Treating obesity based on the theory of the sanjiao membrane and fascia

Obesity is a metabolic disease characterized by abnormal fat accumulation caused by multiple factors. Based on CHEN Chaozu′s theory of sanjiao membrane and fascia, this paper explores the relationship between obesity and the sanjiao membrane and fascia. The sanjiao membrane and fascia are distributed throughout the body, providing a pathway for the circulation of vital substances such as qi, blood, and body fluids, as well as metabolic products. Owing to etiological factors such as emotional internal damage, imbalance of work and rest, improper diet, lack of physical activity, and insufficiency of natural endowment, a series of pathological changes occur, such as qi stagnation, phlegm-dampness, dampness-heat, blood stasis, and yang deficiency. This leads to the obstruction of the sanjiao membrane and fascia system, impaired transportation and transformation of water-grain essence, and the accumulation of fat over time, which attaches to the sanjiao membrane and fascia system, thereby causing obesity. Therefore, clearing and dredging the sanjiao membrane and fascia is the basic therapeutic principle. According to the different syndromes of this disease, methods such as regulating qi movement, drying dampness and removing phlegm, clearing heat and promoting diuresis, invigorating blood and unblocking the vessels, and warming yang and tonifying qi are applied, so that sanjiao are dredged and fat and grease are eliminated. This paper aims to provide a theoretical basis for traditional Chinese medicine intervention in obesity and explore new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.