中心医院副院长中医门诊部主任中华全国中医学会上海市分会伤科学会主任委员施维智
【作者简介】施维智(1917~),江苏海门人。祖传伤科,兼精内、外科。伤科理论造诣颇深,尝创「骨折三期分治」说。对诊治骨折、内伤、软组织损伤、脑外伤后遗症等疾患,尤多独到之处。发表有《脏象学说在伤科临床上的运用》、(《阴阳五行学说在伤科临床上的运用》、《中医伤科简史》、《骨折的诊断与治疗》等结多篇。
我出生于祖传伤科医家,传至我辈,已历五世。清代道光年间,高祖施镇仓从宋锡万老师学得拳术和理伤技术,用以问世,后又与少林寺拳师郭九皋结莫逆交,相互琢磨,尽得其传。曾祖施端葵弟兄四人,均承家业。祖父施秀康幼孤,从曾叔祖施简如学得拳术和理伤后,又就业于外科名医郁灿先生,学得外科,遂以伤、外科悬壶乡里,一时名噪南通地区,就诊者众。伯父施源亮自幼从祖父学伤、外科。父亲施源昌清末毕业于南通通州师范学校,后又继承祖传,且向同里儒医沈昌济先生学习中医理论和内科。学成,与伯父共同执业伤、外科,父亲兼理内科。我兄弟姐妹九人,我为长子。当时父亲目力欠佳,他以继承家业瞩目于我。一九三四年,我在读完初中后,乃跟随父亲学医共约五年。一九三七年抗日战争爆发,翌年我乡沦陷,举家到上海避难。一九三九年秋,父亲和我弟、妹等回乡开业,我已结婚,即留在上海独立行医,迄今已四十余年。回顾个人学医,行医的历程,对「学无止境」这句名言,颇有体会。
个人学医,基本上可分四个阶段。
(一)为打好基础而学父亲毕业于通州师范学校,擅长古文。他在从儒医洗老先生学习后,更感到学医必须有古文根底。所以,他在作出让我学医的决定时,首先就安排我在私塾中读四书、五经,进入高小和初中时,每逢寒暑假,都安排我选读古文,培养我对古文的理解能力和爱好。这为我阅读中医典籍,提供了有利条件。
当我正式开始学医时,父亲曾经郑重教导说:要当好一个医生,首先要有一颗救人的心。古人说过,医生要有割股之心。所谓割股,就是指为了治好病人不惜牺牲一切,也就是舍己救人的意思。所以,我们施家祖辈相传有这么一条:看病不问有钱没钱,有钱的也看,没钱的也看,甚至赔钱给药的也看。关于学习哪一专科的问题,父亲一向主张「十三科一理贯之」。他经常谈起古代扁鹊擅长各科「随俗为变」的故事。他说:「扁鹊之所以各科都擅长,主要是因为他的医学基础好。其实,要懂得多科知识也并不难,只要先把基础打好就行。拿我们施家来说,现成的就有内、外、伤三科。基础打好了,就能掌握多科知识了。各科都来得,就可以更好地为病人解除痛苦。例如,我们祖代伤科,一旦遇到已届晚期的虚痨病人来就诊骨折,我们对运用活血化瘀法就应慎重,并在整个治疗过程中,既考虑治疗骨折,又兼治虚痨,做到双方兼顾。又如,骨折病人中,突然又患了时病,我们就应既治时病,又治骨折}况且,伤科病往往并发感染,就联系到外科,孕妇受伤或伤后经行,又都和妇科有关等等。总之,只要我们兼通各科,临证才能得心应手。」父亲的教导和期望,始终作为我的奋斗目标铭记于心。
TCM theory is built upon the foundation of naive materialism and spontaneous dialectics. The fact that TCM has withstood the test of thousands of years of clinical practice and developed to the present day without being eliminated by the times demonstrates that it contains rich scientific content. For certain diseases for which Western medicine currently lacks specific effective therapies, the efficacy of TCM is universally acknowledged and clearly visible. However, due to the policy of closing the country to foreign influence over the past few centuries, modern science and technology have not been timely applied to promote and elucidate TCM. This has led to a deficiency where practitioners know "what" works but not "why," and its theories are rather abstract, often making them difficult to understand and accept.
