Overview of Qihengzhifu: Special Zang-Fu Organs in Traditional Chinese Medicine Theory

Qihengzhifu is a special type of organ in the Zangxiang theory of traditional Chinese medicine, includingBrain, marrow, bones, pulse, gallbladder, female cell (uterus)Six. Its characteristics are that it is shaped like a fu organ (hollow) and functions like a viscera (storing essence), so it is called "Qiheng" (different from the norm). Traditional Chinese medicine believes that they work with the internal organs to maintain life activities, but their function is more focused on storing essence rather than transmitting water and grain. This article will focus on the definition, physiological characteristics, clinical significance and modern research of Qihengzhifu, focusing on analyzing its differences with traditional organs and its application in disease prevention and treatment.

Physiological characteristics and functions of Qihengzhifu

The core function of Qihengzhifu isStore essence, similar to the "hiding but not purging" of the five internal organs, but similar in shape to the "hollow" of the six internal organs. For example:brainIt is the "house of the soul" and governs spiritual activities;courageStore bile and make decisions;Female cellsMainly menstruation and reproduction. They are connected with the five internal organs through meridians, such as the kidneys that store essence and produce marrow to fill the brain, and the liver that regulates gallbladder and bowels. Zhang Jingyue, a physician in the Ming Dynasty, emphasized in "Lei Jing": "Qiheng is the same in shape and function as the internal organs," revealing its particularity.

The relationship between the House of Qiheng and diseases

Dysfunction in the House of Qiheng can cause specific illnesses. Such asBrain deficiencyCauses dizziness and forgetfulness;Stagnation of courageCauses flank pain and insomnia;Women's cells are weak and coldThen menstruation is irregular. Treatment needs to take into account the relationship between the internal organs, such as tonifying the kidneys and marrow to treat encephalopathy, soothing the liver and promoting gallbladder to regulate biliary diseases. "Yi Zong Jin Jian" of the Qing Dynasty records: "When the marrow sea is empty, the kidneys should be replenished and the essence replenished", which embodies the idea of ​​​​whole conditioning. Modern research has also found that osteoporosis (bone disease) is closely related to kidney essence deficiency.

Modern medicine’s verification of Qihengzhifu

Modern medicine has partially confirmed the function of Qihengzhifu. For example:brainThe cognitive function is consistent with the "Yuan Shen" theory of traditional Chinese medicine;courageThe digestive and immune functions correspond to the description of "the official of Zhongzheng";uterusThe endocrine regulation reflects the reproductive function of "female cells". However, traditional Chinese medicine emphasizes its integrity with the five internal organs, such as the application of the "heart-brain connection" theory in the treatment of stroke. Some Chinese medicines such asSalvia(activating blood circulation and unblocking meridians),deer antlerThe efficacy of (tonifying the kidneys and replenishing the marrow) has also been verified through experiments.

Summary: The value of Qihengzhifu’s integration of Chinese and Western medicine

Qihengzhifu is a unique understanding of life activities in traditional Chinese medicine theory, and its characteristics of "form and function" provide a new perspective for disease diagnosis and treatment. Although modern research does not fully correspond, it provides an entry point for the integration of traditional Chinese and Western medicine, such as the development of anti-osteoporosis drugs (such asDrynnariapreparations). In the future, its scientific connotation needs to be further explored to promote the innovative development of traditional medicine.

Quote sources:

1. "Huangdi Neijing·Suwen" - lays the theoretical foundation of Qihengzhifu 2. Zhang Jingyue's "Lei Jing" - explains the physiological characteristics of Qihengzhifu 3. "Yizong Jinjian" - records related diseases and treatments 4. Modern Chinese medicine preparations:Danshen Dropping Pills(Produced by Tasly),Deer Antler Capsules(Produced by Tongrentang)