Canon Of Huangdi Research Articles

The Citation of Classified Materia Medica in Compendium of Medicine

Compendium of Medicine (Yi Xue Gang Mu) has forty volumes, compiled by Lou Ying in the Ming Dynasty. The classification of this book was based on the diseases of viscera and relevant treatment methods. It has unique literature research value because it involved a large number of medical literature before the Ming Dynasty including Inner canon of Huang Di and many great works of popular physicians after that. By comparing Compendium of Medicine (Yi Sue Gang Mu) with Classified Materia Medica (Zheng Lei Ben Cao), it can be seen that there are 577 references from Classified Materia Medica in Compendium of Medicine, involving 78 archive or physician abbreviation with 66 ancient books or works of doctors. This means that 78 abbreviation in Compendium of Medicine were out of 220 abbreviation in Classified Materia Medica. Therefore, it indicates that Classified Materia Medica plays an important role in Compendium of Medicine compiling. In the process of citing Classified Materia Medica, Compendium of Medicine made some mistakes of citation, such as wrong provenance because of the original sources unchecked or the trace unknown, wrong spelling of names, confusion because of abbreviation, misunderstanding because of similarity, and a book with different names. These issues of citation style of Compendium of Medicine and their utilisation in practice provide meaningful references for textual research.

A Study on the Thought of Harmony in Inner Canon of Huangdi

A Study on the Thought of Harmony in Inner Canon of Huangdi

The fenrou zhijian theory in The Inner Canon of Huangdi and the stratified treatment of painful bi syndrome of meridian tendons

The fenrou zhijian is defined as potential gap between different layers in the three-dimensional network structure formed by the twelve meridian tendons. Various pathological changes of the meridian tendons lead to the adhesion and closure of fenrou zhijian, causing abnormal mechanical conduction of the meridian tendon system, which in turn leads to painful bi syndrome of meridian tendons. As such, restarting the fenrou zhijian is the key to acupuncture treatment for painful bi syndrome of meridian tendons. Under the guidance of musculoskeletal ultrasound, the level and the angle of needle insertion of acupuncture at fenrou zhijian could be accurately controlled, the efficacy of acupuncture is improved.

The fenrou zhijian theory in The Inner Canon of Huangdi and the stratified treatment of painful bi syndrome of meridian tendons

The fenrou zhijian is defined as potential gap between different layers in the three-dimensional network structure formed by the twelve meridian tendons. Various pathological changes of the meridian tendons lead to the adhesion and closure of fenrou zhijian, causing abnormal mechanical conduction of the meridian tendon system, which in turn leads to painful bi syndrome of meridian tendons. As such, restarting the fenrou zhijian is the key to acupuncture treatment for painful bi syndrome of meridian tendons. Under the guidance of musculoskeletal ultrasound, the level and the angle of needle insertion of acupuncture at fenrou zhijian could be accurately controlled, the efficacy of acupuncture is improved.十二经筋在体表形成的立体网络结构中不同层次间的潜在间隙称为“分肉之间”，经筋的各种病理变化导致“分肉之间”粘连而闭合，引起经筋系统力学传导异常，进而引发经筋痹痛，故重启“分肉之间”是针刺治疗经筋痹痛的关键。肌骨超声引导下针刺“分肉之间”可实现对层次和进针角度的精准掌握，提升针刺疗效。.

The theory of unresponsive pulse by Wang Ji : The historical position of his Yun Qi Yi Lan

Wang Ji (1463-1539) was a well-known doctor of the Xin An Medical School in the Ming Dynasty. He and his representative masterpiece Yun Qi Yi Lan are particularly important in the medical history of Yunqi, which refers to the principles of Air (Qi) regulation, influencing almost all life in nature. In terms of the theory "nonresponsive pulse matching the South and the North in the ten Stem years" (Nan Bei Zheng Bu Ying Mai), Wang Ji differentiated and analysed the changes of this theory after the Jin and Yuan Dynasties and traced it back to the classics the Inner canon of Huangdi (Huang Di Nei Jing), based on Su Wen Ru Shi Yun Qi Lun Ao, Huang Di Nei Jing and other relevant reference materials. This paper examined the evolution of the theory of unresponsive pulse in the ancient and modern literature. It was found that after the Song Dynasty, the theory of nonresponsive pulse in the South-North in the ten Stem years was developed into two main schools. One was represented by Cheng Wuji and Liu Wansu, followed with Zhang Jingyue, Li Yanshi, Yao Zhian, Lu Guanquan, Wu Qian, Huang Yuanyu, Xue Fuchen and Zhou Xuehai, who argued that the nonresponsive pulse was determined by the position of Shaoyin. Another was represented by Liu Wenshu, followed with Wang Ji, Li Zhongzi, Zhang Zhicong and Ren Yingqiu, who believed that Shaoyin always stands in the middle, Jueyin and Taiyin are always on the two sides of Shaoyin.