Western medical theory is based on laboratory research. Although it provides a relatively clear understanding of human tissue structure and physiological and pathological processes, even studying cellular physiological and pathological changes in considerable depth, and its diagnostic methods are modernized, it sometimes neglects the holistic role of the human body. It focuses on disease etiology and local effects, solely pursuing specific drugs, and retains some metaphysical viewpoints; thus, its treatment methods also have shortcomings.
Both TCM and Western medicine have their respective strengths and weaknesses. Although their theoretical systems differ, both are scientific, their research object is the human body, and their goal is to cure diseases. I believe that integrating TCM and Western medicine to achieve the modernization of TCM is an inevitable trend. Of course, this requires a long process of mutual contention and permeation.
Since assuming the position of Dean of Academic Affairs at Beijing College of Traditional Chinese Medicine in 1956, I have engaged in TCM teaching. I have always advocated that students in TCM colleges should focus primarily on TCM. However, besides studying basic TCM theories and clinical courses, they must also learn Western medical basics. The aim is to cultivate talents who can master TCM theories while possessing a certain amount of modern medical knowledge, rather than cultivating "pure TCM" practitioners. Although this teaching plan was criticized during the Cultural Revolution, facts speak louder than words: graduates from the classes of 1962, 1963, and 1964 of Beijing College of TCM are now backbone forces in TCM and can more easily engage in integrated TCM and Western medicine work. Such talents meet the needs of the Party and the people.
It is a requirement of the times for young and middle-aged TCM practitioners to master certain modern medical knowledge. In the past, lacking reference to laboratory indicators, TCM could only judge the efficacy of diseases based on the improvement or elimination of symptoms, which was actually imperfect. For example, hepatitis patients were considered cured as long as symptoms like liver area pain disappeared, and nephritis patients were considered recovered as long as edema symptoms disappeared. Now, we mostly need to refer to laboratory indicators; only when transaminase and urinary protein levels return to normal can recovery be determined. I once treated a young female patient diagnosed with cardiomyopathy (myocardial disease) via electrocardiogram by Western medicine, which was reported to be relatively severe, but she had no obvious subjective symptoms. This was truly a case with no "syndrome" to differentiate. Therefore, based on the Western diagnosis, I treated her using Shengmai San (Shengmai San, Pulse-Generating Powder) with modifications, which resulted in some improvement in her electrocardiogram changes.
Regarding TCM heritage, one must accept it with analysis and criticism, neither overly superstitious about ancients nor lightly dismissing them. When teaching Jingui Yaolue (Jingui Yaolue, Essential Prescriptions from the Golden Cabinet), I adhered to the principle of "making the past serve the present" and taught from the perspective of clinical practice. Especially regarding Jingui Yaolue, having undergone dynastic changes, wars, and repeated copying, there are many errors in bamboo slip ordering and missing texts. Some clauses have syndromes but no formulas, some have formulas but no syndromes, some are incomprehensible, and some are too concise, causing difficulties in study. We cannot regard every sentence as gold and every word as pearls, believing that not a single character can be moved or changed. If detached from practice, forcing interpretations, and perfunctorily "explaining classics with classics," it is hard to convince people with reason. Therefore, studying Jingui must start from clinical practice: inferring formulas from syndromes, inferring syndromes from formulas, or studying prescription composition and analyzing medication based on the main syndromes described. Only then can one appreciate Zhongjing's accuracy in syndrome differentiation, rigor in formula composition, and precision in herb selection. Then, combining these with modern clinical observations, the scope of application of these formulas can be expanded. For example, clinically I often use Huangqi Jianzhong Tang (Huangqi Jianzhong Tang, Astragalus Decoction for Building the Middle) to treat hypofunctional ulcerative diseases, exogenous pathogens in constitutionally weak individuals, lower limb ulcers, and lymphatic tuberculosis that has not ulcerated or has formed fistulas; Xiaochaihu Tang (Xiaochaihu Tang, Minor Bupleurum Decoction) to treat hepatitis, gastritis, pleurisy, and acute pyelonephritis; Dachaihu Tang (Dachaihu Tang, Major Bupleurum Decoction) to treat cholelithiasis, biliary tract infection, acute peritonitis, hypertension, etc. Of course, I use these ancient formulas on the basis of Bian Zheng Shi Zhi (Syndrome Differentiation and Treatment), integrating syndrome differentiation with disease identification.
