Release the exterior (Jie Biao)

"Release the exterior" (Jie Biao) is a fundamental therapeutic principle in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) rather than a single molecular target like a protein or receptor. It refers to a category of treatments used to resolve "exterior syndromes," which typically represent the early stages of exogenous infections such as the common cold, influenza, or other acute viral respiratory illnesses. The primary biological mechanism involves the induction of diaphoresis (sweating) to facilitate thermoregulation and the expulsion of pathogens from the body's superficial layers, such as the skin and mucous membranes. While it is a holistic therapeutic concept, modern pharmacological studies have identified that herbs associated with this function (e.g., Ephedra, Cinnamomum, and Bupleurum) act on specific molecular targets, including adrenergic receptors, vacuolar-type H+-ATPase (V-ATPase) involved in viral uncoating, and various transient receptor potential (TRP) channels. Clinically, this approach is characterized by its focus on venting pathogenic factors and restoring homeostatic balance during the prodromal phase of disease.

Other names

Xie BiaoJie BiaoExterior-relieving methodDiaphoretic methodSuperficial-syndrome-resolieving method

Inducing diaphoresis to regulate body temperature and expel exogenous pathogens; inhibiting viral uncoating via V-ATPase inhibition; modulating inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-alpha and IL-6; and stimulating adrenergic receptors to improve respiratory function.