Exploration of the Temporal-Zangfu Synergistic Regulation Strategy for Sjögren’s Syndrome Based on the Theory of “Liver-Kidney Homogeny – Spleen Governing Temporal Sequence”

Abstract

Sjögren’s Syndrome (SS) is an autoimmune disease characterized by the progressive damage of exocrine glands. The exploration of its pathogenesis and treatment strategies has been increasingly in-depth in both traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and Western medicine. This article elaborates from four aspects: theoretical origin, pathogenesis analysis, treatment strategies, and controversies & prospects, aiming to explore the integration potential of regulating the liver, spleen, and kidney in synergy with TCM chronomedicine for the treatment of SS. (1) Theoretical Mechanism: This part explains the synergistic relationship between “mutual transformation of liver-kidney essence and blood” and “spleen governing the rhythm of body fluid transportation and distribution”, and proposes the core pathogenesis system of SS as “liver-kidney yin deficiency and spleen failing to govern the temporal sequence”. (2) Pathogenesis and Treatment Principle: It discusses that the pathogenesis of SS is related to “liver-kidney yin deficiency, spleen dysfunction in temporal sequence”, as well as the time of day and seasons, and determines the treatment principle of “nourishing the liver and kidney, and invigorating the spleen to regulate the temporal sequence”. (3) Therapeutic Application: This section summarizes and analyzes the application of time-selected acupuncture, moxibustion, Chinese materia medica (CMM) targeting the three meridians of the liver, spleen, and kidney, as well as four-season health preservation in improving the therapeutic effect for SS patients. (4) Controversies and Prospects: It points out the existing problems in current studies, such as the lack of standardized protocols for the optimal treatment time. Furthermore, it proposes to strengthen the integrated TCM-Western medicine research and promote the construction of an individualized temporal treatment system for SS. This article provides a theoretical basis and transformation direction for the TCM treatment of SS, and highlights the unique value of TCM chronomedicine in the management of chronic diseases.