Abstract:Tracing back to the origin of Wendan tang,it is believed that this prescription,rather than having the function of clearing heat and resolving phlegm suggested in modern time,was first created for the gallbladder cold syndrome with the function of warming and tonifying the gallbladder yang. Besides, according to ancient records, modern clinical application and related experimental study,it is considered that the Wendan tang can regulate the spirit and treat a variety of emotional disorders and mental diseases. Therefore, it can be inferred that the gallbladder yang has the physiological function of regulating spirit mechanism. In addition,combining the classic works such as Suwen and Lingshu,this paper sums up and expounds the theory of regulating spirit by supporting gallbladder yang, and holds that the gallbladder yang balances and coordinates the spirit mechanism mainly by regulating the spirit of five viscera. The method of using Wendan tang to warm the gallbladder and regulate spirit has a long history,but it is gradually neglected due to historical evolution. As the saying goes, we can gain new insights through restudying old material. It is hoped that the study will help to update the understanding of physiological and pathological changes of spirit and emotion in Chinese medicine, and provide new ideas and methods for clinical syndrome differentiation and treatment.