Research On The Pathogenic Qi Theory In Inner Classics Of Yellow Emperor

Objective:To systematically review the pathogenic qi theory in Inner Classics of Yellow Emperor and provide a reference for us.Methods:The research method of philology was applied. Textual researches on the original works of Inner Classics of Yellow Emperor and relevant academic works of physicians in later generations were conducted and the pathogenic qi theory in Inner Classics of Yellow Emperor was reviewed and mined in a systematic way.Results:The research and review displayed that the pathogenic qi theory in Inner Classics of Yellow Emperor was quite systematic and comprehensive. 1) A great quantity of academic concepts related to pathogenic qi were evident in Inner Classics of Yellow Emperor, such as Xu Xie, Zheng Xie, Qi Xie, Gu Xie, Yin Xie, Yin Xie, Yang Xie, Pi Xie, and Xie Pi. Each of them has its own nature and characteristics.2) The pathogenic qi in Inner Classics of Yellow Emperor was defined by the heaven, referring to the abnormal qi in the heaven abnormal weather.3) The pathogenic qi in Inner Classics of Yellow Emperor covered two types, namely single and compound.4) Regarding the invasion of pathogenic qi, Inner Classics of Yellow Emperor emphasized that insufficient vital qi was the premise for the attack of pathogenic factors. For the time of invasion, specific pathogenic qi was more likely to invade in its corresponding season. However, people were more susceptible to be attacked by pathogenic qi when 'the Sui qi was deficient, the moon waned, or the climate was abnormal'. The skin and hair were affected first since the pathogenic qi invaded from the outside inward.5) After invasion, the pathogenic qi might stay in and harm local parts of the body, hide inside without manifestations, or very often transform inside the body.6) If the vital qi was not insufficient and the pathogenic qi was rather shallow, the pathogenic qi would disappear without any treatment. If it did not disappear, treatment was required. Inner Classics of Yellow Emperor highlighted that the pathogenic qi was supposed to be expelled instead of being killed as early as possible through the shortest-cut of expelling channel for the best opportunity. Nevertheless, expelling the pathogenic qi at its peak should be averted and it was easier to eliminate the pathogenic qi in decline. In addition, the pathogenic qi should be expelled properly to avoid damaging the vital qi. Particularly, the pathogenic qi invading special population such as pregnant women should be expelled in a fearless but prudent way.7) Inner Classics of Yellow Emperor generalized such conditions when the pathogenic qi haunted the body, the pathogenic qi was incurable, and the disease was being treated but could not be cured. Moreover, Inner Classics of Yellow Emperor elaborated the relations between vital qi and pathogenic qi, they were not only in mutual struggle, but also in mutual transformation and combination.Conclusion:1) The pathogenic qi in Inner Classics of Yellow Emperor refers to the abnormal qi of heaven-such abnormal climates as wind, cold, summer, damp, dryness and fire. The pathogenic qi cannot incorporate all pathogenic factors since it does not include such pathogenic factors as epidemic pathogens, trauma, insect-animal injury, parasite, inner damage due to improper seven-emotions, imbalanced diet, phlegm, blood stagnation and calculus. The pathogen in Inner Classics of Yellow Emperor refers to abnormality occurring in the nature, the human body, or even in the direction to its original meaning. That is to say, the concept of pathogen in Inner Classics of Yellow Emperor covers more contents than that of pathogenic qi. Short for pathogen in some parts of Inner Classics of Yellow Emperor though, the pathogenic qi means only those pathogenic factors related to abnormal climate in the concept of pathogen. However, the pathogen encompasses not only all pathogenic factors but also all kinds of abnormalities. Apparently, the two concepts are by no means of equality or alternativeness but of subordination relation. In a word, the pathogenic qi is part of the pathogen, but sometimes the pathogen doesn't refer to the pathogenic qi.2) Inner Classics of Yellow Emperor presents a number of concepts related to pathogenic qi, such as Xu Xie, Zheng Xie, Qi Xie, Gu Xie, Yin Xie, Yin Xie, Yang Xie, Pi Xie, and Xie Pi, and sums up their natures and characteristics. Inner Classics of Yellow Emperor makes a comprehensive and integrated elaboration on the origin, division, invasion, staying inside to transport and transform and leaving of the pathogenic qi, forming a systematic theory on pathogenic qi that exerts great influence on the development of pathogen, pathogenesis and treatment theories.3) The concepts of vital qi and pathogenic qi in Inner Classics of Yellow Emperor are differentiated in terms of nature and human body. The vital qi and the pathogenic qi in nature can transform mutually, moreover the vital qi and the pathogenic qi in human body can not only struggle against but also combine with each other.