Objective : The purpose of this study is to analyze the naming of 'A diagnostic system based on Shanghanlun six meridian patterns and provisions' and to suggest an alternative naming.

Methods :

1. The meaning of 'Six meridian(六經)' was reviewed on existing theories and Shanghanlun provisions.

2. Comparing the name of diangostic system with the term in 'Korean Standard Classification of Diseases-6(KCD-6)' and term in 'WHO international standard terminologies on traditional medicine in the western pacific region' was done.

Results : ‘Six meridian’ is customary used in the Shagnhanlun study but its meaning is not match with original Shanghanlun system and could possibly make misunderstanding. So ‘Disease pattern identification’ is suitable than 'Six meridian' for this diagnostic system.

Conclusions : This study suggests that using 'A disease pattern identification diagnostic system based on Shanghanlun provisions.'is more appropriate instead of using the name of the six meridian diagnostic system.

KeyWords : Shanghanlun, Diagnostic system, Six meridian, Disease pattern