Objective: To simplify the TCM pattern of the zang-fu organs.
Methods: A database of zang-fu syndromes was established. The relationship between the zang-fu syndromes was analyzed by means of frequency analysis, association rule, and phi-coefficient correlation.
Results: The six zang-fu organs of the heart, liver, spleen, lung, kidney, and stomach prove to be the main components of the zang-fu pattern. The large intestine, small intestine, gallbladder, bladder, triple energizer, and pericardium have strong association and positive correlation with the above-mentioned six zang-fu organs, and their clinical symptoms can all be included into the symptoms of these six zang-fu organs.
Conclusion: The traditional TCM pattern of six-zang and six-fu can be simplified into five-zang and one-fu.