Development of Spleen Yin Theory and Interpretation of Shenling Baizhu Powder(参苓白术散)in Nourishing Spleen Yin Based on Literature and Bibliometrics
Spleen is the foundation of acquired life and the source of Qi and blood biochemistry.Yang Qi of spleen provides the"power"for the function of spleen,while spleen Yin provides the"material basis".The theory of spleen Yin is a relatively late theory with few arguments.Based on literature research,the author systematically combs the connotation of spleen Yin theory and its historical development source,and believes that"auxiliary transportation","main nourishing"and"harmonizing stomach Yang"are the main physiological functions of spleen Yin.The development of spleen Yin theory mainly experienced five histori-cal periods:the establishment of the theory system of Yin and Yang of Zang-Fu organs in Huangdi Neijing,the first identification of spleen Yin prescription in Treatise on Cold Disease,the first development of Yin nourishing method by Danxi School,the estab-lishment of spleen Yin theory system by MIAO Xiyong,and the extension of fragrant and sweet-flat treatment by WU Cheng.In addition,the overall development and application of the spleen Yin theory in modern times were analyzed by the bibliometrics Citespace,and 11 traditional Chinese herbal compounds used in ancient and modern times to nourish spleen Yin were compared.It was found that the understanding of the spleen Yin theory in modern studies was mainly inherited from TANG Rongchuan,YE Tianshi,WU Cheng,LI Dongyuan,MIAO Xiyong and ZHANG Xicun.Its theory is mainly used in the treatment of such diseases as Xiaoke(diabetes),diarrhea,constipation and impotence.The medication is characterized by a combination of sweet and light drugs,while also nourishing stomach Yin.The local prescription Shenling Baizhu Powder(参苓白术散)was formed early,which fully reflects the basic law of"sweet and light"drugs can supplementing spleen and nourish spleen Yin.It has the effect of invig-orating spleen Qi,nourishing spleen Yin and oozing spleen dampness.The basic formula for the application of the theory of nour-ishing spleen Yin is the combination of ascending and descending,dispersing and receiving,and supplementing and promoting,es-pecially suitable for patients with spleen Yin deficiency and dampness.