Conceptual framework of modern Zangxiang concept: a qualitative content analysis

Abstract Background Some scholars believe modern Zangxiang concept is conceived under the thought of bio-medicine (Western medicine), which differs greatly compared to the ancient one. The view put forward stirs up great argument. Therefore, we attempt to explore whether the modern Zangxiang concept can fully reflect the specific content and structural relationship of ancient one through analyzing the frame structure of modern Zangxiang concept. Methods The qualitative content analysis was used. The document was selected from Zangxiang Chapter in Fundamental Theory of Traditional Chinese Medicine (7th edition). The textual document was added to QSR International’s NVivo qualitative data analysis software. Text was manually coded line by line according to the content described, and new categories were identified which were further divided into initial code, sub-theme, and theme. The relationships among them were explored, and a visual map of the body of knowledge (BoK) in Zangxiang theory was depicted. The similarities and differences between modern and ancient Zangxiang concepts were discussed by interpreting these themes, relationships and the visual map. Results After analysis, there were 126 initial codes, 13 sub-themes, and 4 themes including structure, function, functional outcome and the corresponding external sign. Two principal relationships, generation and mutual promotion, restriction, and inter-dependence in function were obtained. By analyzing four themes and two kinds of principal relationships, we found five different aspects between modern Zangxiang concept and ancient Zangxiang theory. Conclusion The BoK of the modern Zangxiang concept contains four themes: structure, function, functional outcome, and the corresponding external sign. The principal relationship is referring to generation between structure and function, and between function and its corresponding outcomes. Great differences exist when talking about modern Zangxiang concept which doesn’t reflect TCM characteristics and is more inclined to bio-medicine in structure from the perspective of ancient TCM theory.