@article{LI2025, 
author = {Ziyu LI and Minghui ZHANG and Wenjiang ZHANG and Xiaodong CONG and Hongfei XING},
title = {Treatment of bronchial asthma based on the correlation of immune dysfunction and "internal yin qi contention, external yang qi interference"},
year = {2025},
journal = {Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine},
volume = {48},
number = {10},
pages = {1434-1440},
keywords = {bronchial asthma, asthma, internal yin qi contention, external yang qi interference, immune dysfunction},
url = {https://www.sciopen.com/article/10.3969/j.issn.1006-2157.2025.10.013},
doi = {10.3969/j.issn.1006-2157.2025.10.013},
abstract = {Bronchial asthma is a heterogeneous chronic inflammatory airway disease. Its pathogenesis is closely associated with abnormal immune responses within T-helper (Th) cell subsets, characterized by excessive effector Th cell activation and impaired immunosuppression by regulatory T cells. The concept of natural harmony of yin-yang epitomizes the understanding of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) of the body′s inherent capacity for autonomous regulation and homeostasis maintenance. Building upon the description in the Inner Canon of Yellow Emperor regarding asthma as "internal yin qi contention, external yang qi interference," this study aims to bridge the TCM macro-level etiology and pathogenesis of "yin-yang disharmony" with the Western micro-level mechanism of loss of immune homeostasis control. The core pathogenesis of bronchial asthma involves yin-yang disorder in the body, leading to internal-external imbalance. Yang deficiency with a hidden yin pathogen and intermingled phlegm with blood stasis in the lungs is the root of pathogenesis. Pathogenic invading qi and yang hyperactivity induce bronchial asthma. These align with the Western medical concepts of imbalanced immunometabolic self-stabilization and defective immunotolerance. Based on the above content, corresponding therapeutic principles are proposed according to the disease stage. In the acute phase, dispelling wind pathogens and relieving cough are recommended. In chronic persistent asthma, calming yang disturbance and resolving the yin conflict are emphasized. In the clinical remission phase, kidney yang should be warmed and invigorated, thereby consolidating body resistance. The corresponding treatment methods are implemented based on the above content. In the acute phase, self-made Mahuang Qingyang Decoction is administered to dispel wind pathogens and ventilate lung qi. In chronic persistent asthma, self-made Qingfei Xiegan Decoction is administered to clear liver-fire and purge the lungs, self-made Xuanfu Qingwei Decoction is employed to harmonize the stomach for descending adverse yang qi, modified Suzi Jiangqi Decoction is applied to conduct deficient yang back to its source, and modified Erchen Decoction and Taohong Siwu Decoction are utilized to expel phlegm and blood stasis. In the clinical remission phase, modified Sijunzi Decoction, modified Mahuang Fuzi Xixin Decoction, and Erxian Decoction are administered to invigorate the spleen and kidney. These approaches ward off yang disturbance and resolve yin contention to restore the body′s normal immune homeostasis. The ultimate therapeutic aim is to achieve a state of natural harmony of yin-yang, thereby ceasing wheezing and coughing spontaneously, and to provide new ideas for clinical treatment of bronchial asthma.}
}