Exploring the pathogenesis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children from the perspectives of traditional Chinese medicine, the Book of Changes, and the Kan-Li
10.3969/j.issn.1006-2157.2025.03.001
- VernacularTitle:医易及坎离视域下儿童注意缺陷多动障碍病机探微
- Author:
Kangning ZHOU
1
;
Junhong WANG
1
Author Information
1. Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
children;
the Book of Changes;
attention deficit hyperactivity disorder;
pathogenesis
- From:
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine
2025;48(3):297-302
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Many ancient physicians emphasized the shared origins of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and the Book of Changes, which are both deeply rooted in yin and yang transformations. While the Book of Changes explores alterations in yin and yang, TCM focuses on their manifestations in the human body. Based on these shared origins, this paper examines attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) treatment in children through the perspectives of TCM, the Book of Changes, and the Kan-Li. This study integrates children′s unique physiological characteristics and emphasizes the pivotal role of the four zang viscera: the heart, kidney, spleen, and liver. In TCM, the kidney governs water metabolism and shares an intricate, interdependent relationship with the heart. Understanding the kidney′s functions and clinical implications necessitates accounting for its connection with the heart. Similarly, therapeutic interventions that nourish the kidney inherently involve heart regulation, reflecting the principle of the mutual rooting of water and fire through the interplay of Kan (water) and Li (fire). This fundamental view of TCM resonates with the natural laws of the universe and the interplay between Heaven and Earth. The heart occupies the upper position, whereas the kidney resides below. Kidney yin ascends to nourish the heart, whereas heart fire descends to warm the kidney, embodying a vital heart-kidney interaction essential for sustaining life. Based on the physiological characteristics of children, the heart qi tends to be hyperactive, kidney qi and spleen qi are frequently insufficient, and liver qi often displays hyperactivity. This study suggests that the pathogenesis of ADHD involves kidney essence insufficiency and spleen yang deficiency. Furthermore, the homogeny of the liver and kidney implies that kidney deficiency can result in upper hyperactivity of liver yang, leading to yin-yang disharmony. Treatment for ADHD in children should focus on invigorating the spleen and kidney, as well as tonifying and replenishing the liver and kidney, to reestablish Kan-Li equilibrium. This approach addresses the underlying pathophysiology, alleviates ADHD symptoms, and facilitates recovery. Ultimately, it promotes a return to the child′s innate state of balance and vitality.
- Full text:2025041715264818383Exploring the pathogenesis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children from the perspectives of traditional Chinese medicine, the Book of Changes, and the Kan-Li.pdf
