Exploration of the Treatment Strategy for Spleen Deficiency with Phlegm-Dampness Obesity Using Catgut Embedding Combined with Cangfu Daotan Decoction Based on the “Circulation of Primordial Qi, Earth as Pivot and Four Phenomena” Theory

Abstract

This study explores the treatment strategy for spleen deficiency with phlegm-dampness obesity using catgut embedding combined with Cangfu Daotan Decoction, grounded in Huang Yuanyu’s theory of “Primordial Qi Circulation, Earth as Pivot Governing Four Phenomena.” The theory conceptualizes the spleen-stomach as the pivotal axis for qi movement, with the liver, heart, lung, and kidney functioning as interconnected wheels. It elucidates the core pathogenesis: central earth (spleen-stomach) dysfunction disrupts the four phenomena, manifesting as phlegm-dampness accumulation from middle jiao qi stagnation, lipid-turbid retention due to earth obstruction and wood depression, fluid retention from phlegm obstructing lung collaterals, and impaired qi transformation caused by yang deficiency and water-cold. Treatment adheres to the principle of “regulating the center to harmonize the periphery” – employing Cangfu Daotan Decoction (Cangzhu-Baizhu fortify the central pivot; Xiangfu-Chaihu disperse liver constraint; Banxia-Fuling resolve phlegm-dampness; Rougui-Guizhi warm kidney yang) synergized with acupoint embedding at Zhongwan-CV12/Tianshu-ST25 (regulate qi ascent/descent), Ganshu-BL18/Qimen-LR14 (smooth liver-gallbladder qi), Feishu-BL13/Fenglong-ST40 (transform lung phlegm), and Shenshu-BL23/Mingmen-GV4 (activate kidney qi). This integrated approach externally activates the pivot through embedding and internally resolves phlegm-dampness via the decoction, collectively restoring earth-axis function, harmonizing the four phenomena, and achieving metabolic balance through “axis rotation, wheel circulation, phlegm elimination, and lipid dissolution.”