The theory of lung collaterals concretions and conglomerations gathering and dissipation is consistent with the pathogenesis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis（IPF） in modern medicine. The lung collaterals are vulnerable with profuse blood and fluids and control breathing

which have created conditions for the accumulation of concretions and conglomerations. The pathogenesis of IPF is due to the depletion of lung collaterals

leading to the dysfunction of gathering and dispersing; phlegm

stasis and toxins are therefore accumulated as concretions and conglomerations which block the lung collaterals and further damage the qi movement; chronic consumption and damage to qi-yin make the qi movement solitary

endangered

declined and dispersed with a tendency to desertion. It is believed that IPF is caused by lung collaterals depletion

and concretions and conglomerations are the pathological products; disorderly gathering and dispersing is considered to be the pathogenesis

and staged treatment based on the fibrosis degree is recommended

that is scattering wind and clearing heat at early stage; unblocking collaterals and dispersing concretions at middle stage; and unblocking and supplementing lung collaterals at late stage.