Exploring the pathogenesis and treatment methods of irritable bowel syndrome from the
- VernacularTitle:从“膜腠三焦”理论探析肠易激综合征的病机与治法
- Author:
Yan XU
1
;
Fang YANG
2
;
Rongshi SHAO
2
;
Huili SUN
2
;
Juan LI
1
;
Xin CHEN
1
;
Jing HAN
1
Author Information
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords: sanjiao composed by membrane-striae; fascia; irritable bowel syndrome; CHEN Chaozu; pathogenesis; treatment methods
- From: Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;49(1):10-15
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
- Abstract: This article adopts Professor CHEN Chaozu′s " sanjiao composed by membrane-striae" theory as its foundation to explore the relationship between irritable bowel syndrome and functional/structural abnormalities of the membrane-striae. Sanjiao encompasses both the tangible membrane and the intangible striae. These striae permeate the entire body，and their pathological changes comprehensively reflect qi，body fluids，and fasciae. Based on the physiological function of the membrane-striae in regulating qi and fluids，the pathogenesis of irritable bowel syndrome is characterized by a disharmony of membrane-striae and an imbalance of the qi-fluid interactions. In the early stage，external pathogens，emotional factors，or dietary stimuli often cause membrane-striae constriction and disordered qi-fluid circulation. In the middle stage，stagnant fluids gradually transform into phlegm retention，leading to membrane-striae obstruction. In the late stage，deficiency of vital qi becomes predominant，manifesting as laxity of membrane-striae with impaired control or weakened conduction. The treatment of irritable bowel syndrome should adopt " unblocking" as the guiding principle. In the early stage，therapy should focus on eliminating pathogenic factors and soothing membrane-striae to promptly restore qi-fluid circulation，thereby attaining unblocking through spasm relief. In the middle stage，treatment should focus on resolving tangible obstructions in membrane-striae，achieving unblocking via dredging. In the late stage，the emphasis should shift to reinforcing healthy qi，particularly by strengthening spleen-kidney yang qi，and achieving unblocking through supplementation. Concurrently，throughout the entire treatment process，the regulation of mental state and easing of emotional tension should be integrated to alleviate patient′s anxiety，achieving the goal of holistic treatment of both body and mind.
