Based on the theory of "

Xieli Yinyang

"

combined with modern studies on disease pathogenesis

this article proposes that the essence of physical aging is an imbalance of

yin

and

yang

with muscle loss and fat accumulation as its major pathological characteristics. These two processes interact with each other

jointly leading to disorders of muscle-fat metabolism. Defici

ency of

yang

qi

is the key driving factor for muscle loss

whereas accumulation of

yin

turbidity is the primary cause of fat accumulation. Furthermore

moxibustion may regulate muscle-fat metabolism by reinforcing

yang

and replenishing deficiency to nourish muscles

warming the meridians and eliminating

yin

turbidity

thereby correcting ectopic fat accumulation and lipid metabolic disorders

improving muscle quality and thermogenic capacity

and enhancing motor function. These findings provide a novel therapeutic strategy for delaying physical aging.