Exploring the "qi movement-pivoting" effect of Jingfang Baidu Powder in treating PM_2.5-induced lung injury based on the qi pathway theory

PM_2.5-induced lung injury has emerged as a major public health concern. Western medicine currently lacks targeted curative approaches, whereas existing research in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has focused primarily on localized pathological mechanisms of the lung, with insufficient attention paid to the holistic perspective of meridian-qi-blood circulation. The classical theory of "lung failure in dispersion and descent" is limited to describing abnormalities in the rhythmic flow of qi, thus failing to encompass the complex pathological state of this disease. Consequently, drawing on the qi pathway theory and considering the composite pathogenic characteristics of PM_2.5, which encompasses wind, cold, dampness, turbidity, and toxicity, this paper systematically elucidates the core pathogenesis of PM_2.5-induced lung injury as "obstruction of the thoracic qi pathway by turbid toxins." This disruption leads to impaired pivoting movement of qi dynamics, subsequently inducing metabolic disorders of qi, blood, and body fluids, as well as lung-collateral damage. The disease progression evolves through three distinct stages: "qi pathway obstruction-pivoting dysfunction-systemic involvement." Jingfang Baidu Powder, through its precisely balanced composition of sovereign, minister, assistant, and envoy herbs, establishes a comprehensive therapeutic system aimed at "unblocking the pathway and restoring pivoting movement of qi." This offers a novel theoretical framework for the TCM-based diagnosis and treatment of PM_2.5-related lung diseases, while also expanding the modern application of classical formulations.