The Influence of Time Rhythm and Immune System on the Pathogenesis of Ulcerative Colitis from "Theory of Wei Qi "
10.13288/j.11-2166/r.2025.03.005
- VernacularTitle:从卫气理论探讨时间节律与免疫系统对溃疡性结肠炎发病的影响
- Author:
Xiaosi ZHANG
1
;
Anqi YANG
1
;
Lei SHI
2
;
Junxiang LI
2
Author Information
1. Beijing University of Chinese Medicine，Beijing，100029
2. Dongfang Hospital，Beijing University of Chinese Medicine
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
ulcerative colitis;
theory of wei qi;
time rhythm;
circadian rhythm;
immune system
- From:
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine
2025;66(3):238-243
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
The movement of wei qi （defensive qi） follows the circadian rhythm of "circulating on the yang during the day， and on the yin at night" and serves a defensive function to "protect the body". Guided by the theory of wei qi， it is believed that time rhythms and the immune system play significant roles in the pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis （UC）. Dysfunction in wei qi circulation， particularly when "yang fails to enter yin，" can lead to the onset of UC； the cyclical nature of wei qi's movement results in disease patterns characterized by "morning relief， daytime stability， evening aggravation， and nighttime worsening"， which align with the rhythmic characteristics of immune responses. The defensive function of wei qi is crucial in maintaining intestinal immunity of patients with UC， and the spleen and stomach， which are the sources of wei qi， are key to sustaining intestinal mucosal immune homeostasis； additionally， obstruction in the ascending and descending movements of wei qi， internal disruption， and latent pathogen in the intestines lead to the development of UC. Based on the theory of wei qi， treatment approaches for UC are proposed， including time-based dietary adjustments and chronotherapy to harmonize human activities with natural rhythms； these approaches emphasize protecting the spleen and stomach while also considering the lungs and kidneys， balancing sanjiao， and harmonizing ying qi and wei qi， so as to improve the clinical effectiveness of UC treatment.
