Exploring the Experience of Guo Yi Master Lei Zhongyi in Dialectical Treatment of Heart Failure Based on the Theory of "Yang Wei Yin Xian"

Abstract

The term "heart failure" first appeared in Wang Shuhe's "Meridian: Spleen and Stomach Diseases". The related description of heart failure is recorded in the "Huangdi Neijing", which is a disease mainly characterized by palpitations, asthma, and edema. It is often the terminal stage of chronic heart disease that cannot be cured. Its basic pathogenesis is prolonged illness with deficiency of heart qi, loss of nourishment in the heart, weakness in blood circulation, prolonged stagnation of the heart meridians, cessation of water consumption, and the generation of phlegm and dampness, resulting in heart failure. The theory of "Yang Wei Yin Xian" is a highly summarized understanding by Zhang Zhongjing of the etiology and pathogenesis of chest pain and heartache. Chinese medical master Lei Zhongyi has been practicing medicine for more than 60 years and has unique insights in the prevention and treatment of heart failure, with considerable clinical efficacy. He believes that heart failure belongs to the principle of deficiency and excess, and the theory of "yang micro yin string" is also applicable to this disease. Its onset is closely related to the pathological changes of substances such as qi, blood, and body fluids. The method of treating phlegm and blood stasis together should run through the treatment process, especially for patients who consume qi and yin in the later stage. Emphasis should be placed on promoting blood circulation and nourishing qi and yin, and the treatment should focus on both attacking and tonifying, with Qi and blood regulating simultaneously. Based on clinical experience, the original Yangxin Huoxue Tang has achieved significant clinical efficacy.