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  4. Vol 7, Issue 3, 2025

Study on TCM Stepwise Intervention Strategy for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Based on the Progressive Theory of "Zongqi - Weiqi - Yuanqi": Integration of Clinical Evidence and Mechanism Discussion

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DOI: 10.23977/medcm.2025.070306 | Downloads: 1 | Views: 155

Author(s)

Yan Tian 1, Bingcang Yan 2

Affiliation(s)

1 Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, Shaanxi, 712046, China
2 Xi'an Traditional Chinese Medicine Encephalopathy Hospital, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710068, China

Corresponding Author

Bingcang Yan

ABSTRACT

This study investigates a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) stepwise intervention strategy for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) based on the progressive theory of "Zongqi–Weiqi–Yuanqi." Literature from the past 15 years was systematically reviewed to reconstruct disease evolution and evaluate therapeutic efficacy. In the early stage, Zongqi collapse is characterized by abnormal respiratory muscle function (87.9%), which precedes measurable pulmonary impairment (52.3%). In the middle stage, Weiqi dysfunction arises. The spleen–lung invigorating method reduces ALSFRS-R monthly decline to 0.64–0.66 points by inhibiting p38 MAPK phosphorylation and suppressing inflammatory cascades. In advanced stages, Yuanqi decline dominates, and spleen–kidney tonification protects neurons via activation of PINK1/Parkin-mediated mitophagy. Internal–external combined therapy further improves outcomes, increasing the total effective rate to 88.46%. Based on these findings, a stepwise framework—“cultivating Zongqi, consolidating Weiqi, and preserving Yuanqi”—is proposed to align therapeutic strategies with disease progression. This model provides a systematic explanation of ALS pathogenesis and offers a structured clinical pathway for precision TCM treatment.

KEYWORDS

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis; Zongqi; Weiqi; Yuanqi; Lung - Spleen Theory; Spleen - Kidney Theory; Stepwise Intervention; Traditional Chinese Medicine

CITE THIS PAPER

Yan Tian, Bingcang Yan, Study on TCM Stepwise Intervention Strategy for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Based on the Progressive Theory of "Zongqi - Weiqi - Yuanqi": Integration of Clinical Evidence and Mechanism Discussion. MEDS Chinese Medicine (2025) Vol. 7: 37-41. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.23977/medcm.2025.070306.

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