Diffusion magnetic resonance imaging （dMRI） represents an advanced medical imaging modality that yields intricate insights into tissue microstructure by assessing the diffusion of water molecules within biological tissues， which is progressively integrated into clinical practices for diagnosis and treatment. Notably， within traditional Chinese medicine （TCM）， dMRI has demonstrated unique potential and significance， providing an empirical foundation for TCM’s “differentiation and treatment”. Its utility extends beyond precise disease diagnosis to encompass disease progression monitoring and treatment efficacy evaluation， aligning with TCM’s principles of “preventive treatment”and “individualized treatment”. Nonetheless， the assimilation of dMRI into TCM encounters notable challenges. This review article delves into the recent applications of dMRI within TCM， scrutinizing its prospects and constraints. By fostering interdisciplinary partnerships between medical and engineering disciplines， particularly in the realm of TCM-intelligent imaging technology， this study aims to propel the application and evolution of dMRI within TCM’s diagnostic and therapeutic domains.