Based on the theory of classical prescription medicine and ancient books of Han and Tang dynasties, this paper discusses the formation process of Shaoyang disease and Jueyin disease, and explains the relationship between the two from the perspectives of meridians, pathogenesis and prescriptions, so as to provide a basis for the systematic differentiation and treatment of ‘semi-syndrome’. On the basis of ‘wei qi ying xue jing’, the ‘semi-syndrome’ was divided into five stages for differentiation and treatment. Among them, the ‘semi-syndrome’ Weifen is mainly based on Chaihu Guizhi Decoction, the Qifen is mainly based on Xiaochaihu Decoction, the Xuefen and Yingfen are respectively treated with Xiaoqianhu Decoction and Wumei Pill, and the Jingfen can be treated with Zengsunshenli Decoction. The systematic study of ‘semi-syndrome’ has expanded the development law and prescription of Shaoyang disease and Jueyin disease, and made the differentiation and treatment of the two diseases in clinical practice tend to be systematic, providing new ideas and perspectives for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of the two diseases.

‘Three ethereal souls and seven corporeal souls’ are an important part of Taoist thought, which is closely related to the theory of Shen in traditional Chinese medicine. By analyzing the literatures of Taoism and traditional Chinese medicine, this paper summarizes the connotation of the ‘three ethereal souls and seven corporeal souls’, and holds that the three ethereal souls are close to the Shen and dominate the life activities and thinking consciousness of the body, while the seven corporeal souls are close to the forms and dominate the physiological functions and pathological changes of the body, which together constitute the complete life system of the human body. At the same time, comparing the theory of ‘three ethereal souls and seven corporeal souls’ with the theory of Shen in traditional Chinese medicine, it is found that the Taoist ‘three ethereal souls and seven corporeal souls’, correspond with the Shen in traditional Chinese medicine in form, but they complement each other in content, and both of them take the disorder of form and spirit as the core mechanism. Based on this, combined with the essence of the two families, it is concluded that the treatment of mental disease should adhere to the dual spirit and regulation, brain and heart treatment; see its harm, form and spirit together. The three core treatment methods of refining and changing shape and soul harmonization are used to enrich and develop the theory of Shen in traditional Chinese medicine.

The debate over lung bi and lung flaccidity has a long history. This article systematically sorted out the relevant entries of lung bi and lung flaccidity in ancient medical books, and analyzed the similarities and outcome differences from four aspects: word source definition, etiology and pathogenesis, treatment methods and prescriptions, and outcome prognosis, clarifying the ancient people’s understanding of lung bi and lung flaccidity. In the process of clinical diagnosis of chronic lung diseases, it is necessary to examine the symptoms and causes, and to differentiate the relationship between the pathogenesis chain in lung bi and lung flaccidity and different stages, phenotype and (or) syndromes of the disease. It is not advisable to use metaphysical materialism to mechanically correspond the names of traditional Chinese medicine diseases with the whole disease or stages of Western medicine diseases, which violates the principle of deficiency and reality.

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is a practical medicine, and its thinking method comes from the inductive deduction and logical reasoning of clinicians in the diagnosis and treatment process, and is supplemented by ancient Chinese philosophy. TCM clinical thinking is the core component of TCM clinical diagnosis and treatment, and it is the fundamental follow of TCM theoretical system, syndrome differentiation and treatment scheme and diagnosis and treatment technology. The purpose of this paper is to explore the construction path of TCM clinical thinking method, as well as its inheritance and application strategy under the background of the new era. Through the analysis and combing of the theoretical basis, thinking characteristics, formation mechanism and practical experience of TCM clinical thinking, this paper puts forward some possible paths for the future development of TCM clinical thinking, such as promoting the generalization of solving thinking, anchoring and transforming complex clinical data, and explaining the scientific connotation of differentiation and treatment, so as to promote the scientific, systematic and modern development of TCM clinical thinking.

Objective: To analyse and predict the key signalling pathways of Wenshenyang Decoction (WSY) in the treatment of chronic kidney disease (CKD) with kidney-yang deficiency syndrome by transcriptome and metabolomics, and to explore the protective effect of WSY on CKD rats with kidney-yang deficiency syndrome and its regulatory effect on HIF-1α/PKM2 signaling pathway. Methods: Fifty-eight SD rats were randomly divided into normal group (n=10) and model group (n=48). The CKD model was established by tail vein injection of adriamycin (DOX) (4 mg/kg) and the CKD with kidney-yang deficiency syndrome model was established by intramuscular injection of hydrocortisone (HYD) (10 mg/kg). The model animals were randomly divided into DOX group, HYD group, Zhenwu Decoction (ZWT) group (5.55 g·kg^-1·d^-1) and WSY group (2.38 g·kg^-1·d^-1), with 12 animals in each group. The general condition of the rats was observed and 24 h urine protein (24 h UPro) was determined. Serum samples were collected to determine renal function and related indicators (Scr, UA, BUN, TP, ALB). HE staining, Mallory staining and transmission electron microscopy were used to observe the pathological morphology of renal tissue. Key signalling pathways were predicted by transcriptomics and serum metabolomics. ELISA was used to determine the levels of LDH and PFK-1 in rat serum. Protein and mRNA expressions of HIF-1α, PKM2, GLUT1, Bcl-2 and Bax in renal tissue were detected by immunohistochemistry, Western Blot and Real-time PCR. Results: Compared with the DOX and HYD groups, WSY-treated rats exhibited significant improvements in general status, body weight, body temperature, and kidney index (P<0.01, P<0.05). Serum Scr, UA, and BUN levels were markedly reduced (P<0.05, P<0.01), while TP and ALB levels increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). Pathological staining revealed attenuated renal injury, and electron microscopy showed reduced segmental thickening of the glomerular basement membrane and podocyte fusion. Transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses indicated that WSY’s therapeutic mechanism may involve HIF-1α/PKM2 signaling pathway-mediated metabolic reprogramming and regulation of apoptotic genes. ELISA results showed that the levels of LDH and PFK-1 in serum of WSY rats were significantly lower than those of DOX and HYD (P<0.01). The results of immunohistochemistry staining, Western Blot and Real-time PCR showed that compared with DOX and HYD, the protein and mRNA expressions of HIF-1α, PKM2, GLUT1 and Bax in ZWT and WSY group renal tissues were significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01), the expression of Bcl-2 protein and mRNA were significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). Conclusion: WSY can protect renal function and ameliorate renal injury in CKD rats with kidney-yang deficiency syndrome, possibly by regulating metabolic reprogramming mediated by the HIF-1α/PKM2 signaling pathway and inhibiting the Bcl-2/Bax mitochondrial apoptosis pathway, thereby delaying the progression of CKD.

