| Objective: To explore the action pathway and clinical significance of “spirit governing qi” based on system of viscera and bowels and meridians and collaterals in traditional Chinese medicine(TCM).Methods: Based on the relevant chapters and articles of Neijing(Internal Classic) and Nanjing(Classic of Difficult Issues), and combined with modern anatomical and physiological characteristics, this paper analyzes the formation of brain marrow, physiological and pathological characteristics, main meridians connections, spirit sensation pathways, and the pathways of spirit governing qi. Results: The transmission pathway of spirit governing qi is that the brain, sea of the marrow, generates spirit, and activates spirit action. The spirit, through “central meridian sinew”(gallbladder meridian and large intestine meridian connect at the head), crosses to the opposite site and receives information which is then transmitted to governor vessel, through which, the information is transmitted to the five viscera and six bowels, and twelve meridian sinew systems(peripheral sinew and muscle systems). The sinews and muscles receive information from the brain, which “governs the bones and benefits the mechanisms”, thereby generating limb movements. The heel vessel system is parallel to the “Wei Jin” part of the gallbladder vessel in the brain, receiving the spirit of the brain and reaching the twelve meridian systems, thereby playing a role in balance, regulating voluntary movement and sleep. The pathway of spirit perception is: essence qi(spirit qi) of the five viscera and six bowels, essence, tendons, bones, blood, qi, and muscles → （related meridians） up-injects into the eye → combines with the meridians(eye system) → ascends and belongs to the brain → comes out at the neck and nape, and is associated with the governor vessel and bladder meridian, thereby exerting the functions of the spirit and regulating movement. Conclusion: The construction of the theoretical model of spirit governing qi pathway is conducive to clarifying the disease location and stage of each link in the transmission of spirit from a systematic and global perspective. This helps to distinguish the location of the disease, locate treatment, distinguish the disease stage, stage treatment, and accurately implement strategies, expanding the treatment ideas for clinically difficulty to treat diseases such as the nervous system and motor system. |
