AI: Bridging Ancient Wisdom and Modern Innovation in Traditional Chinese Medicine

Abstract

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is a holistic medical system with more than 2,000 years of empirical backing, with unique diagnostic methods, including inspection, auscultation and olfaction, inquiry, and palpation. Despite TCM's holistic and subjective diagnostic approach, Artificial intelligence (AI) promises to enhance diagnostic accuracy, treatment efficacy, and prognosis by leveraging advanced data analysis and machine learning techniques. This review provides an overview the potential applications of AI across TCM's four main diagnostic methods, highlighting recent advancements, challenges, and future directions. AI-powered Tuina massage robots and AI-directed acupuncture manipulation, underscoring the potential for personalized treatment and improved clinical outcomes. However, successful AI integration faces challenges including data quality, interdisciplinary collaboration, computational interpretation of TCM theories, ethical considerations, and regulatory frameworks. Addressing these challenges is crucial for realizing AI's full potential in TCM and advancing patient care in modern healthcare systems.