Treatment of depression based on the theory of " liver disease affecting to the spleen"
10.3969/j.issn.1006-2157.2025.02.010
- VernacularTitle:基于“肝病传脾”理论论治抑郁症
- Author:
Siyi WANG
1
;
Jingchun LI
1
;
Shaozhen JI
1
;
Shuaihang HU
2
;
Tianle ZHENG
1
;
Fei WANG
1
;
Qianqi WANG
1
;
Jiaxiu LI
1
;
Rongjuan GUO
1
Author Information
1. The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine
2. Guang anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
depression;
liver disease affecting to the spleen;
comorbidity of body and spirit;
strengthen the liver and reinforce the spleen
- From:
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine
2025;48(2):216-222
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
The " liver disease affecting to the spleen" theory first appeared in Nanjing and was further elaborated in Jingui Yaolue. This theory encapsulates the traditional Chinese medicine principles of the " unity of the five viscera" and the " preventive treatment of disease" . The theory emphasizes that the spleen is the pivotal point where depression may progress from a functional disorder to an organic disease. The liver governs the emotions and qi flow, whereas the spleen is responsible for qi, blood, and body. In the early stages of the disease, emotional disorders and qi flow disorders primarily affect the liver, manifesting as depression or low mood. As the condition progresses, the liver (Wood) overacts on the spleen (Earth), disrupting liver and spleen functions and causing qi and blood disharmony. This stage is marked by fatigue and psychomotor retardation. Prolonged illness depletes qi and blood, eventually involving all five viscera, disrupting the harmony of the five spirits, and affecting both body and spirit. At this advanced phase, intense emotional distress or agitation often arises, accompanied by a heightened risk of suicide. The disease progression follows a dynamic " qi-blood-spirit" pattern, in which depression begins in the liver, characterized by qi stagnation, then affects the spleen, involving blood disharmony. In later stages, the disease eventually affects all viscera, with profound effects on both physical and mental health. Treatment strategies should align with the disease stage. Early intervention should focus on regulating the flow of qi, treating the liver, and strengthening the spleen. In the middle stages, qi and blood should be harmonized while promoting the harmonized functions of the liver and spleen. In the later stages, treatment should harmonize the five viscera to restore balance between body and spirit. Guided by this theory, integrating modern medical understanding of the progression of depression from emotional to somatic symptoms and adopting a stage-based approach to treatment in clinical practice can yield effective therapeutic outcomes for managing depression and related disorders.
- Full text:2025032114162001087Treatment of depression based on the theory of _ liver disease affecting to the spleen_.pdf
