Exploring the Pathogenesis, Syndrome Differentiation and Treatment of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Based on the Theory of ascending lucidity and descending turbidity

Corresponding author: Wangqimei, 94082238@qq.com

DOI: 10.12201/bmr.202602.00072

•  

  Abstract: Based on the theory of ascending lucidity and descending turbidity from Huangdi Neijing (Yellow Emperors Internal Classic), this paper systematically elaborates on its theoretical core and application value in the pathogenesis, syndrome differentiation and treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). As a fundamental principle in traditional Chinese medicine for regulating human qi movement, transporting refined nutrients, and excreting waste, the imbalance of ascending lucidity and descending turbidity is directly related to the dysfunction of the lungs dispersing and descending functions, and serves as a key link in the pathological progression of IPF. This paper proposes the pathogenesis viewpoint of intermingling of lucidity and turbidity for IPF, and deeply analyzes the inherent correlation between the classic traditional Chinese medicine theory and the pathological process of IPF from three dimensions: disordered ascent and descent leading to failure of lucid yang to ascend and turbid yin to descend; intermingling of cold and heat generating phlegm, blood stasis and turbid toxins; and dysfunction of the five zang-organs impairing the lungs metabolism of lucidity and turbidity. It clarifies that the essence of its etiology and pathogenesis lies in intermingling of lucidity and turbidity, and dysfunction of zang-organs. Clinically, a stage-based treatment system is constructed based on this theory, with regulating the pivot and treating upper and lower parts separately as the core therapeutic principle, and syndrome differentiation-based medication is performed according to the disease progression stage. A typical medical case is attached to demonstrate the clinical practice guided by the theory of ascending lucidity and descending turbidity. By exploring the modern medical relevance of this classic TCM theory, this paper not only enriches the theoretical connotation of the traditional Chinese medicine etiology and pathogenesis of IPF, but also provides a solid theoretical support and practical diagnosis and treatment approach for traditional Chinese medicine intervention in IPF.

  Key words: Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis; imbalance of ascending lucidity and descending turbidity; Syndrome differentiation and treatment; Etiology and pathogenesis

  Submit time: 15 February 2026

  Copyright: The copyright holder for this preprint is the author/funder, who has granted biomedRxiv a license to display the preprint in perpetuity.
• html

• 图表

• zhao si lin. . 2026. doi: 10.12201/bmr.202602.00043

  WangZiyi, KeShiyan, LiuQiang. Exploring the Pathogenesis and Management Strategies of Presyncope from the Perspective of the ascending the Qing and descending the Zhuo Theory. 2025. doi: 10.12201/bmr.202505.00052

  DuYuPeng, LinYan. Exploration of Diagnostic and Treatment Experience in Two Cases of Idiopathic Retroperitoneal Fibrosis. 2024. doi: 10.12201/bmr.202410.00077

  CHEN Yan. Discussion on the Treatment of Reflux Esophagitis Based on the Theory of Ascending and Descending of Qi Mechanism. 2025. doi: 10.12201/bmr.202507.00061

  Guan Wei, Xue Xiaoming. Progress of Trditional Chinese Medicine Targeting Alveolar Epithelial Cell Senescence in the Treatment of Pulmonary Fibrosis. 2025. doi: 10.12201/bmr.202506.00012

  LIANG Ningjuan, WU Ting, YU Dandan, JIANG Xiaohan, TENG Jingjing. Effective exploration of the toxicity and molecular mechanisms of plasticisers in pulmonary fibrosis by network toxicology and molecular docking strategies: an example of butylbenzyl phthalate. 2025. doi: 10.12201/bmr.202504.00004

  xieping. The Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndrome Differentiation and Treatment for Radiation-induced Vaginal Injury Based on Theory of Evil Hidden in Moyuan. 2025. doi: 10.12201/bmr.202511.00016

  贺明敏, Wang Lingli. Discussion on the Etiology, Pathogenesis, Prevention and Treatment of Persistent High-Risk HPV Infection Based on “Latent Pathogen” Theory. 2025. doi: 10.12201/bmr.202510.00027

  成航, Wa Yongfang, Li Yan. Based on the excessive damage and subsequent regulation theory and the iron death mechanism, this paper discusses the etiology and pathogenesis of gouty arthritis and its diagnosis and treatment. 2025. doi: 10.12201/bmr.202512.00037

  Cai Xudong. Macrophage Polarization Affects Chronic Kidney Disease:Based on Theory of “Harmful Hyperactivity and Responding Inhibition”. 2024. doi: 10.12201/bmr.202407.00027

• ID	Submit time	Number	Download
  1	2026-02-03	10.12201/bmr.202602.00072V1	Download

• Public  Anonymous  To author only Submit Comments