San Jiao Pattern Differentiation
Version 1.0.0 · Updated 2026-07-30
CORE DEFINITION
A diagnostic model established by Wu Jutong in the Qing Dynasty, specifically for 'damp-heat diseases'. It divides the disease course into upper jiao (heart and lungs), middle jiao (spleen and stomach), and lower jiao (liver and kidneys). It is parallel to the Six Meridian Pattern Differentiation (for cold pathogens).
SCAFFOLDING EFFECT
Reduce cognitive load
A map for damp-heat. Cold pathogens are a 'door-entry' model (Six Meridian), while damp-heat is a 'sinking' model (San Jiao). Treating damp-heat diseases is like managing river pollution: is it upstream (upper jiao)? Or accumulated in the middle reaches (middle jiao)? Or settled at the bottom (lower jiao)? Manage by layers.
Anchor fast decisions
Uses 'location/layer' as the diagnostic axis: the same type of pathogen, due to different layers of invasion, presents different manifestations and treatments. It 'locates by layers' in complex system problems, avoiding a one-size-fits-all approach. If problems at the upper layer (decision-making/heart-lungs) sink to the middle layer (execution/spleen-stomach) and then to the lower layer (foundation/liver-kidneys), the treatment strategy must adjust with the layer.
MINIMUM ACTION
In progress 0/7Practice this model in one real situation:
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Source support: Explicit
- baike.baidu.comhttps://baike.baidu.com/item/%E4%B8%89%E7%84%A6%E8%BE%A8%E8%AF%81verified
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