Approaching TCM ancient texts requires a spirit of uncovering the obscure and clarifying the evident, daring to innovate, rather than merely following conventions and fearing to step beyond established boundaries. One should not act as if we must do exactly what ancients said and dare not do what they didn't say. Such thinking binds us to books, preventing development. For instance, the incidence of modern tumors is high. Many tumor patients discovered early are often treated with radiotherapy or chemotherapy by Western medicine, resulting in side effects: after radiotherapy, Yin Deficiency (Yin Xu) signs such as dry throat and mouth, irritability, heat sensation, insomnia, red tongue, and rapid pulse are common; after chemotherapy, Qi Deficiency (Qi Xu) signs such as sallow complexion, mental fatigue, weakness, poor appetite, nausea, accompanied by decreased blood counts are common, and sometimes Qi and Yin Dual Deficiency occurs. How should such diseases be understood? Ancient TCM texts like Shanghan Lun and Jingui Yaolue did not and could not record terms like radiotherapy or chemotherapy. I apply Zhongjing's theory, extending its meaning, viewing these as "Fire Evil injuring Yin" or "Bad Syndromes" (Huai Zheng) formed by mis-treatment. Treatment focuses either on nourishing Yin, tonifying Qi, or both, to support healthy energy and consolidate the root, thereby reducing side effects. This also belongs to the integration of syndrome and disease differentiation.
Syndrome differentiation and treatment (Bian Zheng Shi Zhi) and disease differentiation and treatment are both important therapeutic principles of our motherland's medicine. If detached from these principles and solely pursuing "specific formulas" or "specific drugs," one easily falls into the dead end of metaphysics. I inherited the academic thoughts of Mr. Shi Jinmo. Clinically, I integrate Western diagnoses and pathology into TCM syndrome differentiation, adopting Western diagnostic names combined with TCM syndrome differentiation methods. I once treated an elderly patient suffering from chronic tracheitis, cor pulmonale complicated by pulmonary infection, with dry and wet rales heard in both lungs and lung shadows found on fluoroscopy. Symptoms included: sticky, copious expectoration, poor appetite, abdominal distension, loose stools, thick greasy tongue coating, and wiry-slippery pulse. Western treatment with penicillin, streptomycin, and carbenicillin was ineffective. Another doctor trained in Western medicine (Xi Xue Zhong) believed it was a pulmonary infection and prescribed large doses of herbs for clearing heat and detoxifying, but several doses yielded no results, so he invited me for consultation. Based on the TCM theory that "the Spleen is the source of phlegm production, and the Lung is the vessel storing phlegm," I differentiated the syndrome as Spleen failing to transform and transport, with Phlegm-Dampness obstructing the Lung. I selected Xiangsha Liujunzi Tang (Xiangsha Liujunzi Tang, Atractylodes Macrocephala and Amomum Six Gentlemen Decoction) added with Fritillaria cirrhosa (Beimu) and Trichosanthes peel (Gualou Pi) to benefit Qi, strengthen the Spleen, and resolve phlegm. Simultaneously, considering the disease aspect of pulmonary infection, I heavily used Houttuynia Herb (Yuxingcao) at 30g to clear heat and detoxify and reduce inflammation. After taking the medicine continuously for over ten doses, the patient's Spleen function recovered, phlegm volume decreased significantly, lung shadows disappeared, and infection was basically controlled. There are many similar cases.
