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Paper short abstract

Intergration or conflict: interaction between AI and traditional Chinese medicine

Paper long abstract

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) primarily relies on the four diagnostic methods—inspection, listening/smelling, inquiry, and palpation—with inspection and palpation showing the most significant divergence from modern scientific diagnostics. As AI technology advances, digital tongue and pulse diagnostic instruments have been introduced into clinical settings, particularly within the training programs of teaching hospitals in Taiwan. Despite policy incentives, a gap remains between technological integration and practical application. Many clinicians still prioritize "tactile intuition" and direct observation, while patients often favor traditional methods due to cultural expectations of TCM.

This study explores the dilemmas practitioners face in this modernization process. Key obstacles include the time-consuming nature of instrument operation compared to manual diagnosis and the public's perception of "hand-on-wrist" palpation as a symbol of trust and authenticity. By analyzing clinical experiences, this paper examines how practitioners navigate the trade-off between traditional expertise and scientific progress. It further discusses how TCM, as a discipline undergoing modernization, can reconcile AI advancements with clinical efficiency and patient trust, ultimately defining the role of technology in the future of holistic healing.

Key Words: Traditional Chinese Medicine, AI, Tongue/Pulse Diagnosis Device