3. Prognosis of Blood Disorders

3. Prognosis of Blood Disorders

Tang Rongchuan believes that “the stability of qi” is the prerequisite for assessing the prognosis of blood disorders. “Qi carries blood, and blood transports qi. Human life depends entirely on qi; even if blood is lost but qi remains, there is still hope for survival—as long as a single thread of qi persists, blood can gradually regenerate and return to normal. However, if blood is unharmed but qi is lost, death is inevitable.” The condition of qi depletion is essentially the precursor to yang collapse, similar to shock in modern medicine. Tang confirms that when this complication occurs, the prognosis is poor, which aligns with clinical practice. Compared with Gao Shizong’s classification based on the amount of bleeding, the “Medical Principles”’ division of external versus internal injuries, and the “Three-Finger Zen”’s categorization of severity based on the location of bleeding, Tang’s approach represents a step forward. Tang also elaborates in detail on the relationship between pulse characteristics and prognosis, asserting that a slow pulse is treatable, whereas a rapid, floating, or deeply embedded pulse lacking roots, or a fine, constricted, and sluggish pulse, indicates severe yin deficiency or yang deficiency with no support—such pulses are much harder to treat. Additionally, he discusses how fever, choking cough, and loose stools can also influence the course of the disease.

Part One: Academic Thought

Published by Taiwan Book Publishing House