Metaphorical discourse in traditional Chinese medicine based on the theory of the five elements

This article is dedicated to the study of metaphorical discourse based on the theory of the five elements in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) texts. The subject of this research is the metaphorical discourse based on the theory of the five elements in TCM classics. TCM theories are based on bodily experience, and they employ the metaphorical discourse of "the ability to find an example close (to oneself)" to explain concepts, using what a person knows to explain what they do not know. The aim of this article is to explore the metaphorical cognitive system of the five elements in the theory of five elements as a primary source, to understand how the ancients, through knowledge of the five elements, utilized the natural characteristics of the five elements as metaphors for interpreting the physiological features of the human body, the functions of internal organs, pathological phenomena, diagnosis and treatment, and other TCM concepts. From the perspective of research methodology, this work employs a literature study method—extensive collection of relevant information and detailed interpretation of typical metaphorical expressions—as well as a linguistic analysis method—semantic analysis of key terms and expressions to study their semantic connotations and metaphorical connections. The scientific novelty is reflected in the in-depth study of metaphorical discourse in Traditional Chinese Medicine based on the theory of the five elements, i.e., in the profound examination of the theoretical significance of TCM from the perspective of cognitive linguistics, which opens an innovative and scientific path for research. TCM is a treasure of national Chinese culture, and the theory of the five elements is one of its foundations. For a long time, the application of the theory of the five elements in TCM practice has been regarded as a unique cultural phenomenon, but this study employs a unique method based on an advanced perspective at the intersection of linguistics, cognitive science, and TCM. As a result of deep analysis, it is revealed that the theory of the five elements has constructed a rich and intricate metaphorical network within the discursive system of TCM.

Traditional Chinese Medicine, metaphor, TCM metaphorical discourse, cognitive linguistics, five elements theory, metal, wood, water, fire, earth