1.A Preliminary Discussion on the Method of Regulating Qi and Calming the Mind
Dongsen HU ; Hongyan WANG ; Liyuan WANG ; Shuangqing ZHAI
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(9):1012-1016
Based on the theoretical framework of the core concepts of the Inner Canon of Yellow Emperor (《黄帝内经》), this paper systematically elucidates the connotations of the mind and qi in traditional Chinese medicine and their interrelationship, and proposes the method of regulating qi and calming the mind. It emphasizes that the mind represents the outward manifestation of life phenomena and their underlying laws, while qi encompasses both a material foundation and functional dynamics. Mind and qi are jointly expressed in life activities through observable manifestations. In clinical practice, image-based thinking should be adopted, integrating theories such as yin-yang, the five elements, and essence-qi, to construct a diagnostic and therapeutic model of "manifestation-mechanism-syndrome-treatment". Treatment should be carried out from four aspects which include regulating body and constitution, recti-fying qi movement, calming the mind changes, and stabilizing emotional states. Moreover, it is necessary to take into account the coordinated regulation of both body and mind, as well as the maintenance of dynamic balance, to select appropriate formulas and medications.
2.A Preliminary Discussion on the Method of Regulating Qi and Calming the Mind
Dongsen HU ; Hongyan WANG ; Liyuan WANG ; Shuangqing ZHAI
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(9):1012-1016
Based on the theoretical framework of the core concepts of the Inner Canon of Yellow Emperor (《黄帝内经》), this paper systematically elucidates the connotations of the mind and qi in traditional Chinese medicine and their interrelationship, and proposes the method of regulating qi and calming the mind. It emphasizes that the mind represents the outward manifestation of life phenomena and their underlying laws, while qi encompasses both a material foundation and functional dynamics. Mind and qi are jointly expressed in life activities through observable manifestations. In clinical practice, image-based thinking should be adopted, integrating theories such as yin-yang, the five elements, and essence-qi, to construct a diagnostic and therapeutic model of "manifestation-mechanism-syndrome-treatment". Treatment should be carried out from four aspects which include regulating body and constitution, recti-fying qi movement, calming the mind changes, and stabilizing emotional states. Moreover, it is necessary to take into account the coordinated regulation of both body and mind, as well as the maintenance of dynamic balance, to select appropriate formulas and medications.
3.A Preliminary Discussion on TONG Xiaolin's "Eight-Dimensional Materia Medica Framework" Theory
Dongsen HU ; Linhua ZHAO ; Lili ZHANG ;
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(4):360-364
This paper introduces the "eight-dimensional materia medica framework" theory proposed by Professor TONG Xiaolin and, in light of his academic perspectives and clinical experience, explores its inheritance and innovation of the concept of "four pillars of medicinals" by ZHANG Jiebin of Ming-dynasty from multiple angles. Building upon the four foundational medicinals, Renshen (Panax ginseng), Shudihuang (Rehmannia glutinosa Praeparata), Fuzi (Aconitum carmichaelii Praeparata), and Dahuang (Rheum palmatum), as the "four pillars of medicinals", and using eight-principle pattern differentiation framework, this theory expands the representative medicinals to eight. It establishes the "eight-dimensional materia medica framework", i.e. exterior-Mahuang (Ephedra sinica), interior-Rougui (Cinnamomum cassia), cold-Huanglian (Coptis chinensis), heat-Ganjiang (Zingiber officinale), deficiency-Renshen (Panax ginseng), excess-Dahuang (Rheum palmatum), yin-Shudihuang (Rehmannia glutinosa Praeparata), and yang-Fuzi (Aconitum carmichaelii Praeparata). This framework highlights the pivotal roles of these eight medicinals in the treatment of exterior and interior patterns, cold and heat syndromes, deficiency and excess conditions, as well as yin deficiency and yang deficiency. Integrated with the state-target differentiation and treatment theory, this approach enriches the traditional actions of the eight representative medicinals by incorporating findings from modern pharmacological research, achieving a transition from macroscopic regulation of pathological states to microscopic target-oriented intervention. Furthermore, through investigations into dose-effect relationships and the expansion of principles for herbal compatibility, the clinical practicality of the "eight-dimensional materia medica framework" is further demonstrated, promoting the integrative development of Chinese and western medicine at the level of clinical application of Chinese materia medica.