The task of excavating and improving TCM is heavy and the road is long.
In 1976, I was transferred to the TCM Department of Capital Hospital, mainly engaging in clinical research. Conducting TCM research was a new topic for me. I chose TCM treatment of diabetes mellitus and gynecological diseases as research topics, while also treating miscellaneous internal medicine diseases.
Diabetes mellitus presents complex conditions with high recurrence rates, often lingering and difficult to cure, and is viewed by some doctors as an incurable disease. I believe that in thousands of years of medical practice, TCM has accumulated rich experience in treating diabetes. With modern Western medicines developing rapidly, as long as we seriously study its laws and actively seek treatment methods, practical evidence shows that patient treatment and reasonable conditioning can control diabetes. Diabetes is not an incurable disease.
Diabetes belongs to the category of Xiao Ke (Xiao Ke, Wasting-Thirst Syndrome) in TCM. According to historical TCM literature, the basic pathology of this disease is generally considered to be Yin Deficiency with Dry Heat, treated separately according to Upper, Middle, and Lower Xiao categories. In clinical observation, I found that most diabetic patients exhibit varying degrees of Qi Deficiency manifestations such as fatigue, mental weariness, shortness of breath, pale and swollen or pale-dark tongue. Moreover, symptoms of the three Xiao categories often coexist, differing only in emphasis. Therefore, I believe that Dual Injury of Qi and Yin, with damage to the Spleen and Kidney, is the basic pathology of diabetes. In treatment, I select Zengye Tang (Zengye Tang, Fluid-Increasing Decoction) combined with Shengmai San as the main formula, adding Cang Zhu (Atractylodis Rhizoma) paired with Xuanshen (Scrophulariae Radix) to lower blood sugar, and Huangqi (Astragali Radix) paired with Shanyao (Dioscoreae Rhizoma) to lower urine sugar (experience from Mr. Shi Jinmo) as the basic formula. Starting from the Lung, Spleen, and Kidney organs, focusing especially on the Spleen and Kidney, emphasizing nourishment and root consolidation from both congenital and acquired aspects, this approach has repeatedly achieved remarkable effects.
Modern medical research on diabetes focuses on the prevention and treatment of complications such as microangiopathy. I have also found that many diabetic patients with concurrent vascular lesions (such as coronary heart disease, thromboangiitis obliterans, sequelae of cerebrovascular accidents) often exhibit Blood Stasis (Blood Stasis) signs like stabbing pain, wandering pain, dark tongue body with ecchymosis or petechiae, and cyanotic, distended sublingual veins. Some patients achieved certain efficacy after treatment primarily focused on invigorating blood and resolving stasis. Additionally, many diabetic patients undergoing long-term insulin therapy often exhibit the aforementioned Blood Stasis signs, and I similarly adopt the method of invigorating blood and resolving stasis. Practical evidence shows that this method can gradually reduce and even stop insulin dosage in some patients. Therefore, I believe the method of invigorating blood and resolving stasis should be explored as a pathway for treating diabetes, although no discussions on this have been seen in TCM literature.
At the first National Special Conference on Diabetes held in Lanzhou two years ago, we undertook the work of TCM syndrome differentiation and typing for diabetes. From the perspective of TCM syndrome differentiation, we systematically observed over one hundred outpatient diabetic patients. Statistics showed that over 90% exhibited Qi Deficiency signs, and over 70% exhibited Blood Stasis signs, differing only in severity. Of course, how to use laboratory examinations for further verification (such as hemorheology, hematocrit, microcirculation measurement, etc.) is one of our future tasks.
