Etiology,pathogenesis,syndrome differentiation,and treatment of neuro-endocrine-immune system imbalance in depression based on the"excessive vitality leading to restraint and counter-regulation(Kang Hai Cheng Zhi)"theory
10.3969/j.issn.1006-2157.2025.07.003
- VernacularTitle:基于"亢害承制"理论探讨抑郁症神经-内分泌-免疫系统失衡的因机证治
- Author:
Jiaxi TONG
1
;
Yidi WANG
;
Aixin LI
;
Yanru SUN
;
Wenzhi HAO
;
Zhe XUE
;
Yueyun LIU
;
Yueyue CHEN
;
Jiaxu CHEN
Author Information
1. 北京中医药大学中医学院 北京 100029
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
depression;
excessive vitality leading to restraint and counter-regulation(Kang Hai Cheng Zhi);
neuro-endocrine-immune system
- From:
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine
2025;48(7):903-908
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Depression is closely associated with a neuro-endocrine-immune(NEI)system imbalance.The"excessive vitality leading to restraint and counter-regulation(Kang Hai Cheng Zhi)"theory elucidates the self-regulating mechanism for maintaining dynamic equilibrium in the body,and serves as an importance principle guiding treatment formulation and medication selection.Based on the correlation between NEI system imbalance and the traditional Chinese medicine pathogenesis of depression,and integrating the"Kang Hai Cheng Zhi"theory,the author posits that the pathogenesis of depression lies in overactive liver invading spleen,earth dampness impeding wood′s ascendancy,and disharmony between body and mind,as well as imbalance in storage and discharge functions of liver and kidney,disharmony between Yin and Yang,and disrupted counter-regulation.This dosely aligns with two key pathological methanisms at the micro level:microglial-limbic system homeostatic imbalance and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis-inflammatory circuit dysregulation.Clinically,the treatment principle for depression adheres to supporting the counter-regulation to restrain excess,with herbal interventions using strategies such as restraining wood to support earth,dredging earth to unblock wood,and harmonizing pivotal functions,as well as nourishing water to nurture wood,warming kidney to tonify liver,and relieving depression to calm the spirit.These approaches aim to regulate the liver,spleen,and kidney,embodying the core therapeutic tenet of"striving for equilibrium,"thereby restoring the body′s self-regulating capability.
