An Understanding of the Treatment Principle “Open the Ghost Gate, Purify the Bladder, and Remove Stagnant Dampness” from the Huangdi Neijing in the Context of Edema Caused by Membranous Nephropathy

Abstract

In recent years, the incidence of membranous nephropathy has risen significantly, and most patients initially present with edema. The classic theory proposed in the “Huangdi Neijing” — “open the gates of the ghost, cleanse the reservoir, and remove stagnant waste” — provides important guiding principles for the treatment of such edema. This article briefly explores our understanding of how the Huangdi Neijing’s principle of “opening the gates of the ghost, cleansing the reservoir, and removing stagnant waste” can be applied to treat edema caused by membranous nephropathy, highlighting the guiding significance and value of this classical theory in modern clinical practice.