从“肝主疏泄”与“脑–肠轴”双视角探讨针灸调治亚健康心理障碍的理论内涵

A Theoretical Exploration of Acupuncture in Regulating Subhealth Psychological Disorders from the Dual Perspectives of “Liver Governing Free Flow” and the “Brain - Gut Axis”

摘要: 亚健康状态下的心理障碍已成为重要的公共卫生问题，其病机复杂，现代医学从“脑–肠轴”理论揭示了肠道与情绪的双向关联，而中医学早以“肝主疏泄”为核心构建了情志疾病的理论框架。本文旨在通过整合“肝主疏泄”与“脑–肠轴”理论，构建一个中西医汇通的理论模型，以深入阐释针灸调治亚健康心理障碍的独特优势与科学内涵。文章认为，“肝”的生理功能与“脑–肠轴”所涉及的中枢–肠–微生物网络在调节情绪应激方面高度契合。针灸通过疏泄肝气、调和气血，能够多靶点、整体性地调节“脑–肠轴”功能，恢复其稳态平衡，从而为从“调枢启神”角度防治亚健康心理障碍提供了创新的理论依据和干预思路。

Abstract: Psychological disorders in suboptimal health have emerged as a significant public health concern, characterized by complex pathogenesis. Modern medicine has elucidated the bidirectional relationship between the gut and emotions through the “brain - gut axis” theory, while traditional Chinese medicine has long established a theoretical framework for emotional disorders centered on the concept of the “liver governing free flow.” This paper aims to construct an integrated theoretical model by synthesizing the theories of “liver governing free flow” and the “brain - gut axis,” thereby providing an in-depth explanation of the unique advantages and scientific rationale of acupuncture in treating psychological disorders in suboptimal health. The paper posits that the physiological functions of the “liver” align closely with the central-intestinal-microbial network involved in the brain - gut axis in regulating emotional stress. Acupuncture, by promoting the free flow of liver qi and harmonizing qi and blood, can holistically and multi-targetedly regulate the function of the brain - gut axis and restore its homeostatic balance. This offers an innovative theoretical foundation and intervention strategy for preventing and treating psychological disorders in suboptimal health from the perspective of “regulating the pivot to activate the spirit.”