Abstract: 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.

Abstract: Since ancient times, doctors have usually played the image of rescuers who save lives. As a symbol-rich image, "doctor" often enters the scope of writers' creativity and becomes a typical creative theme. This paper explores the image of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) doctors in literature. The purpose of the study is to understand how TCM practitioners are portrayed and represented in literature, to analyze their social and cultural influence and their impact on people's perceptions and attitudes towards TCM. The relevance of this article is that it can help people to better understand the position and image of TCM in different historical periods and cultural environments, as well as its relationship with society, culture and people's lives. The subject of this paper is the image of TCM doctors in literary works of a certain period, region or cultural context such as ancient works, modern literary works and works of specific writers. By analyzing the images in different works, the diversity of such images of TCM physicians such as wise doctors and mysterious healers can be demonstrated. This paper uses methods of literary analysis, including close reading of the text, character analysis, plot and theme study. The text is also studied in the context of historical and cultural context to understand the views and attitudes of the society of the time towards TCM and doctors. The scientific novelty of studying the image of traditional Chinese medicine in Chinese literature gives us an interdisciplinary perspective that integrates literature with medicine and cultural studies and offers new ways to deeply understand TCM culture and human perception of health. The results of the study indicate the diversity of TCM physicians' images in the literature. In addition, the findings may reflect different understandings and evaluations of TCM in different periods and cultural contexts.