Due to differences in theoretical systems between TCM and Western medicine, their diagnostic methods and disease names also differ. Sometimes, although disease names are the same, their meanings are not entirely identical. Many diseases confirmed by Western medicine using modern instruments cannot be detected by TCM through Observation, Listening/Smelling, Inquiry, and Palpation. However, even if confirmed by Western medicine, if herbal treatment does not follow the principle of syndrome differentiation, good efficacy is difficult to achieve. I once used Zhang Xichun's Shengxian Tang (Shengxian Tang, Decoction for Lifting the Collapsing Qi) as the main formula, combined with ultrasonic nebulization therapy, to cure a patient with pulmonary alveolar proteinosis. This was a treatment method combining Western confirmation with TCM syndrome differentiation. Furthermore, I treated two patients diagnosed with uremia by Western medicine. Their symptoms were all fatigue, dizziness, edema, poor appetite, nausea, pale-swollen tongue, and weak pulse. I differentiated the syndrome as Dual Deficiency of Spleen and Kidney with Turbid Yin counterflow. I treated them with Xiangsha Liujunzi Tang combined with Liuwei Dihuang Tang (Liuwei Dihuang Wan, Six-Ingredient Pill with Rehmannia) with modifications. Both patients not only improved symptomatically but also saw their blood urea nitrogen levels significantly decrease or return to normal.
Therefore, I believe that for some currently difficult or rare diseases confirmed by Western medicine, one must follow TCM syndrome differentiation principles to prescribe and select herbs. Based on achieving efficacy, pharmacological experimental research should be conducted to clarify the treatment mechanism, and then applied clinically. Through repeated cycles, specific effective therapies for certain difficult or rare diseases can be developed. Signs of this have already appeared. For example, the empirical formula Guomin Jian (Guomin Jian, Allergy-Decocting Decoction, containing Silver Chaihu, Fangfeng, Wu Mei, Wuweizi, Gancao) has been shown by pharmacological research to have reliable anti-allergic effects. I frequently use this formula as the main prescription in clinical treatment of bronchial asthma, urticaria, etc. Similarly, the Anti-Immune Formula (containing Guangmuxiang, Danggui, Yimucao, Chishao, Chuanxiong) has been confirmed by pharmacological research to possess anti-immune reaction functions. Therefore, I often select it when treating scleroderma, lupus erythematosus, chronic glomerulonephritis, and other diseases.
Currently, many colleagues trained in Western medicine who are learning TCM are applying modern science and technology to research TCM and have achieved some preliminary results, such as exploring the essence of the Spleen and Kidney, using Tongli Gongxia Method (Purgative Method to Unblock the Interior) to treat acute abdomen, and experimental research on invigorating blood and resolving stasis. I believe this is correct. Doing so does not weaken TCM nor is it "Westernization of TCM"; on the contrary, it aims to promote TCM and enhance its reputation internationally. My own level in both TCM and Western medicine is not high, and I have not made much achievement or contribution in this area. In my remaining years, I still need to continue learning and working hard. Adhering to the path of integrating TCM and Western medicine, and gradually realizing the development and improvement of TCM academia, is my lifelong belief.
(Fan Zhenghua compiled)
My Four Stages of Learning Orthopedics
Shi Weizhi
Vice President of Luwan District Central Hospital, Shanghai
Director of TCM Outpatient Department
Director of Orthopedics Society, Shanghai Branch of China Association of Traditional Chinese Medicine
[Author Profile] Shi Weizhi (1917–), from Haimen, Jiangsu. Born into a family of hereditary orthopedic physicians, he is also proficient in Internal and Surgical medicine. He has profound attainments in orthopedic theory and once created the theory of "Three-Stage Differentiated Treatment for Fractures." He has unique insights in diagnosing and treating fractures, internal injuries, soft tissue injuries, and sequelae of traumatic brain injury. He has published numerous papers including "Application of Zang-Fang Theory in Clinical Orthopedics," "Application of Yin-Yang and Five Elements Theory in Clinical Orthopedics," "Brief History of TCM Orthopedics," "Diagnosis and Treatment of Fractures," etc.
