Huangdi Neijing is one of the most important medical classics in ancient China and one of the oldest medical works in the world, and it is regarded as one of the classics of traditional Chinese medicine. This article will introduce the background and content of Huangdi Neijing and its influence on traditional Chinese medicine.
BACKGROUND: Huangdi Neijing, also known as Huangdi Neijing Su Wen, is one of the ancient medical classics in China, which was written from the 2nd century BC to the 2nd century AD. It is named after Huangdi, the legendary founder of China ancient medicine, and is divided into two parts: Lingshu and Su Wen. Among them, it mainly discusses medical theory, while Lingshu focuses on medical practice and treatment methods.
Content: Huangdi Neijing covers a wide range of medical knowledge, including etiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment, diet, health preservation and so on. The following are some important concepts and contents:
Yin-Yang and Five Elements: Huangdi Neijing puts forward the theory of Yin-Yang and Five Elements, which is the core of TCM theory. The theory of Yin and Yang explains the relativity and balance of things, while the theory of Five Elements describes the relationship between the five elements of nature (wood, fire, earth, gold and water) and the human body.
Meridian theory: the book describes the meridian system in detail, and holds that there are meridians in the human body, which run through the whole body and regulate the operation of qi and blood. This theory is widely used in acupuncture, massage and other therapies.
Health care: Huangdi Neijing emphasizes the importance of prevention and health care. Provide advice on diet, exercise, emotional adjustment, etc. to maintain human health and balance.
Dialectical treatment: this book emphasizes the dialectical treatment of diseases, that is, making treatment plans according to the characteristics of diseases and the theory of yin and yang and five elements, rather than generalizing.
Zang-fu theory: Huangdi Neijing describes the functions and relationships of zang-fu organs in detail, and holds that zang-fu organs are the key to maintaining life activities.
Third, the influence on traditional Chinese medicine: Huangdi Neijing has an immeasurable influence on traditional Chinese medicine and is regarded as the cornerstone and source of traditional Chinese medicine. The following are its main influences on traditional medicine in China:
Theoretical basis: The theory of Yin-Yang and Five Elements and the theory of meridians in Huangdi Neijing constitute the core of TCM theory. These theories have profoundly influenced the diagnosis and treatment methods of traditional Chinese medicine.
Clinical practice: Huangdi Neijing describes rich clinical experience and treatment methods in detail, which provides important reference and guidance for later clinical practice of traditional Chinese medicine.
Health care: Health care methods such as diet conditioning, exercise and emotional adjustment proposed in Huangdi Neijing are still widely adopted and applied.
Inheritance and development: Huangdi Neijing has a far-reaching influence on later medical works and medical schools, such as Treatise on Febrile Diseases by Zhang Zhongjing and synopsis of the Golden Chamber by Wang Shuhe.