4.The Impact of "Two Reconstructions" Theoretical Framework on Improving the Clinical Efficacy of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Dongsen HU ; Linhua ZHAO ; Pengfei XIE ; Rumeng TANG ; Xing HANG ; Ling ZHOU ; Xiangyuan ZHANG ; Lili ZHANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(23):2401-2405
By reconstructing the integrated Chinese and western medicine diagnostic and treatment system, the "Two Reconstructions" theoretical framework establishes a standardized pathway of "classification-staging-syndrome differentiation", which improves the accuracy of disease identification and strengthens the capacity for full-course intervention; in addition, by reconstructing the modern materia medica system, it innovatively integrates the traditional properties and efficacy of Chinese herbal medicinals with modern pharmacological mechanisms, forming a "state-target co-regulation" precise medication model, and builds a dose-effect theoretical system for prescriptions and medicinals, thereby enhancing both the targeting accuracy and dosage precision of therapeutic interventions. The "Two Reconstructions" theorecitcal framework is a key strategy for enhancing clinical efficacy. It can precisely identify "states" and "targets" for directed intervention, shift the focus of prevention and treatment earlier to enable full-cycle management, establish standardized paradigms for reproducible and evaluable efficacy, and expand the scope of clinical practice to address conditions without typical syndromes and critical illnesses. As a systematic pathway for innovation in TCM, this theoretical framework provides valuable insights and references for promoting the high-quality development of integrative Chinese and western medicine.
5.Experience of Professor ZHAI Shuangqing in Using Metal and Mineral Medicines to Treat Mental Disorders Based on Xiang Thinking
Dongsen HU ; Liyuan WANG ; Hongyan WANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(5):453-457
This paper summarizes Professor ZHAI Shuangqing's clinical experience in using metal and mineral medicines to treat mental disorders. Based on xiang thinking, the symptoms of mental disorders are classified into five categories, depression-xiang, wind-xiang, fire-xiang, phlegm-xiang, and deficiency-xiang, and the mechanisms of disease development are discussed accordingly. Metal and mineral medicines are key treatments for mental disorders, not only having the function of calming the mind but also promoting qi, stabilizing wind, expelling evil, and tonifying. In clinical practice, the emphasis is placed on harmonizing the disease and its symptoms. Based on self-developed prescription formulas, the appropriate metal and mineral medicines are selected according to the properties, flavors, meridian tropism, and actions of the medicines, as well as the xiang patterns of the mental disorder. For example, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is treated by Modified Xiehuang Powder (泻黄散) with Sijunzi Decoction (四君子汤) and adding Fulonggan (Testudinis Carapax) and Longgu (Os Draconis). Persistent insomnia is treated by combining a self-developed insomnia formula with Longgu (Os Draconis), Hupo (Succinum), and Cishi (Magnetitum). Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is treated by combining a self-developed OCD formula with Longchi (Dens Draconis), Qingmengshi (Fluoritum), and Zheshi (Haematitum). Epilepsy is treated by combining an anti-epilepsy decoction with Qingmengshi (Fluoritum), Longchi (Dens Draconis), and Shengtieluo (Ferrum Rudis).
6.Textual Research on Classical Formula Mulisan
Dongsen HU ; Xiangyang ZHANG ; Canran XIE ; Jiawei SHI ; Ziyi WANG ; Zhuoyan ZHOU ; Lin ZHANG ; Yexin CHEN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(7):191-200
The classic formula Mulisan is the 45th of the 93 formulas in the Catalogue of Ancient Classic Formulas (second batch) of Han medicine published by the National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine. It consists of Ostreae Concha, Astragali Radix, Ephedrae Radix et Rhizoma, and wheat, with the effect of replenishing qi and stopping sweating. It is a common formula in the clinical treatment with traditional Chinese medicine. This study analyzes the historical evolution, composition, dosage, original plants and their processing methods, decocting method, efficacy, indications, and modern clinical application of Mulisan by tracing, comparative analysis, and bibliometric methods. The results showed that Mulisan firstly appeared in the Pulse Classic written by WANG Shuhe in the Western Jin Dynasty. The formulation idea can be traced back to the Important Prescriptions Worth a Thousand Gold for Emergency in the Tang Dynasty. The herb composition, dosage, efficacy, and indications of Mulisan were first recorded in the Treatise on Diseases, Patterns, and formulas Related to Unification of the Three Etiologies in the Southern Song dynasty. In terms of original plants and their processing methods, Ostreae Concha is the shell of Ostrea rivularis, which should be calcined before use. Astragali Radix and Ephedrae Radix et Rhizoma are the dried roots of Astragalus membranaceus var. mongholicus and Ephedra sinica, respectively, the raw material of which should be used. Wheat is the dried mature fruit of T. aestivum, which can be used without processing, while the stir-fried fruit, being thin and deflated, demonstrates better effect. The composition of Mulisan is Ostreae Concha 8.26 g, Astragali Radix 8.26 g, Ephedrae Radix et Rhizoma 8.26 g, and wheat 7.92 g. The medicinal materials should be ground into coarse powder and decocted with 450 mL water to reach a volume of 240 mL, and the decoction should be taken warm. In modern clinical practice, Mulisan has a wide range of indications, including spontaneous sweating and night sweating caused by Yang deficiency or Qi deficiency. The clinical disease spectrum treated by Mulisan involves endocrine system diseases, neurological diseases, respiratory system diseases, and cancer. This formula plays a significant role in the treatment of internal medicine diseases in traditional Chinese medicine. This study aims to provide a scientific basis for the subsequent research, development, and clinical application of Mulisan.