The skin diagnosis methods constructed by Liao Ping

Liao Ping, a famous scholar for Confucian classics in modern times has made great contributions to the field of Confucian classics. In particular, he interpreted Chinese medicine with the thinking of Confucian Classics. He delved into Inner Canon of Huangdi (Huang Di Nei Jing) and focused on recovering the methods of ancient diagnosis in this publication. He believed that the diagnostic measurement in Inner Canon of Huangdi were taken "to diagnose through cubit skin" and he then created such a diagnose method as his own. He put forward the theory of "Pi Luo Tong Zhen" which means "to diagnose diseases through cubit skin and what was shown on the skin holistically" and the theoretical framework of "Wu Zhen Fa" which means "to diagnose diseases by examining the skin, flesh, tendons, bones and veins comprehensively". While some contradictions and mistakes existed in terms of constructing the theories about the 'diagnosis through skin', Liao Ping interpreted the significance of cubit skin examination in Inner Canon of Huangdi and provided methodological enlightenment for later scholars to trace back to the origin of medical classics, and further explore the diagnosis and treatment system in Inner Canon of Huangdi.

China, the Awakened Giant

The history of Chinese medicine is as long and legendary as that of the country itself. Its origins date back 3000 years [1]. Scientific knowledge and medical practice has gone through numerous stages. Between the 8th and 3rd centuries BC, China went through a period of great cultural and intellectual development called the “Hundred Schools of Thought” [2]. An attempt was made to seek the explanation of the phenomena of the universe in nature itself, leaving aside explanations based on magic and myths [2]. The new ideas discussed and developed during this period have profoundly influenced philosophical views and lifestyles up to the present day in East Asian countries. A fundamental milestone was the publication of “Huangdi Neijing“. Also known as the “Inner Canon of Huangdi“ or “Inner Canon of the Yellow Emperor“, it is the earliest surviving work on Chinese medicine[3]. Its author, Emperor Huangdi, is not only considered the initiator of Chinese Traditional Medicine but also the father of Chinese civilization. Caring for the health of the population has been a priority in this country throughout the centuries. As a history lover, it is difficult for me to find another example of a nation embarking on an unequal war to defend its public health. This happened when the Western powers, led by the British Empire, sought to create opium addiction among the Chinese population in order to balance their trade balance by trafficking drugs [4]. These infamous conflicts went down in history as the “Opium Wars” and cost the lives of thousands of Chinese citizens. In the last decades, China’s healthcare system has made great achievements in the management of medical services and public health for the Chinese people[5]. Average life expectancy at birth was 35 years before the founding of new China, and it reached 77.0 years in 2018 [6]. The projected life expectancy at birth in mainland China in 2035 is 81,3 years [7]. On April 6, 2009, China presented an action plan to undertake a radical and ambitious reform of the health system [8]. The goal is to achieve universal health coverage. The history of shock waves in this country is a reflection of the described dynamism and historical background. The beginnings of its use in China can be traced back to the 1980s in the urological field. Prof. Xing Gengyan was the pioneer of indications in musculoskeletal pathology starting in 1993. Since that moment he has been a promoter not only of research and clinical applications, but also of medical education. In 2019, he organized in Beijing the largest international shock wave congress in history. It is a great honor that he has contributed to this issue by writing about the development of this therapeutic practice in China. In parallel with healthcare and academic development, the Chinese industry has risen to the occasion by providing high-quality devices. The content of this volume reflects not only the ability of our Chinese colleagues but also their openness to the world and their generosity in sharing information. Numerous universities and hospitals from different regions throughout China have collaborated selflessly. This could not have been accomplished without the monumental task of Dr. Sun Wei, our Guest Editor. Napoleon Bonaparte is credited with the phrase “China is a sleeping giant, when she wakes she will shake the world“. Two hundred years later the giant is awake and brimming with energy.

Sociocognitive terminology-based principles for translating the classics of traditional Chinese medicine

The classics of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) contain terminology that is challenging to translate from the Ancient Chinese language into modern English and other target languages. In this paper, we introduce the main principles of sociocognitive terminology theory and examine how the application of these principles in TCM translation projects can produce superior results. To begin our study, we evaluate the salient characteristics of important TCM terms from linguistic, cognitive, diachronic, and communicative perspectives. Next, we present a model for realizing the objectives of linguistic economy, systematic relevance, conceptual retrospection, and knowledge dissemination in sociocognitive translation studies. Finally, to illustrate the practicality of this four-dimensional model, we present a case study on sociocognitive translation of the TCM classic 黄帝内经 (Huangdi Neijing or The Inner Canon of Huangdi), which was compiled during the Warring States period (475–221 BCE). In summary, we find that this model effectively addresses the complexities of TCM terminology and provides solutions to problems involving conceptual connotation, symbolic representation, and communicative context. Following this approach, translators will be better able to convey the profoundly humanistic nature of TCM concepts, significantly improve the quality of TCM translations, and promote TCM and Chinese culture internationally.

