II. Indicator Selection

II. Indicator Selection

Indicators are crucial for elucidating principles and substantiating theories. Few but precise indicators are preferable; however, during preliminary trials, a broad-spectrum approach can be adopted to screen for indicators. For example, in research on the integration of Chinese and Western medicine for kidney issues, initial materials were extensive. Initially, over a dozen indicators were tested in healthy individuals, patients with kidney-yang deficiency, and patients with kidney-yin deficiency. Later, after repeated trials, the necessity of establishing three indicators was determined.