The law is the measure of yin and yang qi, and the calendar is the embodiment of the view of time and space. The two are derived from the application of stars, which can be classified into all things, longitude and latitude. Time and space are the basis for the generation of the five elements. The law of time and space is systematic and holographic, which can interpret the thinking of the five elements in the five zang organs according to the trajectory of time and space. The five-element medicinal properties contained in the Fuxingjue Wuzang Yongyao Fayao are different from the Huangdi Neijing. It is based on the way of heaven and earth biochemistry. According to the classification of the physical properties of ‘the same shape and the same gas phase’, whether the medicinal taste and the rhythm of time and space are complied with or not, they belong to the ‘body’, ‘use’ and ‘transformation’ of the five zang organs, and are composed of ‘big and small tonic soup’ and ‘big and small diarrhea soup’ according to the order of time and space. The treatment of traditional Chinese medicine is based on the root of the root. Based on the concept of time and space of the calendar, the five flavor theory in the Fuxingjue Wuzang Yongyao Fayao is studied, and the relationship between the concept of time and space of the calendar and the ‘body’, ‘use’ and ‘transformation’ of the five flavors is discussed. The analysis of the five zang reinforcing and reducing decoction derived from the theory of five flavor reinforcing and reducing is the essence of traditional Chinese medicine to explore the medication rules of the five elements in the five-zang diseases, in order to trace the origin and clarify the principle of the five-zang reinforcing and reducing medication.

This paper examines the original meanings of ‘Yi’ and ‘Zhi’ in Huangdi Neijing from the perspective of tracing relevant literature from the Warring States, Qin and Han dynasties, and recognizes the similarities and differences between the two. The similarities both use ‘heart’ as the basic character shape, expressing a direct connection with the mind and spirit. The difference is ‘Yi’ refers to the primitive driving force behind a certain desire or impulse in the heart, which is a collection of preliminary plans or ideas established after summarizing past experiences; ‘Zhi’ is the repetitive process of movement towards ‘Yi’, and is the original driving force for ‘Yi’ to become reality. From the perspective of the disease characteristics in the original text of Huangdi Neijing, a full chain deduction has been conducted on the concepts of ‘Yi’ and ‘Zhi’, the clinical manifestations, etiology and pathogenesis, treatment principles, and prescriptions of Yi disease and Zhi disease. Supplementing the deficiencies in the study of the five emotion systems in Huangdi Neijing, it can provide guidance for the research of traditional Chinese medicine’s spiritual psychology.

Asthma is a chronic airway inflammatory disease, professor HONG Guangxiang, a TCM master, believes that the disease has many ‘long-cherished roots’, which is a ‘chronic disease’. Based on the theory of ‘blood stagnation leads to fluid retention’, the theory of ‘three causes as one’ for asthma is proposed, with phlegm turbidity and blood stasis hidden in the lungs being the root of the disease. Professor HONG believes that the source of blood and water is the same and can metamorphose from each other; Blood and water occur together and can affect each other. In terms of treatment, when blood and water are treated at the same time, the key lies in ‘promoting qi, invigorating blood, and warming yang’. It means to open the cork, invigorate the blood and improve the water, and warm the yang and invigorate the qi. The purpose of this article is to summarize the clinical experience of professor HONG in the treatment of asthma, in order to develop new ideas for the treatment of asthma.

Objective: To investigate the therapeutic effects of Qingre Huashi Kangdu Formula (QRHS) on lung injury in mice with dampness-heat obstructing the lung syndrome and explore its underlying mechanisms. Methods: Sixty male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into six groups: control group, model group, QRHS low-dose group, QRHS medium-dose group, QRHS high-dose group, and prednisone acetate (PAT) group. Except for the control group, all other groups were subjected to lung injury induced by dampness-heat stimulation, combined with lipopolysaccharide and treated with corresponding drugs. Pathological changes in lung tissue were observed using HE staining. Levels of white blood cells, neutrophils, and platelets were measured. Flow cytometry was used to assess M1/M2 macrophage polarization. ELISA was used to measure the levels of interleukin (IL)-2, IL-6, interferon-γ (IFN-γ), transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), immunoglobulin (Ig) G, IgA, and IgM in lung tissue. Western Blot was used to measure the protein levels of NF-κB p65, p-NF-κB p65, RANK and RANKL in lung tissue. Results: Compared with the model group, the QRHS groups showed reduced alveolar wall thickness, decreased necrotic area, and alleviated inflammatory infiltration, levels of IL-2, IL-6, IFN-γ, IgG, IgA, and IgM in lung tissue were significantly decreased (expect for the level of IL-2 in QRHS low-dose group) (P<0.05, P<0.01), the level of TGF-β was significantly increased (P<0.01), the total number of monocytes and macrophages significantly decreased (P<0.01, P<0.05), with a significantly reduction in M1 macrophages (P<0.01, P<0.05) and a significantly increase in M2 macrophages (P<0.05, P<0.01), protein expression of NF-κB p65, p-NF-κB p65, RANK, and RANKL in QRSH high-dose group also significantly reduced (P<0.01, P<0.05). Conclusion: QRHS effectively treates mice with damp-heat-heat congested lung injury by down-regulating the NF-κB/RANK/RANKL signaling pathway, inhibiting M1-type macrophages and promoting M2-type macrophage polarization.

Objective: To observe the changes of lung function in rats with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) under the regulation of iron autophagy-ferroptosis pathway by Shengxian Decoction, and revealing the scientific significance of IPF under the guidance of the ‘Da qi theory’. Methods: Forty-eight SPF rats were randomly divided into Sham group, Model group, Nintedanib group, and Shengxian Decoction group. Intratracheal drip Bleomycin (5 mg/kg) was used in order to prepare a rat model of IPF. Starting from the next day of modeling, the rats of Shengxian Decoction group were gavaged with an aqueous solution of Shengxian Decoction Chinese medicine granules (0.81 g/kg), the rats of Nintedanib group were gavaged with an aqueous solution of Nintedanib (0.1 g/kg), the rats of Model group and Sham group were gavaged with physiological saline solution (10 mL/kg), once a day for 28 consecutive days. Lung function was detected by awake and unrestrained animal lung function test system; pathomorphologic change in lung tissue was observed by HE and Masson staining; the expressions of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and Vimentin were detected by Western Blot to assess the degree of lung tissue fibrosis; the contents of Fe²⁺, malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) were detected by chemiluminescence assay, and the expressions of solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11) , ferritin heavy chain 1 (FTH1) , glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) were detected by Western Blot, in order to observe the changes in ferroptosis of lung tissues; the expressions of nuclear receptor coactivator 4 (NCOA4), adenylate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), and Beclin1 were detected by Western Blot to observe the changes of iron autophagy in lung tissues. Results: Compared with the Sham group, the lung function indexes of rats in Model group significantly increased respiratory frequency (f) (P<0.01), and peak expiratory flow (PEF) and minute ventilation volume (MV) were significantly decreased (P<0.01); the lung tissue Szapiel score and Ashcroft score were significantly higher (P<0.01); the lung fibrosis indexes of α-SMA and Vimentin were significantly increased (P<0.01); Fe²⁺, MDA content were significantly increased (P<0.01), SOD, GSH-Px activitve were significantly decreased (P<0.01); the expression of NCOA4, AMPK, Beclin1 protein were significantly increased (P<0.01); the expression of SLC7A11, GPX4, FTH1 protein were significantly decreased (P<0.01). Compared with Model group, the lung function indexes of rats in Shengxian Decoction group, f was significantly decreased (P<0.01), PEF, MV were significantly increased (P<0.01); Szapiel score and Ashcroft score were significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01); α-SMA, Vimentin were significantly decreased (P<0.01); Fe²⁺, MDA content were significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01), SOD and GSH-Px activive were significantly increased (P<0.01, P<0.05); the expression of NCOA4, AMPK, Beclin1 protein significantly decreased (P<0.05); the expression of SLC7A11, GPX4, FTH1 protein significantly increased (P<0.01, P<0.05). Conclusion: Qi subsidence is an important mechanism of pulmonary dysfunction in IPF, and iron atophagy-ferroptosis pathway is involved in this process; Shengxian Decoction may exert a protective effect on pulmonary function in IPF by regulating the iron atophagy-ferroptosis pathway.

