• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.38 no.5
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• pp.179-186
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• 2024

This paper reconsiders the concept of "regulating the waterways" (通調水道) from a traditional Korean medicine perspective and offers a modern reinterpretation of its significance. Traditionally attributed to the lung's function, "regulating the waterways" involves the dispersion and regulation of bodily fluids through the actions of dispersing (宣發) and descending (肅降). The study argues that the role of "regulating the waterways" extends beyond a simple connection between the lung and bladder to encompass a broader scope of fluid regulation and excretion. By distinguishing the body's vascular system into external and internal waterway systems, the research clarifies how fluids are distributed and regulated throughout the body. Specifically, pathways leading to the face and body surface are categorized as 1^st dispersing (宣發) and 2^nd dispersing (宣發), respectively, while the pathway to internal organs is named 3^rd descending (肅降), proving to be clinically valuable. "regulating the waterways" (通調水道) is considered to involve the control of vessels, referring to the phenomenon where blood flow to local tissues is regulated by the contraction and relaxation of the arterioles or by the precapillary sphincters.

• Journal of Korean Medical classics
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• v.20 no.3
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• pp.49-56
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• 2007

The "Somun Jogyongron(素問 調經論)" describes excess and deficiency syndromes. The study suggests that excess syndrome(實證) is caused by vigorous pathogenic fire(火邪)(the spirit(神)), pathogenic dryness(燥邪)(Gi(氣)), pathogenic wind(風邪)(blood(血)), pathogenic dampness(濕邪)(physique(形)) or pathogenic coldness(寒邪)(will(志)). When pathogenic fire is dominant within the body, Gi and blood becomes excessive and come out of the body, but the body cannot take them back, leading to the symptom in which the patient cannot stop laughing. When pathogenic dryness prevails, the lung(肺) cannot function properly. This means that the convergence(收斂) function of the clearing the lung and descending Gi(肅降) is deteriorated, and the patient shows symptoms of dyspnea and cough. Strong pathogenic wind increases the ascencling Gi in the liver(肝氣) and fuel angry emotion when the patient becomes upset. When pathogenic dampness is dominant, spleen(脾) function drops due to lumping effects, and the patient will experience abdominal distention(腹脹), which will disturb urination and defecation. When pathogenic coldness prevails, abdominal distention occurs due to condensating effects, and Yang Gj(陽氣) in the kidney(腎) is disturbed, leading to digestion disorders and eventually water-grain dysentery. Deficiency syndrome is caused by the lack of essential Gi(精氣) in the five viscera(五藏). Deficiency of sprit means the lack of Gi in the heart(心氣), so the patient becomes vulnerable to sadness. Deficiency of Gi means the lack of Gi in the lung(肺氣), so the patient may have breathing disorders. Deficiency of blood means the lack of Gi in the Liver(肝氣), so the patient can be easily scared. Deficiency of physique means the lack of Gi in the spleen(脾氣), making it difficult to use arms and legs. Deficiency of will means the lack of Gi in the kidney(腎氣), so Gowl syndrome(厥證) can ensue.