This article analyzes current contradictions and their causes in the process of standardization of Chinese medicine

including the contradiction between the standardization of clinical syndromes and the complexity and variability of the syndromes

the contradiction between the standardization of therapeutic principles and methods and the diversity of clinical methods

as well as the contradiction between the standardization of prescriptions and the individualized treatment in Chinese medicine. After summarizing the characteristics of principles

methods

prescriptions and medicines

it raises that the classical prescriptions have three major characteristics of standardization

including the uniqueness of the six-channel syndrome differentiation

the strictness of the therapeutic principle and method

as well as the standardization of the prescriptions. It is believed that the classical prescriptions have achieved a high degree of integration between individualization and standardization at many levels such as principles

methods

prescriptions and medicines. A new way of thinking is proposed on the standardization of Chinese medicine by taking the classical prescription as the starting point.