Objective: To explore the effects of acupuncture and moxibustion on the DNA methylation profile of colonic tissues in Crohn disease (CD) rats from a whole-genome perspective. Methods: SD rats were randomly divided into a normal group, model group, herb-partitioned moxibustion group, and electroacupuncture group. CD models were established using TNBS enemas, and interventions were carried out at the Tianshu (bilateral) and Qihai acupoints. Disease activity index (DAI) scores and colonic histopathology and scores were used to evaluate the effects of interventions. Whole genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS) and bioinformatics were employed to identify differentially methylated region (DMR) in promoter regions, with RT-qPCR used for transcriptional validation. Results: The model group showed partial colonic glandular loss, fissure-like ulcerations, and high inflammatory infiltration, with significantly increased DAI and histopathology scores compared to the normal group (P<0.01, P<0.05). And hypomethylation as the dominant DMR pattern. Both herbal-partitioned moxibustion group and electroacupuncture group showed colonic mucosal epithelial repair, reduced infammation, and signifcantly lower DAI and histopathology scores compared to the model group (P<0.05), with hypermethylation as the major DMR feature. And both herbal-partitioned moxibustion group and electroacupuncture group significantly downregulated the mRNA expression of Hspa5, Ctnnb1, Cox6b1, and Krt8 in the colon compared to the model group (P<0.01, P<0.05). Conclusion: Herb-partitioned moxibustion and electroacupuncture modulate DNA methylation in CD rats, increasing the DNA methylation in the promoter regions of colonic Hspa5, Ctnnb1, Cox6b1 and Krt8, which may serve as an epigenetic mechanism in acupuncture-based therapy for CD.

Based on the theory of ‘mutual interference of clear and turbid qi’, it is believed that ‘mutual interference of clear and turbid qi’ is the main pathogenesis of dyslipidemia related dry eye. Mutual interference of clear and turbid qi are weak in the delicate transport of essence of water and grain, which is transformed into redundant lipid, deposited in the blood, and transformed into turbidity pathogen such as dampness, stasis and phlegm over time. Moist turbid retention and lucid yang failing to rise, turbid stasis obstructing collaterals and clear qi stagnation, and sputum turbid flow and blocking the clear orifices can lead to the occurrence and development of dyslipidemia related dry eye. In the treatment, it takes respectively eliminating dampness with aromatics and sending up the lucid yang, dispelling stasis and clearing turbidity and promoting qi circulation to remove meridian obstruction, and expelling phlegm turbid and resuscitation with pungent and warm natured drugs, in order to get well curative effect.

Objective: To investigate the mechanical parameters of the supine homeopathic stretching-traction technique (SHST), preliminarily summarize its mechanical characteristics and related laws, analyze the factors influencing the mechanical features of this technique, providing parameter basis for its standardization and biomechanical experiments. Methods: Mechanical parameters, including total traction force (F_t), left hand force (F_l), and right hand force (F_r), were collected using pressure-sensing gloves and a custom-made traction device from 30 healthy volunteers during the operation of the SHST by its founder. Correlation analysis was performed between the parameters and individual factors of the subjects. Results: A total of 30 healthy subjects were included, with all manipulations performed by the same physician. The peak F_t was (134.85±3.36) N, peak F_l was (34.03±6.31) N, and peak F_r was (107.34±19.95) N. The plateau period F_t was (114.96±3.55) N, F_l was (28.11±5.38) N, and F_r was (92.57±17.94) N. The right hand force direction was obliquely upward at 5.53(2.07, 9.35)°, while the left hand force direction was obliquely downward at 26.98(19.73, 29.96)°. F_t was positively correlated with height and weight (r>0.3, P<0.05); F_l was positively correlated with weight, neck circumference, and head circumference (r>0.3, P<0.05); F_r showed no correlation with individual subject factors. Conclusion: This study applies modern biomechanical measurements to systematically quantify the mechanical characteristics of the SHST for the first time, reveales the asymmetric distribution of forces during the operation, with a force ratio of approximately 3∶1 between the primary and assisting hands. Additionally, it suggestes that individual factors of the subjects had certain influences on some mechanical parameters of the technique, to provide important parameter basis for the standardized operation and further research on the biomechanical mechanisms of the SHST.

Objective: To analyze the influencing factors of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) efficacy in AIDS using a joint model, aiming to provide evidence for the long-term clinical effectiveness of TCM in HIV/AIDS treatment. Methods: A 15-year retrospective cohort study was designed using data from the ‘HIV/AIDS Comprehensive Prevention and Treatment Data Information System’ and the ‘TCM Treatment for HIV/AIDS Project Database’. A joint model was constructed to analyze factors influencing TCM efficacy and evaluate its therapeutic outcomes. Results: This study included 2 078 AIDS patients. The joint model analysis demonstrated a statistically significant coefficient of 76.08 (P<0.05) for the TCM intervention group in longitudinal modeling, indicating a therapeutic association with increased CD4⁺T lymphocyte counts by 76.08 cells/μL compared to control groups. Conclusion: TCM treatment for AIDS not only reduces patient mortality but also enhances CD4⁺T lymphocyte count, providing valid evidence for the widespread recognition of the long-term clinical effectiveness of TCM in AIDS treatment.

