An overview of the theory of fire in traditional Chinese medicine

The theory of Xianghuo is an important concept of fire evil in human body physiology and pathology in the theory of traditional Chinese medicine. It originated from the "Huangdi Neijing" and was later further developed by Zhu Danxi, one of the four great masters of Jin and Yuan Dynasties. The phase fire is opposite to the "lord fire" (heart fire), which represents the power source of human life activities. It is hidden in the liver and kidneys and is in charge of reproduction, growth and other functions. Normal phase fire is physiological fire, while abnormal phase fire turns into pathological fire, causing diseases such as yin deficiency and yang hyperactivity. The primary and secondary content structure is as follows: 1) Definition and origin of phase fire; 2) Physiological and pathological manifestations; 3) Clinical conditioning principles; 4) Modern applications and product associations.

The definition and theoretical origin of phase fire

The term Xianghuo first appeared in "Suwen·Tianyuanji Dalun" and refers to the "Shaoyang Fire" that cooperates with Junhuo to maintain life. Zhu Danxi put forward the theory of "unwanted action of phase fire" in "Ge Zhi Yu Lun", believing that phase fire should be hidden in the liver and kidneys. If it is disturbed by emotions, fatigue and other factors, it will easily consume Yin fluid, leading to dizziness, insomnia, spermatorrhea and other symptoms. The core of its theory is that "yang is always in excess and yin is often insufficient", emphasizing that nourishing yin and reducing fire is the key to conditioning. This theory provided an important basis for the febrile disease school and the treatment of miscellaneous internal diseases in later generations.

Physiological and pathological manifestations of phase fire

Under physiological conditions, phase fire is the driving force that promotes the functions of the internal organs, such as kidney yang warming and liver qi dispersing. However, if the phase fire is excessive (such as staying up late for a long time or feeling depressed), it may manifest as symptoms of deficiency fire such as five heart upsets, fever, night sweats, and bitter mouth. Zhang Jingyue, a physician in the Ming Dynasty, further differentiated between "dragon thunder fire" (kidney fire) and "liver fire", pointing out that both belong to the category of phase fire, but their treatment methods are different: kidney fire needs to be brought back to its origin, while liver fire should be purged and relieved. Modern research believes that abnormal phase fire is related to autonomic nervous system disorders and endocrine disorders.

Principles of regulating fire-phase imbalance

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) emphasizes "tonifying yin and regulating yang" in regulating Xiang Huo. Commonly used prescriptions include Zhibai Dihuang Pills (nourishing kidney yin and reducing fire) and Dabu Yin Pills (clearing deficiency heat). Zhu Danxi advocates that "every yin fluid stored will bring vitality" and avoid spicy, warm and dry foods. Acupoints such as Taixi and Sanyinjiao are often selected for acupuncture to nourish water and cultivate wood. Modern Chinese patent medicines such asTong Ren Tang Zhibai Dihuang Pills,Jiuzhitang Liuwei Dihuang PillsThey are all developed based on this theory and are used to improve the syndrome of yin deficiency and excessive fire.

Summary and modern applications

The theory of phase fire reveals the microscopic mechanism of dynamic balance of the human body, and its idea of "water and fire both balance" has guiding significance for sub-health conditioning. Currently, some pharmaceutical companies are converting theories into products, such as:

Cited sources: 1) "Huangdi Neijing·Suwen" (Warring States to Han Dynasty); 2) Zhu Danxi's "Ge Zhiyu Lun" (Yuan Dynasty); 3) Zhang Jingyue's "Jingyue Complete Book" (Ming Dynasty). Note: The above products must be used under the guidance of a physician.