隐喻作为一种认知机制在翻译过程中发挥重要作用，翻译隐喻理论由此而生。本文以翻译隐喻理论为指导，探讨中医话语英译的思维路径和操作机制。研究表明，译入语（英文译文）的创造过程即译者追求跨域映射的隐喻化过程，译者在位素、属性、关系和知识层面进行操作，寻觅或创造源语（中医话语）和译入语元素之间的相似、相关、相应，综合考量凸显、连贯、文化和创新等因素，力求在保留中医文化内涵与寻求受众群体认同之间找到合理解决方案。

Metaphor, as a cognitive mechanism, plays a key role in the translation process, giving rise to the Metaphor Translation Theory. This paper attempts to explore the thinking approach and operational mechanism behind English translation of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) discourse based on the Metaphor Translation Theory. The results demonstrate that target language (English translation) creation can be interpreted as a metaphorical process whereby the translator pursues cross-domain mapping, searching or establishing resemblance, relation, and correspondence between source language (TCM discourse) and target language variables across slots, relations, attributes and knowledge. This is done with comprehensive consideration of factors such as highlighting, coherence, cultural differences, and innovative spirit, in an attempt to identify appropriate translation methods that balance retaining Chinese cultural elements and target reader acceptance.