Bipolar disorder (BD) is a common and complex psychiatric disorder disease. Congenital inheritance is the basic factor of BD, and emotional trauma is the key factor of BD, zangfu dysfunction is an important factor in the development of BD, and liver stagnation and spleen deficiency is an important pathogenesis of BD. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) treatment of this disease has the advantages of targeting both symptoms and root causes, fewer adverse reactions, and higher safety. Liver stagnation and spleen deficiency as an important pathogenesis of BD provides a strong theoretical basis for the treatment of BD with the method of soothing liver and invigorating spleen. Studies suggest that Xiaoyao Power, a representative formula of soothing liver and invigorating spleen, and its bioactive components exhibit strong potential in the treatment BD with liver stagnation and spleen deficiency syndrome. Potential mechanisms include alleviating neuroinflammation, enhancing neurotransmitters and neurotrophic factors, and reducing oxidative stress. This article discusses the application of Xiaoyao Power of soothing liver and invigorating spleen in BD from the aspects of etiology, pathogenesis, treatment principles and methods, and formula-syndrome correspondence.

Based on the traditional Chinese medicine theory of clarity and turbidity, this study explores the pathogenesis of ‘turbid-toxin’ and the therapeutic strategy of ‘powerful medicine with a gentle approach’. The theory of clarity and turbidity originates from the yin-yang doctrine, with the spleen and stomach serving as the pivot for the ascending and descending of qi, maintaining the balance of qi movement. Under pathological conditions, the interaction between clarity and turbidity disrupts the normal ascending and descending order, leading to the accumulation of turbid evils that interconnect with phlegm, blood stasis, and toxins to form turbid-toxin. This results in dysfunction of the viscera, and disorders in the movement of qi, blood, and body fluids, thereby triggering various diseases. The internal retention of turbid-toxin often leads to stubborn and difficult-to-treat conditions, necessitating a therapeutic approach that combines both pathogen-expelling and deficiency-supplementing measures. This study proposes the concept of ‘powerful medicine with a gentle approach’, which involves using sweet-tasting herbs to moderate the effects, or employing slow-release formulations such as pills or ointments to achieve pathogen-expelling without harming the healthy qi, and deficiency-supplementing without leaving behind pathogenic factors, thus treating both the symptoms and the root cause. This provides a new approach for clinical treatment.

Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MASLD) is a highly prevalent chronic metabolic disorder worldwide, and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has shown significant clinical efficacy in treating MASLD. In the treatment of this disease, TCM emphasizes the ‘liver as yin in substance and yang in function’. This theory posits that the liver relies on blood to nourish its essence while manifesting its function through qi regulation and bile secretion. Based on this theory, the primary pathogenesis of the disease can be summarized as follows: dysfunction of yang-associated liver functions (such as inadequate regulation of qi and bile flow) is considered a secondary factor, while deficiency of yin-associated liver substance (with evil pathogens taking advantage of this weakness) is regarded as the primary cause. In treatment, herbal formulas are selected based on principles of pharmacological properties (acidic-sweet to tonify yin, pungent-spicy to invigorate yang). Specifically, acidic-sweet herbs are used to strengthen the liver’s substance and prevent evil pathogens from taking hold; pungent-spicy herbs are employed to aid the liver’s functional activities, thereby achieving the goals of harmonizing the liver, regulating qi, reducing jaundice, and promoting bile flow. Additionally, bland-tasting herbs are utilized to tonify the spleen and stomach while interrupting the generation of pathological products, effectively disrupting the vicious cycle between liver and spleen disharmony.

‘Theory of xiang fire’ is a dynamic theory of dynamic balance between yin and yang, first proposed by ZHU Danxing. Xiang fire is the original driving force of human physiological activities, originating from the Mingmen and regulated by the spleen and stomach qi. It is stored in the kidneys, rises to the liver, is governed by the Sanjiao, descends to the gallbladder, and returns to the right kidney. Xiang fire’s uncontrolled movements can consume vital energy, damage yin and essence, consume fluids and blood, disrupt normal functioning, and cause internal heat. Modern xiang fire disease factors have increased significantly, and the discussion of ‘xiang fire’ is highly consistent with the function of thyroid hormones in modern medicine. The symptoms of ‘irritability’ ‘anger’ ‘palpitations’ and ‘insomnia’ caused by xiang fire’s uncontrolled movements are highly consistent with the clinical symptoms of Ying qi, so treating Ying qi from the perspective of xiang fire is a reasonable approach that deserves further exploration.

‘Disease-pulse-syndrome combined treatment’ is the title of all the articles in Shanghan Zabing Lun, which is ZHANG Zhongjing’s original traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) diagnosis and treatment mode. However, the current understanding of ‘disease-pulse-syndrome combined treatment’ is complex, and the clinical diagnosis and treatment models are diverse, resulting in different curative effects. From the perspective of TCM state, this paper interprets the diagnosis and treatment mode of ‘disease-pulse-syndrome combined treatment’ as “six differentiation methods combined treatment of ‘disease differentiation, symptorn differentiation, syndrome differentiation, pathogenesis differentiation, individual differentiation and time differentiation’”, by deeply grasping the state caused by the overall influence of ‘nature, society and individual’. It is expected to comprehensively clarify the thinking logic of ‘disease-pulse-syndrome combined treatment’ of medical sage, and infer the original meaning and the original intention. It is of great significance for better inheriting and developing the diagnosis and treatment mode of ‘disease-pulse-syndrome combined treatment’ in modern times.

Objective: To compare the central response characteristics of individuals under different functional states during immediate intradermal acupuncture at ‘Siguan’ acupoints. Methods: Twenty patients with tension-type headache (TTH) and forty healthy controls (HCs) underwent resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) scans and fMRI scans with immediate intradermal acupuncture at ‘Siguan’ acupoints. The regions with similar and different changes in brain functional activities during immediate intradermal acupuncture between TTH patients and HCs were detected based on the fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (fALFF) analysis method. Results: TTH patients showed a targeted downregulation of the fALFF value in the right precentral gyrus and had a more extensive modulation on the limbic-paralimbic system during instant intradermal acupuncture at ‘Siguan’ acupoints. Both groups exhibited an increase in the fALFF values in the superior frontal gyrus, the middle frontal gyrus, and a decrease in the lingual gyrus, the middle/inferior occipital gyrus, precentral/postcentral gyrus during acupuncture procedure. Conclusion: The widespread changes of functional activities in brain regions related to pain regulation and the limbic-paralimbic system may represent the specificity of central responses to needling the ‘Siguan’ acupoints in TTH state. And the modification of functional activity in the cognitive, visual and sensorimotor cortexes is a common brain response characteristic observed in both TTH patients and HCs during instant intradermal acupuncture at ‘Siguan’ acupoints.

