Exploration of the Theory and Clinical Application of the Co-existence of Dryness and Dampness

ZHENG Qi; HUANG Yuyan; TANG Erqun; ZHANG Liping; CHEN Xi

doi:10.3969/j.issn.1006-3250.2025.11.020

Abstract：The co-existence of dryness and dampness mainly refers to a special stage in the process of the waxing and waning of these two pathological mechanisms,where they co-exist and remain in a state of balance.In essence,it reflects the waxing and waning changes of Yin Qi and Yang Qi.The fact that dryness and dampness share the same origin and can transform into each other is the theoretical basis for the mutual transformation of these two pathological mechanisms.The mutual restraint and mutual assistance between dryness and dampness serve as the foundation for interpreting the cooperative relationship between the spleen and the stomach and for formulating medication strategies for dryness and dampness syndromes.The pathological mechanism of the co-existence of dryness and dampness mainly includes two situations.One is the combination of external and internal pathogenic factors leading to a concurrent disease.The other is that in internal diseases,due to the abnormal physiological functions of the internal organs,the pathological mechanisms of dryness and dampness emerge,presenting a state where dryness and dampness co-exist during their mutual transformation process.The former can be further divided into external dryness with internal dampness and external dampness with internal dryness,while the latter can be divided into cases where dampness gives rise to dryness and where dryness leads to dampness.The basic principle of treatment should be to balance the methods of moistening dryness and resolving dampness.The proportion of these two treatment methods can be flexibly adjusted according to the severity of dryness and dampness.Specific treatment approaches include treating dryness and dampness simultaneously,focusing mainly on treating dryness,and focusing mainly on treating dampness.