The Meaning Characteristics of 聖人 in the Traditional Chinese Medicine Classic Huangdi Neijing

Since the Western Zhou dynasty in China, the word 聖人began to have a special meaning, entered various social fields such as literature and history and medicine, and gradually integrated into Chinese traditional culture. As an important symbol of traditional Chinese medicine culture, 聖人 shows a basic category of the core concept and value system of traditional Chinese medical classics represented by the book of Huangdi Neijing(also named The Inner Canon of Huangdi) in the pre-Qin and Han dynasties. In Huangdi Neijing which is the foundation work of the theoretical system of traditional Chinese medicine, 聖人is not only a man with perfect personality under the traditional Chinese moral and ethical concepts, but also a regimen practitioner and a master of universe laws and the best model of physical and mental health. Based on the traditional Chinese medicine book Huangdi Neijing, this paper uses the knowledge of Chinese philology and traditional Chinese medicine culture to trace the origin meaning of the Chinese word 聖人 from the perspective of genesis, and examines the semantic evolution of 聖人 and its cultural characteristics in the development of the Chinese nation and the Traditional Chinese medicine

Huangdi Neijing and Huangdi Waijing compiled in the Western Zhou

There are 18 volumes of Huangdi Neijing(, Inner Canon of Huangdi) and 37 volumes of Waijing in Hanshu:Yiwenzhi. Base on Huangfu Mi's preface to Zhenjiu Jiayi Jing(, Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion), "Now there are Classic of Acupuncture and Plain Questions that are Neijing", and researchers think Huangdi Waijing has been lost for a long time. However, the study of historical records shows that with the gradual loss of records in Huangdi Neijing and Huangdi Waijing, the inheritance of Huangdi Suwen and Huangdi Zhenjing has become increasingly clear. From the bibliography of Yiwenzhi of Qingshi Gao, Suwen and Lingshu were undoubtedly two books. According to the development process of ancient Chinese society, the medical system of Zhou Dynasty, the achievements of Yiyin medicine, and the evolution of doctors' Appellations of "Wu"(Wizard), "Gong"(craftsman) and "Yi"(physician), this paper thinks that Huangdi Neijing and Huangdi Waijing can only be written in the Western Zhou Dynasty, while the state power was highly concentrated, not in the Warring States period. Huangdi Neijing was probably written in response to the needs of "disease medicine" and "food medicine" of the Zhou Dynasty. Its inheriting writing is the current edition of plain questions, covering the major internal medicine system; Huangdi Waijing is likely to be written in response to the needs of " skin and external diseases medicine" of Zhou Dynasty, and its inheriting writing is the current version of Lingshu(, Miraculous Pivot), covering the general anatomy of the human body, acupuncture, sores, massage, guidance, etc., quite the grand surgical system.

New discussion on the connotation of Star Twelve Points

With the discussion on the origins and the evolution of Star Twelve Points, combined with ancient astronomical stellar map, it is realized that the three-dimensional spatial diagram of Star Twelve Points can be approximately regarded as a Big Dipper map from the side view. Under the direction of image thinking, the function of Big Dipper was compared with the function of Star Twelve Points. Furthermore, according to "the opening-closing-pivoting" theory in The Inner Canon of Huangdi and the theory of "qi cycle in round" proposed by HUANG Yuan-yu, the mechanisms of Star Twelve Points on adjusting functional activities of qi and the movement of viscera-meridian-qi-blood is elaborated, providing a new idea for acupuncture clinical treatment of miscellaneous diseases.

Topological Analysis of the Language Networks of Ancient Traditional Chinese Medicine Books.