Objective: To explore the variances in tongue coating and intestinal flora among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) of different traditional Chinese medicine syndromes. Methods: A total of 98 T2DM patients (47 with qi-yin deficiency syndrome and 51 with phlegm-heat syndrome) and 49 healthy controls were recruited. Clinical and biochemical indicators, tongue coating characteristics were collected, and fecal samples were collected for 16S rRNA sequencing. Results: The levels of FBG, OGTT 2 h, and HbA1c in the qi-yin deficiency group were higher than those in the healthy controls and the phlegm-heat syndrome group (P<0.01). The qi-yin deficiency syndrome presented with thin and pale white tongue coating, while the phlegm-heat syndrome had dark tongue with yellow and greasy coating. The diversity and abundance of intestinal flora were lower in T2DM patients. The composition of intestinal flora differed between the qi-yin deficiency syndrome and the phlegm-heat syndrome groups. The Bifidobacterium decreased in the phlegm-heat syndrome group, while the Phocaeicola and Clostridium increased than the qi-yin deficiency syndrome group. The Collinsella increased in the qi-yin deficiency syndrome group but decreased in the phlegm-heat syndrome group. Conclusion: Intestinal microecological disorders are associated with T2DM. There are disparities in tongue coating features and intestinal flora abundance among patients with different traditional Chinese medicine syndromes, providing evidence for exploring the biological mechanisms of T2DM traditional Chinese medicine syndromes.

As the core category of Taoism, the original meaning of ‘the way of life’ refers to the Tao giving birth to all things. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has absorbed the Taoist idea of ‘harmonizing qi’, ‘heaven and earth merging qi’, which is a necessary condition for all things to ‘the way of life’. In terms of understanding the relationship between heaven and man, we inherit the idea of respecting the Tao and valuing Te. Among the four great realms and all things, human beings are valued above all else. Humans are born with a ‘flow of Te and qi’, and the value and significance of life lies in the accumulation of essence, the perfection of the spirit, and the integrity of the Tao, achieving the unity of heaven and man and the harmony of heaven and man. On the practical level, following the concept of doing without action and letting nature take its course, following the mechanism of the birth of all things, and the door of growth and development, has formed the TCM bioethics of following the natural path and using principles to follow.

Objective: To investigate the pathogenesis of psoriasis based on keratinocyte endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) and the therapeutic mechanism of Guben Qushi Huayu Formula (GQHF). Methods: A psoriasiform mouse model was established using Imiquimod (IMQ), with Psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) and Baker scores were evaluated. Immunohistochemistry/immunofluorescence detected the expression of ERS-related proteins (GRP78, XBP1s) and proliferation markers (Ki-67, PCNA) in skin lesions. Drug-containing serum of GQHF was prepared from SD rats. Thapsigargin-induced ERS was applied to HaCaT cells, Western Blot or immunofluorescence was used to analyze ERS-related proteins, proliferation markers, and inflammatory cytokines (IL-17A, IL-18, IL-1β). Results: IMQ treatment significantly increased PASI and Baker scores compared to the blank group (P<0.01), accompanied by typical psoriatic histopathology. Elevated expressions of Ki-67, PCNA, GRP78, and XBP1s were observed in lesions (P<0.01, P<0.05). High- and low-dose GQHF interventions reduced PASI and Baker scores (P<0.01, P<0.05), with high-dose GQHF markedly downregulating GRP78, XBP1s, PCNA and Ki-67 (P<0.01, P<0.05). In HaCaT cells, compared with the blank group, the model group upregulated GRP78 and XBP1s (P<0.01) and increased IL-17A, IL-18 and IL-1β levels (P<0.05), high and low-dose interventions with GQHF drug-containing serum reduced the expression of GRP78, XBP1s and IL-17A, IL-18, IL-1β (P<0.01, P<0.05). Conclusion: GQHF alleviates psoriasis by inhibiting keratinocyte proliferation, modulating ERS, and attenuating inflammatory responses, providing novel insights into its therapeutic mechanisms.

Blood-letting by puncturing veins and qi-regulating by filiform needles are two important acupuncture techniques in the Huangdi Neijing. These two acupuncture methods not only emerged at different stages of the development of acupuncture, but also differ in the areas treated, mechanisms of action, and the associated theoretical frameworks that have been developed. Blood-letting by puncturing veins originated from the medical practice of ‘stone needles to invigorate the meridians’ and was inherited by early metal needles such as the scalpel needle, pointed needle, and sword needles, etc.. Qi-regulating by filiform needles matured during the period of highly developed metal needles, where filiform needles became the main body of the nine needles. Blood-letting method and qi-regulating method are respectively applied to blood vessels and fascia, then they have developed into two major theoretical systems. The transition from blood-letting to qi-regulating also reflects the evolution of the core concepts of acupuncture from tangible blood to intangible qi. Tracing back and analyzing the formation, evolution, and theoretical development of these two acupuncture methods can not only provide a clear understanding of the essential connotations of the core theories of acupuncture therapy, but also offer important insights into the research on the mechanisms of contemporary acupuncture effects and the biological essence of meridians.

As the cornerstone of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), Huangdi Neijing has been extensively integrated with conceptual metaphors in the process of its theoretical system construction. These conceptual metaphors are not only rhetoric at the linguistic level, but also substantively become the core framework of TCM theory. From the perspective of cognitive linguistics, this paper uses a series of image schema theories, such as container schema, up-down schema, start-path-target schema and so on, to profoundly analyze and systematically interpret the conceptual metaphor system in Huangdi Neijing. This paper aims to reveal the typological characteristics and logical laws of conceptual metaphors, and improve the overall grasp and understanding of TCM concepts and theories through interdisciplinary research methods.

The theory of triple yin yang system in the Huangdi Neijing has long lacked a clear systematic understanding and foundational model design. This paper, based on contextual correlation methods and process models, explores the triple yin yang system model from the perspective of energy transformation between humans and environment. By inferring the energy transformation among the three yang and restoring the way the three yin support the three yang, it ultimately establishes a process description method for triple yin yang system, forming a functional transformation model with quantifiable relationships. This model expresses the absorption-containment relationship of Taiyin and Yangming, the compression-release characteristics of Shaoyin and Taiyang, and the transmission-transformation function of Jueyin and Shaoyang. It demonstrates the proportional relationships among Yangming-three yang, Taiyang-two yang, and Shaoyang-one yang, as well as Taiyin-three yin, Shaoyin-one yin, and Jueyin-two yin. The model establishes a reasoning pathway for the consistency between triple yin yang system and the internal organs, meridians and pulse diagnosis, providing a supportive framework for further development of refined application models and serving diagnostic and therapeutic applications.

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is an important ‘window’ for delaying the progression of dementia, and early effective intervention for MCI is crucial in preventing dementia. The gut microbiota (GM) has been considered a new dawn for the individualized treatment of MCI. Based on the perspectives of various traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) practitioners and modern TCM syndrome-element research, kidney deficiency, qi deficiency, and blood stasis syndrome are regarded as the primary syndromes of MCI. This article explores the pathogenesis of MCI based on the TCM theory of ‘kidney-qi-blood’, and discusses the relationship between the pathogenesis of MCI in modern medicine and the GM. It aims to bridge classical TCM theories with modern pathogenesis to provide new insights for the pathogenesis and treatment of MCI.