7.Textual Research on Classical Formula Mulisan
Dongsen HU ; Xiangyang ZHANG ; Canran XIE ; Jiawei SHI ; Ziyi WANG ; Zhuoyan ZHOU ; Lin ZHANG ; Yexin CHEN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(7):191-200
The classic formula Mulisan is the 45th of the 93 formulas in the Catalogue of Ancient Classic Formulas (second batch) of Han medicine published by the National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine. It consists of Ostreae Concha, Astragali Radix, Ephedrae Radix et Rhizoma, and wheat, with the effect of replenishing qi and stopping sweating. It is a common formula in the clinical treatment with traditional Chinese medicine. This study analyzes the historical evolution, composition, dosage, original plants and their processing methods, decocting method, efficacy, indications, and modern clinical application of Mulisan by tracing, comparative analysis, and bibliometric methods. The results showed that Mulisan firstly appeared in the Pulse Classic written by WANG Shuhe in the Western Jin Dynasty. The formulation idea can be traced back to the Important Prescriptions Worth a Thousand Gold for Emergency in the Tang Dynasty. The herb composition, dosage, efficacy, and indications of Mulisan were first recorded in the Treatise on Diseases, Patterns, and formulas Related to Unification of the Three Etiologies in the Southern Song dynasty. In terms of original plants and their processing methods, Ostreae Concha is the shell of Ostrea rivularis, which should be calcined before use. Astragali Radix and Ephedrae Radix et Rhizoma are the dried roots of Astragalus membranaceus var. mongholicus and Ephedra sinica, respectively, the raw material of which should be used. Wheat is the dried mature fruit of T. aestivum, which can be used without processing, while the stir-fried fruit, being thin and deflated, demonstrates better effect. The composition of Mulisan is Ostreae Concha 8.26 g, Astragali Radix 8.26 g, Ephedrae Radix et Rhizoma 8.26 g, and wheat 7.92 g. The medicinal materials should be ground into coarse powder and decocted with 450 mL water to reach a volume of 240 mL, and the decoction should be taken warm. In modern clinical practice, Mulisan has a wide range of indications, including spontaneous sweating and night sweating caused by Yang deficiency or Qi deficiency. The clinical disease spectrum treated by Mulisan involves endocrine system diseases, neurological diseases, respiratory system diseases, and cancer. This formula plays a significant role in the treatment of internal medicine diseases in traditional Chinese medicine. This study aims to provide a scientific basis for the subsequent research, development, and clinical application of Mulisan.
