[Formation and development of "Xiang thinking" in traditional Chinese medicine]

"Xiang thinking" is the main thinking mode in traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) with both philosophical and scientific connotations, and has an important influence on the emergence and development of TCM. This study systematically expounded the philosophical connotation and characteristics of "Xiang thinking", and its application in the construction of TCM theory, clinical syndrome differentiation and treatment, the formation of medicinal properties, and interpretation of efficacy of Chinese medicine. "Xiang thinking" in TCM develops and changes continuously with practical application, and its historical evolution can be summarized into three stages, i.e., "Ying Xiang(corresponding to Xiang)" "Fa Xiang(following Xiang)", and "Bian Xiang(differentiating Xiang)". The understanding of Xiang is based on the means and methods of human observation of things and the backgrounds of the philosophy, science, and development. The result of comparison depends on the depth and breadth of Xiang. In the real world, Xiang is showing new construction characteristics with multiple dimensions and levels. Therefore, this study proposed the thinking of "Bian Xiang", which is expected to provide a thinking approach that can realize the transformation from "Xiang thinking" to scientific research for the exploration and innovative research on life origin in the field of contemporary and TCM.