Application of Augmented Reality Technology in Traditional Chinese Medicine Education and Clinical Practice

Abstract

With the continuous development of digital healthcare and intelligent technologies, augmented reality has gradually entered the fields of medical education and clinical practice, offering new possibilities for the presentation of traditional medical knowledge and diagnostic models. Traditional Chinese medicine features a highly integrated and experience based theoretical system, knowledge structure, and practical framework. Its teaching and clinical processes rely heavily on spatial perception, dynamic understanding, and procedural demonstration, while conventional instructional and practical approaches remain limited in terms of intuitiveness and interactivity. By superimposing virtual information onto real environments, augmented reality technology enables the visual representation of meridian pathways, visceral structures, diagnostic procedures, and operational key points, thereby providing technical support for Traditional Chinese Medicine education and clinical practice. On the basis of outlining the fundamental characteristics of augmented reality technology, this paper systematically analyzes its major application forms and implementation pathways in Traditional Chinese Medicine education and clinical practice, and discusses its potential value in improving teaching effectiveness, supporting clinical operations, and promoting the modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine. In addition, by drawing on existing studies and application cases, the challenges associated with the promotion of augmented reality technology in the field of Traditional Chinese Medicine are examined from technical, cognitive, and practical perspectives, with the aim of providing references for future research and practice.