State and field theory of gastrointestinal heat retention

The gastrointestinal heat retention is a clinically prevalent pattern occurring across all age groups. Based on classical traditional Chinese medicine classics and decades of clinical practice, this paper integrates the multidimensional concepts of pattern, disease, and symptom to innovatively establish the core concept of the "state and field" theory. We define this state and field theory as a dialectical process and methodology for identifying the five states within a given field and locating pathological fields outside it. Building upon this, we propose the academic perspective of the "state and field theory of gastrointestinal heat retention." The paper provides a systematic explanation of the theory′s five states in the context of gastrointestinal heat retention: "qi-blood state," "pathogenetic momentum state," "pathological manifestation state," "syndrome nature state," and "body-mind integration state." It further elaborates on the four associated fields: upward steam affecting the upper orifices, upward disturbance affecting the heart and mind, upward invasion affecting the pulmonary system, and downward migration affecting the kidney and bladder. The introduction of the "state and field" concept aims to synthesize the multidimensional perspectives of pattern, disease, and symptom, while connecting the dynamic process of spatiotemporal changes. This framework offers a more precise interpretation of the complete picture and the essence of gastrointestinal heat retention throughout its pathological evolution. It guides immediate pattern differentiation and treatment, aids in disease prevention, and blocks pathological transmission. Exemplified by our team′s full-chain research framework for the state and field theory of gastrointestinal heat retention, the theory operationalizes syndrome dominating disease to demonstrate its clinical efficacy and scientific validity. This approach will facilitate leveraging the strengths of traditional Chinese medicine in holistic and full-cycle health management.