Research Progress on the Scientific Connotation of the Theory of Five Spirit-Organs in Traditional Chinese Medicine
- VernacularTitle:中医五神藏理论科学内涵的研究进展
- Author:
Sici WANG
1
;
Hongxiao JIA
Author Information
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords: Mental diseases; Five spirit-organs; Scientific connotation; Research progress
- From: World Science and Technology-Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;27(11):3091-3099
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
- Abstract: The theory of Five Spirit-Organs in TCM originates from the"five Zang-organs storing spirit"in"Huangdi Neijing",constructing a regulatory system for mental activities centered on the unity of form and spirit,which includes the heart storing spirit,liver storing soul,spleen storing intention,lung storing corporeal soul,and kidney storing will.By connecting mental activities with the functions of the five Zang-organs through the symbolic thinking of the Five Elements,this theory provides a systematic framework for the qualitative and positional diagnosis of mental symptoms,and its research holds theoretical and clinical significance for breaking through the bottlenecks in the diagnosis and treatment of mental diseases in TCM.This review summarized the multi-dimensional research progress on the scientific connotation of the theory,finding that psychological studies have confirmed the correlation between dysfunction of the five Zang-organs and psychological abnormalities such as attention disorders.Neurobiological research has provided neuroscientific evidence for the"Zang-spirit-brain"mapping via imaging and neurotransmitter detection.And clinical practice has shown the unique advantage of"simultaneous regulation of form and spirit"in the management of mental diseases(anxiety,depression,etc.)and organic diseases complicated with mental symptoms based on the differentiation of five spirit-organs.Current research faces controversies and bottlenecks such as the integration of TCM and Western medicine theories,requiring future construction of a modern interpretive system through interdisciplinary technologies to promote the standardization and internationalization of the theory.