I was born into a family of hereditary orthopedic physicians. By my generation, five generations had passed. During the Daoguang reign of the Qing Dynasty, my great-great-grandfather Shi Zhencong learned martial arts and trauma management techniques from his teacher Song Xiwan to practice publicly. Later, he formed a close friendship with monk warrior Guojiu Gao from Shaolin Temple, mutually refining their skills and inheriting them fully. My great-grandfather Shi Duan Kui and his three brothers all inherited the family profession. My grandfather Shi Xiukang became an orphan at a young age. After learning martial arts and trauma management from his great-uncle Shi Jianru, he apprenticed under famous surgeon Yu Can, mastering surgery. Thus, he practiced orthopedics and surgery in his hometown, becoming famous in the Nantong area with many patients. My uncle Shi Yuanliang learned orthopedics and surgery from my grandfather since childhood. My father Shi Yuanchang graduated from Nantong Tongzhou Normal School in the late Qing Dynasty, then inherited the family tradition and studied TCM theory and internal medicine under Mr. Shen Changji, a Confucian physician from the same village. Upon completion of his studies, he practiced orthopedics and surgery jointly with my uncle, while my father also managed internal medicine. I am the eldest son among nine siblings. At that time, my father's eyesight was poor, so he placed his hopes for inheriting the family business on me. In 1934, after finishing junior high school, I followed my father to study medicine for about five years. In 1937, the Anti-Japanese War broke out. The following year, my hometown fell, and the whole family fled to Shanghai for refuge. In autumn 1939, my father and younger siblings returned to our hometown to open a clinic. Since I was already married, I stayed in Shanghai to practice independently, which has been over forty years. Looking back at my journey of studying and practicing medicine, I have deeply realized the truth of the saying "Learning knows no bounds."
My personal study of medicine can basically be divided into four stages.
(1) Studying to Lay a Foundation: My father graduated from Tongzhou Normal School and was skilled in classical Chinese literature. After studying under the Confucian physician Mr. Xi, he felt even more strongly that studying medicine required a foundation in classical literature. Therefore, when deciding to let me study medicine, he first arranged for me to read the Four Books and Five Classics in a private school. During elementary and junior high school holidays, he arranged for me to selectively read classical texts, cultivating my ability to understand and interest in classical literature. This provided favorable conditions for me to read TCM classics.
When I officially started studying medicine, my father solemnly instructed me: To be a good doctor, one must first have a heart to save lives. The ancients said that a doctor must have the heart to cut flesh from one's own thigh (Ge Gu Zhi Xin). "Cutting flesh" means sparing no sacrifice to cure the patient, i.e., self-sacrifice to save others. Thus, our Shi family ancestors passed down a rule: Treat patients regardless of wealth; see those with money and those without, even seeing those who pay for medicine at a loss. Regarding which specialty to study, my father always advocated "Thirteen Departments Unified by One Principle." He often talked about the story of the ancient Bian Que, who excelled in various departments and "adapted to customs." He said, "Bian Que excelled in all departments mainly because his medical foundation was good. Actually, understanding multiple specialties is not difficult; just lay a good foundation first. Take our Shi family: we already have Internal, External, and Trauma departments. Once the foundation is laid, one can master multi-disciplinary knowledge. Being competent in all departments allows one to better relieve patients' suffering. For example, in our ancestral orthopedics, if a late-stage consumptive disease (Xu Lao) patient comes for a fracture, we should be cautious in using the method of invigorating blood and resolving stasis. Throughout the entire treatment process, we must consider treating the fracture while simultaneously treating the consumptive disease, balancing both. Again, if a fracture patient suddenly contracts an epidemic disease, we should treat both the epidemic and the fracture. Moreover, orthopedic diseases often complicate with infections, linking to surgery; pregnant women injured or menstruating after injury relate to gynecology, etc. In short, as long as we are proficient in all departments, we can handle clinical cases adeptly." My father's teachings and expectations have always been kept in mind as my goal.