Objective: Based on the theory of five-yun and six-qi, to analyze the incidence pattern of lumbar disc herniation (LDH) in Changchun area of Jilin Province and its high-incidence period and the correlation with meteorological factors. Methods: Clinical data of 21 163 LDH patients hospitalized in The Affiliated Hospital of Changchun University of Chinese Medicine from January 20, 2014 to January 19, 2024 and meteorological data of the same period were collected. Chi-square test was used to analyze the difference in the distribution of cases in different periods of five-yun and six-qi. Spearman correlation analysis was used to analyze the correlation between LDH incidence and meteorology, and Logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the meteorological factors that have a significant impact on LDH incidence in each main qi period. Results: LDH had a high incidence in the years of insufficient wood-yun, the main yun period of Taizhi, the guest yun period of Shaojiao, the main qi period of the third qi-Shaoyang Xianghuo, and the guest qi period of Yangming Zaojin. It was positively correlated with average temperature, maximum temperature, and minimum temperature (P<0.01), and negatively correlated with average atmospheric pressure and daily temperature difference (P<0.01). In different main qi periods, the onset in the initial qi period was closely related to average atmospheric pressure, average relative humidity, average wind speed, and temperature (P<0.05); the onset in the second qi period was closely related to rainfall, average relative humidity, and average wind speed (P<0.05); the onset in the fifth qi period was closely related to average atmospheric pressure, average relative humidity, rainfall, and temperature (P<0.05); the onset in the final qi period was closely related to temperature (P<0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that there were no independent influencing factors in the initial qi, third qi, and fourth qi periods. The morbidity of second qi period was negatively correlated with the average relative humidity (P<0.05). The morbidity of fifth qi period was positively correlated with the average atmospheric pressure (P<0.05). The morbidity of final qi period was positively correlated with minimum temperature and average relative humidity (P<0.05). Conclusion: The incidence of LDH in Changchun area may be affected by the changes of five-yun and six-qi and specific meteorological factors. Clinical prevention and treatment should focus on soothing the liver and softening the tendons, and pay attention to the invasion of external factors such as cold, dampness, and heat, as well as the changes of temperature, humidity, and atmospheric pressure in the main and guest qi periods.

Objective: To develop and validate a clinical prediction model for the pregnancy outcomes of acupuncture treatment in patients with diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) based on International Patient Registry Platform of Acupuncture-Moxibustion (IPRPAM). Methods: Clinical data from 206 DOR patients were collected from the IPRPAM and randomly divided into a training set and a validation set. A LASSO-Cox regression model was used to select influencing factors and establish the prediction model. Internal validation was performed, and the model was evaluated using the receiver operating characteristic curve and calibration curve. Results: Anti-müllerian hormone (AMH), basal follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), antral follicle count (AFC) and acupuncture frequency were identified as key influencing factors. For DOR patients undergoing acupuncture treatment, the area under the curve (AUC) values of the prediction model at 6, 12, and 18 months were 0.72, 0.83 and 0.91 in the training set, and 0.83, 0.85 and 0.90 in the validation set. The Brier Scores was 0.16 in the training set and 0.15 in the validation set, with the calibration curves demonstrating good consistency. Conclusion: The clinical prediction model for the impact of acupuncture on pregnancy outcomes in DOR patients, developed using the LASSO-Cox model, exhibits good clinical applicability.

Objective: To explore the clinical efficacy and medication patterns of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome differentiation treatment in the prevention and treatment of kidney damage in children with Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP) in the real world. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted, medical records of children diagnosed with HSP at the First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of CM and the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from January 2019 to December 2023 were collected. TCM syndrome differentiation treatment was considered as the exposure factor. Children and their families were divided into an exposed group (4 739 cases) and a non-exposed group (3 051 cases) based on whether they chose TCM syndrome differentiation treatment. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used, resulting in a matched sample of 3 051 children in each group, for a total of 6 102 children. Chi-square tests and other methods were used to evaluate the kidney damage status in both groups. Prescription data for children in the exposed group without kidney damage were included for association rule analysis, complex network analysis using IBM SPSS Modeler 18.0, Gephi 0.9.2. Results: The highest incidence of HSP was found in children aged 6 to 13 years (school-age), with a higher prevalence in males. The most common type of HSP was skin type, and among those with kidney damage, mixed-type HSP had the highest kidney damage rate. In the exposed group, there were 986 cases of kidney damage (kidney damage rate 32.32%), while in the non-exposed group, there were 1 241 cases (kidney damage rate 40.68%). The incidence of kidney damage in the exposed group was significantly lower than that in the non-exposed group (P<0.01), and the incidence of adverse reactions in the exposed group was significantly lower than in the non-exposed group (P<0.01). In the exposed group, the most common TCM syndrome type of HSP was blood heat and excessive movement. Association rule results showed that the highest support for two-drug combinations was Rehmannia Root and Moutan Cortex, and the three-drug combination was Rehmannia Root, Lithospermum and Moutan Cortex. The core drug combinations were Rehmannia Root, Moutan Cortex, Lithospermum, Radix Paeoniae Alba, Water Buffalo Horn and Rubia Cordifolia. Conclusion: TCM syndrome differentiation treatment can reduce the incidence of kidney damage and adverse reactions in children with HSP. The core drugs for treating HSP in children using TCM syndrome differentiation are Rehmannia Root, Moutan Cortex and Lithospermum.

Objective: To explore the possibility of five circuits and six qi constitution theory as a strategy for identifying susceptible population of myocardial infarction (MI) under short-term exposure to ambient particulate matter with diameter≤2.5 μm (PM_2.5) and extreme temperature event (ETE). Methods: Using epidemiological data of MI in Jiangsu, we applied a space-time-stratified case-crossover study design to estimate the independent and joint association of short-term exposure to ETE and PM_2.5 with hospital admission of MI in each five circuits and six qi constitution population. Subsequently, we developed a machine learning-based risk prediction model for MI. Results: Totaling 137 989 MI events were included. By applying conditional logistic regression and multiple causal inference methods, we observed that PM_2.5, ETE, PM_2.5-ETE showed constitution-specific causal effects on MI admission risk. The multi-modal machine learning-based risk prediction model which developed for the public and combined constitution and environment data showed excellent performance (validation set: AUROC=0.99; test set: AUROC=0.94) in identifying MI occurrence. Conclusion: The interdisciplinary application of this theory will be conducive to the development of public policies that improve cardiovascular health in the context of climate change.