8.Analysis of SUN Simiao's Treatment of Vomiting and Modern Clinical Application
Dongsen HU ; Zhongyi PAN ; Ruoshui TANG
Journal of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University 2025;49(5):656-660
[Objective]To summarize SUN Simiao's clinical experience in treating vomiting and explore the modern application of SUN's method for treating vomiting,taking diabetic gastroparesis vomiting(DGPV)as an example.[Methods]By excavating and organizing the special chapters or paragraphs related to vomiting in SUN Simiao's works Emergency Thousand Gold Prescriptions and Thousand Gold Wing Prescriptions,it comprehensively analyzes SUN's understanding of the causes and treatment of vomiting,and applies it to clinical practice based on the pathogenesis of DGPV.[Results]Vomiting is a common clinical symptom of digestive tract abnormalities.Although conventional western medicine treatment can temporarily alleviate vomiting,it is prone to recurrence.SUN Simiao had profound insights in the diagnosis and treatment of vomiting,believing that"abnormal lifting and descending of the middle-Jiao,upward invasion of stomach Qi""cold,heat,phlegm,water,food and various evils invading the middle-Jiao"and"long-term illness injuring the five Zang organs and insufficient Qi and blood"were the core pathogenesis of vomiting.Through inductive analysis of his works,six methods and corresponding prescriptions can be extracted:harmonizing the stomach and descending Qi to stop vomiting,warming Yang and dispelling cold to stop vomiting,resolving phlegm and promoting diuresis to stop vomiting,digesting food and resolving stagnation to stop vomiting,clearing heat and nourishing fluids to stop vomiting,and regulating organs and tonifying deficiency to stop vomiting.In the clinical treatment of DGPV,small prescriptions and corner herbs for treating vomiting should be used in a targeted manner based on the core pathogenesis of different stages.[Conclusion]SUN Simiao's thoughts on treating vomiting still have certain application value in modern medicine and provide guidance for clinical treatment of vomiting such as DGPV.
9.Analysis of SUN Simiao's Treatment of Vomiting and Modern Clinical Application
Dongsen HU ; Zhongyi PAN ; Ruoshui TANG
Journal of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University 2025;49(5):656-660
[Objective]To summarize SUN Simiao's clinical experience in treating vomiting and explore the modern application of SUN's method for treating vomiting,taking diabetic gastroparesis vomiting(DGPV)as an example.[Methods]By excavating and organizing the special chapters or paragraphs related to vomiting in SUN Simiao's works Emergency Thousand Gold Prescriptions and Thousand Gold Wing Prescriptions,it comprehensively analyzes SUN's understanding of the causes and treatment of vomiting,and applies it to clinical practice based on the pathogenesis of DGPV.[Results]Vomiting is a common clinical symptom of digestive tract abnormalities.Although conventional western medicine treatment can temporarily alleviate vomiting,it is prone to recurrence.SUN Simiao had profound insights in the diagnosis and treatment of vomiting,believing that"abnormal lifting and descending of the middle-Jiao,upward invasion of stomach Qi""cold,heat,phlegm,water,food and various evils invading the middle-Jiao"and"long-term illness injuring the five Zang organs and insufficient Qi and blood"were the core pathogenesis of vomiting.Through inductive analysis of his works,six methods and corresponding prescriptions can be extracted:harmonizing the stomach and descending Qi to stop vomiting,warming Yang and dispelling cold to stop vomiting,resolving phlegm and promoting diuresis to stop vomiting,digesting food and resolving stagnation to stop vomiting,clearing heat and nourishing fluids to stop vomiting,and regulating organs and tonifying deficiency to stop vomiting.In the clinical treatment of DGPV,small prescriptions and corner herbs for treating vomiting should be used in a targeted manner based on the core pathogenesis of different stages.[Conclusion]SUN Simiao's thoughts on treating vomiting still have certain application value in modern medicine and provide guidance for clinical treatment of vomiting such as DGPV.
10.ZHAI Shuangqing's Experience in Treating Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder from the Perspective of "Qi Constraint with Harassing Phlegm"
Dongsen HU ; Liyuan WANG ; Hongyan WANG ;
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;65(20):2081-2085
This paper summarized professor ZHAI Shuangqing's clinical experience in treating obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) from the perspective of "qi constraint with harassing phlegm". It is believed that qi constraint with harassing phlegm is the core pathogenesis of OCD. Qi constraint and harassing phlegm interact with each other and together contribute to the disease. The formation of "qi constraint with harassing phlegm" is closely related to dysfunction of zang-fu (脏腑) organs such as the heart, spleen, liver, and gallbladder. Clinical treatment should focus on rectifying qi and dispelling phlegm, calming the mind with heavy sedatives. Based on the self-designed Jieyu Huatan Decoction(解郁化痰汤), treatment should be tailored to the patient's condition and stage of the disease, with prescriptions incorporating medicinals that fortify the spleen and boost the stomach, nourish the heart and calm the mind, soothe the liver and promote gallbladder function, and nourish yin and warm yang. At the same time, it is emphasized to flexibly select heavy sedatives such as Longgu (Os Draconis), Longchi (Dens Draconis), Muli (Concha Ostreae) and Zhenzhumu (Concha Margaritiferae Usta) to calm the mind.

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