Table 2 Definition and examples of the 13 entities used in this study
Entity type | Definition | Examples (entities are in bold font) |
|---|---|---|
Ordinary body part | This entity enables us to locate the exact positions of symptoms, medical tests, or disease. | 眼痒 (itchiness in the eyes) |
Tongue body | This is the musculature and vascular tissue of the tongue, also the tongue substance. It is annotated only when followed by a specific description of the tongue’s physical manifestation. | 舌红, 苔黄, 脉滑 (red tongue, yellow coating, slippery pulse) |
Tongue coating | A layer of moss-like material covering the tongue, also called tongue fur. It is annotated only when followed by the description of tongue coating manifestation. | 舌红, 苔黄, 脉滑 (red tongue, yellow coating, slippery pulse) |
Pulse | A radial artery of the wrist, which includes three sections: cun, guan, and chi. The pulse entity is annotated only when it is followed by a description of the pulse condition. | 舌红, 苔黄, 脉滑 (red tongue, yellow coating, slippery pulse) |
Acupoint | A point where a needle is inserted and manipulated in acupuncture therapy. | 肩髃痛 (pain in LI15) |
Meridian and collateral | A system of conduits through which qi and blood circulate, connecting the bowels, viscera, extremities, superficial organs, and tissues, and making the body an organic whole. These are the same as channels and networks and are also called meridians or channels. | 左大腿阳明经固定痛 (fixed pain in the stomach channel of the foot-yangming of the left leg) |
Zang organ | An internal organ in which the essence and qi are formed and stored. These organs include heart, liver, spleen, lungs, and kidneys, and are also called the five viscera. | 一直服调脾化湿药 (always take the medicine for regulating the spleen and removing dampness) |
Fu organ | An internal organ in which food is received, transported, and digested, including the gallbladder, stomach, large intestine, small intestine, urinary bladder, and triple energizers.g They are also called the six bowels. | |
Both the tongue body and tongue coating | Words referring to the tongue body and tongue coating. | 舌可 (normal tongue) |
Tongue body manifestation | Specific description of the tongue body manifestation, including tongue color, shape, and sublingual vein. | 舌红, 苔黄, 脉滑 (red tongue, yellow coating, slippery pulse) |
Tongue coating manifestation | Specific tongue coating manifestation, including color, thickness, and texture. | 舌红, 苔黄, 脉滑 (red tongue, yellow coating, slippery pulse) |
Pulse condition | Specific description of arterial pulsation in TCM when the pulse is felt during examination. | 舌红, 苔黄, 脉滑 (red tongue, yellow coating, slippery pulse) |
Direction and position | Description of the direction and position, which enables us to know the specific location of the body part. | 左膝关节疼痛 (pain in the left knee joint) |