Exploration on Therapeutic Approach for Cough Variant Asthma from the Perspective of the Syndrome Differentiation System of Six-Meridian of Circular Motion
Abstract:The syndrome differentiation system of six-meridian of circular motion is a concept under the guidance of classical traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) theories. Using the geometric circle as a theoretical model,it integrates the three-yin and three-yang six-meridian differentiation from Shang Han Za Bing Lun (Treatise on Cold Damage and Miscellaneous Diseases) with the zang-fu syndrome differentiation,incorporating yin-yang and the five elements,the six qi,zang-fu,meridians,qi,blood,body fluids,and the ascending and descending of qi movement. This forms a holistic differentiation system of three realms that unites heaven, earth, and humanity. This system promotes the recovery from diseases by regulating the ascending and descending of qi movement and restoring the circular flow of qi. Cough variant asthma (CVA) is mainly characterized by an irritant dry cough and throat itching, accompanied by airway spasm and coughing triggered by qi rushing upward when the patient lies flat at night. These clinical manifestations align with the pathological features of pathogenic factors such as "wind," "cold," and "hidden fluid." Based on the syndrome differentiation system of six-meridian of circular motion,and through the diagnostic methods of "identifying the cause, determining the affected site, differentiating the nature of the disease, and judging the progression of disease," it is proposed that the affected site of CVA primarily focuses on the Taiyang,Taiyin,and Shaoyin meridians,with the Shaoyang and Yangming meridians also being involved. In clinical practice,by treating from the perspective of opening the Taiyang, regulating the Taiyin, and warming the Shaoyin, and flexibly using modified classical formulas,satisfactory therapeutic outcomes can be achieved.