The New Theory of Holistic Integrative Physiology (HIP)
Authors: Sun Xingguo 
Published: April 2020

BACKGROUND

The modern systemic physiology, based on limit‐understand functional classification, has significant limitation and one‐sidedness. Human being is organic; we approach to set new theory for mechanism of functional control and regulation of all systems.

METHODS

We use new theory of holistic integrative physiology and medicine to explain the mechanism of control and regulation of respiration, circulation, metabolism and all systems together.

RESULTS

1. Idea for respiration: The up‐down “W” waveform information of arterial blood gas (ABG) is core signal to control and regulate breathing, in addition to the mean level of ABG participate in it. In order to control and regulate breathing, we must integrate all systems together. The new theory will help to explain some unanswered questions in physiology and medicine which based on functional classification, for example: fetal does not breathing; how first breath generates; how respiratory rhythm and frequency generates, etc. 2. Idea for circulation: The main purpose of circulation is to maintain a stable metabolism of cells, i.e. transport oxygen (from lung) and nutrients (from gastrointestinal tract) to cells, and return carbon dioxide and metabolic products back for elimination. Based on this goal, all respiration and gastrointestinal digestion, absorption, urinary excretion, etc. are integrative together for regulation to maintain the supply‐demand balance at any metabolic statuses. So that, we can explain many existing problems and questions, for example: why and how the foramen ovale closed after birth; mechanism of Cheyne‐Stokes respiration; blood flow redistribution during exercise; variability of systolic blood pressure, heart rate and autonomic tone. (see The Published Structure Graph wih permission in Chinese for the Theory of HIP. Sun, XG. CJAP,2015,31(4):289–384). 3. There are “Y” type core axes for all functions of human life: The first one is the common goal of respiration and circulation to transport oxygen and carbon dioxide for cells, and the second one is the goal of gastrointestinal tract and circulation to transport energy material and metabolic product for cells (see The Published Structure Graph in Chinese for the Theory of HIP. Sun, XG. CJAP,2015,31(4):289–384). The “Y” core axes work together to maintain stable metabolism of cells. The neurohumoral regulation is holistically integrated and unified for all functions in human body. We simplified explain the mechanism of neurohumoral control and regulation life (respiration and circulation) as the example pattern of sound system.

CONCLUSION

Holistic Integrative Physiology explains the mechanism of control and regulation of life, which integrates respiration, circulation, nerves, metabolism, exercise, sleep and digestion, absorption and elimination and etc. all systems together. It is linking all life styles of sleeping, waking, resting, exercise, drinking, eating, fasting, urinating, defecating, and etc. everything altogether.

Support or Funding Information

National Natural Science Foundation of China (81470204); Fuwai Hospital, National Cardiovascular Institute of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2012‐YJR02); Research on Clinical Characteristics of the Capital (Z141107002514084); Research and Outcome Promotion of Clinical Characteristics in the Capital (Project No. Z161100000516127)

Figure 1