Differentiating and Treating Neurodermatitis from the Perspective of "Struggle Between Metal and Wood"
10.13288/j.11-2166/r.2026.19.016
- VernacularTitle:从“金木相争”辨治神经性皮炎
- Author:
Kun YU
1
;
Haiwei HAN
1
;
Qixuan WANG
1
;
Deyou JIANG
1
Author Information
1. Heilongjiang University of Traditional Chinese Medicine，Harbin，150000
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
neurodermatitis;
struggle between metal and wood;
softening wood;
clearing metal;
nourishing water
- From:
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine
2026;67(19):2130-2134
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Based on the theories of the generation and restriction relationships among the five elements and visceral manifestation theory， this paper explores the pathological evolution of the relationship between lung （metal） and liver （wood）， in which their physiological state of "restriction without harm" to pathological mutual contention and damage， referred to as "struggle between metal and wood". It is proposed that the core pathogenesis of neurodermatitis lies in the dynamic transformation of metal-wood interaction from mutual coordination to mutual struggle， eventually resulting in reciprocal damage. This pathological evolution accounts for the coexistence of pruritus and lichenification， as well as the chronic and refractory nature of the disease. Treatment should be guided by the principle of regulating and harmonizing between metal and wood. Wood is treated by softening to restore its free coursing， using modified Xiaoyao Powder （逍遥散）. Metal is treated by dispersing， descending， moistening， and nourishing to restore its characteristics of clarity， purification， and moistness， using modified Xiebai Powder （泻白散） supplemented with leaf-type herbs and other moistening agents to relieve dryness. When metal becomes depleted and wood withers， accompanied by blood deficiency with wind-dryness， treatment should emphasize the mutual generation between metal and water， and the nourishment of water to moisten wood， using self-formulated Wuzi Chengji Decoction （五子承济汤）， so as to reestablish the generation and restriction relationship.