Objective: To observe the mechanism by which modified Sanwu Huangqin Decoction in improving angiogenesis and inflammatory factors in subcutaneous tumor-bearing nude mice with liver cancer through the regulation of the HIF-1α/VEGF signaling pathway and p38, p65 expression. Methods: BALB/c-nu nude mice were randomly divided into control group, model group, low, medium, and high dose groups of modified Sanwu Huangqin Decoction, and compound Cantharidin Capsule group, with 10 mice in each group. Changes in biological characteristics of the nude mice were observed; pathological changes were observed by HE staining; protein expression levels and mRNA expression of HIF-1α/VEGF signaling pathway as well as p38 and p65 were detected by immunohistochemistry, Simple Western, and RT-qPCR. Results: Compared with the model group, the tumor tissue morphology of each dose groups of Sanwu Huangqin Decoction were loose and vacuolization were aggravated, the proteins and mRNA level of HIF-1α, VEGF, p38, and p65 were significantly reduced (P<0.01, P<0.05). Conclusion: Modified Sanwu Huangqin Decoction can improve inflammatory injury and angiogenesis in subcutaneous tumor-bearing nude mice with liver cancer, and its mechanism of action may be related to HIF-1α/VEGF signaling pathway and the expression of p38, p65.

Objective: To investigate the mechanism by Jiedu Quyu Ziyin Prescription ameliorates multi-organ damage in pristane-induced systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) mice by regulating M1/M2 macrophage polarization. Methods: Thirty BALB/c mice were divided into control group (intraperitoneal injection of PBS, n=6) and SLE model group (intraperitoneal injection of pristane, n=24). After successful modeling, it was randomly divided into the SLE group, Jiedu Quyu Ziyin Prescription group (36 g/kg), hormone group (Prednisone, 5 mg/kg), and Jiedu Quyu Ziyin Prescription combination hormone group, 6 mice in each group, with continuous intervention for 8 weeks. The proportions of M1/M2 macrophages in spleen, kidney, and joints were detected by flow cytometry; renal function (creatinine, blood urea nitrogen) was evaluated by biochemical analysis; renal pathology was observed by HE staining; neuropsychiatric symptoms were assessed by behavioral tests (forced swimming, tail suspension, open field); and potential targets were analyzed by network pharmacology. Results: Compared with the SLE group, the Jiedu Quyu Ziyin Prescription group and the Jiedu Quyu Ziyin Prescription combination hormone group significantly reduced the M1/M2 ratio in spleen, kidney and joints (P<0.01), improved renal function indicators (creatinine, blood urea nitrogen) (P<0.05, P<0.01), and alleviated anxiety/depression-like behaviors (reduced immobility time, increased movement distance) (P<0.01, P<0.05). Network pharmacology identified 405 common targets, with quercetin potentially intervening in macrophage differentiation by regulating targets, such as CASP8 and MMP9. Conclusion: Jiedu Quyu Ziyin Prescription alleviates multi-organ damage in SLE by inhibiting M1/M2 macrophage polarization. Its mechanism may be related to the regulation of macrophage differentiation pathways. Combined hormone therapy can effectively improve the condition, providing experimental evidence for the clinical strategy of ‘enhancing efficacy while reducing toxicity’.

Objective: To investigate the difference in chemical composition and lipid-lowering weight loss pharmacological effects among different types of tea. Methods: Ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with Q-exactive orbitrap mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-Exactive-Orbitrap-MS) was used for comprehensive characterization of the chemical constituents of different types of tea. A high-fat diet-induced hyperlipidemia rat model was established to measure body weight, Lee’s index and organ indices of rats. Biochemical methods were employed to detect levels of serum total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). ELISA was used to determine levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), leptin, and adiponectin (ADPN). HE staining and oil red O staining were applied to examine pathological changes in liver and fat tissues. Results: A total of 48 chemical components were identified across six types of tea, 24 chemical components were their consensus elements, with Rizhao green tea having the highest number of identified components at 44. Furthermore, Rizhao green tea showed the efficacy in intervention for hyperlipidemia: Compared with the model group, the growth rate of body mass and Lee’s index in rats was the lowest (P<0.01), serum TC,TG, LDL-C, leptin and NEFA levels were significantly reduced (P<0.01), and liver tissue IL-6, TNF-α and serum ALT and AST levels were significantly reduced (P<0.01). Conclusion: The chemical components of different types of tea showes significant differences. Rizhao green tea, with its rich chemical composition and notable lipid-lowering and weight-loss effects, demonstrates high development potential, to provide an important basis for the research and development of functional tea-based health products.

The person takes the essence of innocence, and qi is divided into yin and yang. The three yin and three yang in Huangdi Neijing have the significance and value of the root theory, and the five elements are often regarded as an important tool to understand the genus and change of things. Yin and yang and five elements can transform to six qi which were concluded wind, cold, heat, dry fire, which is the foundation of six yuan, and is the core of building a harmonious system of nature, earth and human. In later time, Shanghan Lun also established the six channels theory of three yin and three yang, and six channels contain six yuan of qi. So this paper try from the theoly of nonlinear system control and non-equilibrium thermodynamic, with temperature and negative entropy as the main variable to build the ‘five elements gasification’ model, the greater yang cold water, yang brightness dry gold, lesser yang phase fire, greater yin wet soil, lesser yin jun fire, reverting yin wind wood are unified with the five elements and six qi of yin and yang, and further explore the feasibility of the five lines of gasification model to predict and treat diseases, deepen the ‘five elements gasification’ of traditional Chinese medicine.

‘Rites’ is the core of Chinese traditional culture, and the ritual cultivation is an important element and method of Confucianism for the achievement of inner sainthood and outer kingship. Cultivation begins with rituals and etiquette, and practicing rituals can nourish righteousness, change the nature of the mind, and lead to a deep understanding of human life activities. This paper starts from the nature of rituals and shows that rituals are connected with primitive morality, and that primitive morality is the same primitive qi in the human body as in heaven and earth. By elaborating the mechanism of the influence of ritual cultivation on human life activities, it shows that practicing rituals can regulate the form of the body and normalize the communication and transformation with the natural qi, thus changing the body’s qi, so that the three elements of the human body’s form, qi and spirit are coordinated with each other, and an orderly balance of life activities is achieved.

