Nutritive and Defensive Qi (Ying and Wei) (Ying-Wei)

Ying and Wei are fundamental concepts in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) representing the body's nutritive (Ying) and defensive (Wei) systems [3, 10]. Ying Qi circulates within the vessels to nourish the organs and is closely related to blood and nutrient metabolism, while Wei Qi circulates outside the vessels to protect the body against external pathogens and regulate thermoregulation and the immune response [3, 11]. In modern pharmacological research, "Ying-Wei disharmony" is often interpreted as a dysregulation of the neuro-endocrine-immune (NEI) network, involving the autonomic nervous system and the immune system [7, 10]. Therapeutic strategies such as the Guizhi Decoction aim to "harmonize" these systems by modulating multiple molecular targets, including inflammatory cytokines (e.g., IL-6, TNF-alpha) and neurotransmitters (e.g., CGRP, 5-HT) [2, 7, 12]. While not a single molecular target like a receptor or enzyme, the Ying-Wei system provides a holistic framework for understanding homeostasis and the multi-target effects of traditional herbal medicines [1, 10]. This system is particularly relevant in the treatment of conditions like influenza, asthma, and migraine, where the balance between internal stability and external defense is compromised [2, 7, 13].

Other names

Ying Qi and Wei QiNutritive and Defensive QiYing-Wei systemYing-Wei disharmony

Harmonizing the nutritive and defensive systems through multi-target modulation of the neuro-endocrine-immune network, including regulation of cytokines (IL-6, TNF-alpha) and neurotransmitters (CGRP, 5-HT).