Application of Aromatic Inhalation Therapy in Preventing Respiratory Infectious Diseases Based on the Theory of "Aromatics Acting on the Spleen"
10.13288/j.11-2166/r.2025.04.018
- VernacularTitle:基于“香入脾”理论探析芳香服气法在预防呼吸道传染病中的应用
- Author:
Xinxin WU
1
;
Yue ZHANG
1
;
Xiaolei LI
1
;
Haoyue LI
2
;
Fang ZHANG
1
;
Nanjiang YU
1
;
ZHAOJING
1
Author Information
1. Institute of Basic Research in Clinical Medicine，China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences，Beijing，100700
2. International Cooperation Department，China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
respiratory infectious diseases;
aromatic inhalation therapy;
aromatics acting on the spleen;
immune function
- From:
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine
2025;66(4):432-436
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Aromatic inhalation therapy is a key traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） approach for preventing respiratory infectious diseases. Its foundational theory， "aromatics acting on the spleen"， is deeply rooted in TCM principles and supported by modern medical research. The theory posits that the aromatic properties of medicinals primarily act on the spleen， and the aromatic inhalation therapy achieved its protective effects by modulation of the spleen and spleen channel to enhance the regulation of wei qi， striae and interstices. In TCM， the spleen is considered the mother of the lungs， with the function of nurturing lung； it is also seen as the source of wei qi， responsible for external defense； and the root of healthy qi， forming the foundation of acquired （postnatal） constitution. Thus， preventive strategies for respiratory infectious diseases focus on strengthening the spleen. From a modern medical perspective， the spleen's role in regulating lung immune responses， the shared immune functions of the respiratory and gastrointestinal mucosa， and the spleen's overall immune modulation provide scientific evidence for using aromatic inhalation therapy to prevent respiratory infections. Additionally， aromatic inhalation therapy offers several advantages， including direct action， rapid onset， minimal side effects， controllable risks， convenience， and ease of dissemination， making it a practical and effective preventive measure for respiratory infectious diseases.