Objective: To investigate the clinical efficacy and safety of Premenstrual Shu Granules in the treatment of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) with liver stagnation and qi stagnation syndrome, and to explore its possible mechanism of action. Methods: A total of 60 patients with PMS were divided into 40 cases in the experimental group and 20 cases in the control group according to the ratio of 2∶1 between the experimental group and the control group. The experimental group was given Premenstrual Shu Granules, and the control group was given premenstrual suffix granules simulant. All of them started to take the drug 7 days before menstruation, took the drug for 7 days, treated 3 menstrual cycles, and followed up 3 menstrual cycles. The changes of clinical efficacy, DRSP score, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) pattern score, individual TCM symptom points and safety indexes before and after treatment were compared between the two groups. Results: The total effective rates of the experimental group and the control group were 95.00% (38/40) and 85.00% (17/20), respectively, and the experimental group was better than the control group (P<0.05). After 3 months of treatment, the DRSP score and TCM pattern score of the experimental group were lower than those of the control group (P<0.01), the experimental group was better than the control group in improving the symptoms of premenstrual breast, nipple tenderness, premenstrual depression, depression, loss of appetite, premenstrual headache and insomnie (P<0.05), the serum levels of E₂ and PRL in the experimental group affter treatanent were lower than those in the control group (P<0.05), and the serum P was higher than that of the control group (P<0.01), and there was no significant difference between the indexes and the normal group. There was no abnormality in the safety indexes before and after treatment in the two groups. Conclusion: Premenstrual Shu Granules can effectively treat PMS with liver stagnation and qi stagnation syndrome, improve clinical symptoms and signs, correct endocrine disorders, and have good safety.

Objective: To detect and analyze the correlation between cognitive impairment and intestinal flora change in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) rats and the regulatory effect of acupuncture, and to explore the effect mechanism of acupuncture at the acupoints for ‘Yizhi Tiaoshen’ in AD. Methods: The AD model was replicated by intrabitoneal injection of D-galactose combined with hippocampal CA1 injection of Okadaic acid. The model was then randomly divided into the following groups: control group, sham operation group, model group, medication group, and acupuncture group. The medication group received gavage treatment with Donepezil hydrochloride solution, while the acupuncture group underwent treatment of the acupuncture at the acupoints for ‘Yizhi Tiaoshen’. Cognitive function was assessed using Morris water maze, changes in intestinal flora were detected using 16S rRNA technology, and Pearson correlation analysis was conducted to examine the relationship between bacterial genera with significant differences in abundance and cognitive function. Results: Compared with the sham operation group, the escape latency of the model group was prolonged (P<0.05), the residence time in the original platform quadrant and the number of crossing the original platform were reduced (P<0.05); α diversity of intestinal flora increased (P<0.05); the distribution of β diversity of intestinal flora in model group was more dispersed than that in control group and sham operation group; the abundances of Bacteroidota increased and Firmicutes decreased (P<0.05); the abundances of Prevotella, Prevotellaceae_NK3B31_group and Prevotellaceae_UCG-001 increased, while the abundances of Clostridia_UCG-014 and Muribaculaceae decreased (P<0.05). Compared with model group, the escape latency of medication group and acupuncture group was shortened (P<0.05), and the residence time in the original platform quadrant and the number of crossing the original platform were increased (P<0.05); α diversity of intestinal flora decreased (P<0.05); β diversity of intestinal flora in medication group and acupuncture group overlapped, which was close to that of control group and sham operation group; the abundances of Bacteroidota decreased and Firmicutes increased (P<0.05); the abundances of Prevotella, Prevotellaceae_NK3B31_group and Prevotellaceae_UCG-001 decreased, while the abundances of Ruminococcus increased (P<0.05). There was no statistical significance between acupuncture group and medication group. Pearson correlation analysis showed that the abundances of Bacteroidota, Prevotella, Prevotellaceae_UCG-001 and Prevotellaceae_NK3B31_group were negatively correlated with cognitive function (P<0.05), while the abundances of Firmicutes were positively correlated with cognitive function (P<0.05). Conclusion: The structure of intestinal flora in AD rats is obviously unbalanced, with abnormal changes in diversity and abundance, and there is a certain correlation with cognitive impairment. Acupuncture at the acupoints for ‘Yizhi Tiaoshen’ can significantly improve the cognitive function of AD rats, and its mechanism may be related to regulating and restoring the intestinal microecological balance.

Health preservation taboo is one of the important contents of traditional Chinese medicine life-cultivation. When practicing health preservation, it is essential to emphasize not only the ‘suitable’ aspects but also the ‘taboo’ to achieve the goals of disease prevention and longevity. Qian Jin Fang written by SUN Simiao records detailed and practical ways of health preservation, especially the thought and methods of health preservation taboo, which still provide valuable references for people’s health care today. This paper summarizes the principles of health preservation taboo contained in SUN Simiao’s Qian Jin Fang into three aspects: self-caution and fear, pursuing benefits and avoiding harm, and cautious avoidance. It also analyzes and summarizes health-preserving taboo methods from the perspectives of mental sentiment, four-season daily life, diet and bait, qi regulation and guidance, and miscellaneous health taboos, aiming to provide theoretical and experiential references for modern people to maintain health and prolong life.

Objective: To investigate whether Qingfei Jiedu Huatan Formula (QJHF) can improve lung and intestinal damage in severe pneumonia (SP) rats by inhibiting the activation of nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain, leucine-rich repeat and pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome. Methods: A total of 180 SPF rats were divided into five groups: Control, Model, QJHF, QJHF+MCC950, and Moxifloxacin. A SP rat model was established via tracheal intubation and instillation of Klebsiella pneumoniae solution. MCC950 was administered intraperitoneally to the rats one hour before model induction. The QJHF and QJHF+MCC950 groups received QJHF, while the Moxifloxacin group received Moxifloxacin. All treatments were administered orally for one week. To evaluate lung tissue inflammatory injury, we measured arterial blood oxygen tension (PaO₂), PaO₂/FiO₂, examined lung morphology, and performed HE staining. Claudin-4, ZO-1, Occludin1, NLRP3, ASC, and Caspase-1 (p10) proteins in intestinal tissues were detected by Western Blot. NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1 (p10), IL-18 and IL-1β in lung tissues were assessed by immunohistochemical staining. IL-18 and IL-1β in intestinal tissues were measured by ELISA. Results: Compared to the Control group, the arterial PaO₂ and PaO₂/FiO₂ of rats in the Model group were significantly decreased (P<0.01), pulmonary consolidation and inflammatory infiltration increased, lung injury scores significantly rose (P<0.01), and the expression of Claudin-4, ZO-1 and Occludin-1 proteins in intestinal tissues markedly decreased (P<0.01), in contrast, the expression of NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1 (p10), IL-18, and IL-1β in lung and intestinal tissues significantly increased (P<0.01). Compared to the Model group, on the 4th and 7th days of treatment in each medication group, PaO₂ and PaO₂/FiO₂ significantly increased (P<0.01, P<0.05), pulmonary inflammatory infiltration improved, lung injury scores significantly decreased (P<0.01), the expression of Claudin-4, ZO-1 and Occludin-1 proteins in intestinal tissues significantly increased (P<0.01, P<0.05), and the expression of NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1 (p10), IL-18, and IL-1β significantly decreased (P<0.01, P<0.05). Conclusion: QJHF can effectively treat SP, which is associated with the inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome activation, the reduction of inflammatory responses in lung and intestinal tissues, and the improvement of intestinal mucosal barrier function.