This study aims to explore the topological regularities of the character network of ancient traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) book. We applied the 2-gram model to construct language networks from ancient TCM books. Each text of the book was separated into sentences and a TCM book was generated as a directed network, in which nodes represent Chinese characters and links represent the sequential associations between Chinese characters in the sentences (the occurrence of identical sequential associations is considered as the weight of this link). We first calculated node degrees, average path lengths, and clustering coefficients of the book networks and explored the basic topological correlations between them. Then, we compared the similarity of network nodes to assess the specificity of TCM concepts in the network. In order to explore the relationship between TCM concepts, we screened TCM concepts and clustered them. Finally, we selected the binary groups whose weights are greater than 10 in Inner Canon of Huangdi (ICH, 黄帝内经) and Treatise on Cold Pathogenic Disease (TCPD, 伤寒论), hoping to find the core differences of these two ancient TCM books through them. We found that the degree distributions of ancient TCM book networks are consistent with power law distribution. Moreover, the average path lengths of book networks are much smaller than random networks of the same scale; clustering coefficients are higher, which means that ancient book networks have small-world patterns. In addition, the similar TCM concepts are displayed and linked closely, according to the results of cosine similarity comparison and clustering. Furthermore, the core words of Inner Canon of Huangdi and Treatise on Cold Pathogenic Diseases have essential differences, which might indicate the significant differences of language and conceptual patterns between theoretical and clinical books. This study adopts language network approach to investigate the basic conceptual characteristics of ancient TCM book networks, which proposes a useful method to identify the underlying conceptual meanings of particular concepts conceived in TCM theories and clinical operations.

Professor ZHANG Jiawei's clinical experience of stage treatment for shoulder-hand syndrome after stroke

Professor ZHANG Jiawei, as the famous and veteran physician of TCM, has practiced TCM for more than 50 years, and had unique experience for the treatment of encephalopathy. Professor ZHANG applied the theory of skin to guide the treatment of shoulder-hand syndrome after stroke. On the basis of the ancient acupuncture method of The Inner Canon of Huangdi, combined with modern acupuncture method and new materials, with characteristics of shoulder-hand syndrome after stroke at different time points, he proposed to use floating needling and acupoint catgut embedding to treat patients with stageⅠ, and to use picking therapy and penetration needle to treat patients with stageⅡ, and to use fire needles, penetration needle and acupoint catgut embedding to treat patients with stageⅢ, combined with conventional acupuncture and rehabilitation treatment. As a result, the superior efficacy was achieved.

Discussion on relationship between "living alone with closed windows and doors" and depression

"Living alone with closed windows and doors"was mentioned in the pathological manifestations of stomach meridian of foot-yangming in Neijing (The Inner Canon of Huangdi), which is similar to the symptoms of depression. Currently the treatment of depression is mostly based on"spirit being stored in five organs"theory, and little attention is paid on stomach meridian of foot-yangming. From the pathological manifestations of"living alone with closed windows and doors"in stomach meridian of foot-yangming, the relationship between stomach meridian and depression is discussed from ying-yang and qi-blood. In addition, the close relationship between the stomach meridian and qi-blood, qi movement of five organs, heart and brain is discussed to explore the mechanism of treating depression. In conclusion, the literature and modern research regarding treating depression from stomach meridian are summarized, hoping to provide more clinical methods for the treatment of depression.

Analysis on standardization of patient posture for acupuncture treatment

The standardization of patient posture for acupuncture treatment was discussed. According to the opinions in Neijing (Inner Canon of Huangdi), combined with the clinical practice of acupuncture, it was believed that the patient posture for acupuncture treatment should be standardized based on Neijing. The standardized patient posture was the foundation of acupuncture, the need of blood flow and requirement of acupuncture technique. The combination of three elements was beneficial for the traveling of spirit-qi through meridian-acupoint, which could regulate balance of yin and yang to treat disease. In addition, the principles and methods of standardization of patient posture was proposed, and the important clinical significance of standardization of patient posture for acupuncture treatment was highlighted.

The textual research of "body cun"

Although the concept of "body cun" was proposed in Neijing (Inner Canon of Huangdi), it was matured in Qianjin Yaofang (Invaluable Prescriptions for Ready Reference) in Tang Dynasty, so it was believed by the majority of physicians this term was firstly proposed in Qianjin Yaofang. In this study, the literature regarding "body cun" was reviewed, and it was believed the term was originated from Chongguangbuzheng Huangdineijingsuwen, when WANG bing noted Suwen (The Plain Questions). The connotation of the "body cun" included multiple meanings, such as bone cun, finger cun and so on, and the points of view were different in different periods, different doctors or scholars. From the respective explanation of bone cun and finger cun to the combination use in Ming Dynasty and Qing Dynasty, the extension of the term was embodied. After the establishment of term' s connotation and extension, the translation of the term was accurate and clear.

Discussion on ideological concept implied in traditional reinforcing and reducing method of acupuncture

The forming and development of traditional reinforcing and reducing method of acupuncture was rooted in traditional culture of China, and was based on the ancients' special understanding of nature, life and diseases, therefore its principle and methods were inevitably influenced by philosophy culture and medicine concept at that time. With deep study on Inner Canon of Huangdi and representative reinforcing and reducing method of acupuncture, the implied ideological concept, including contradiction view and profit-loss view in ancient dialectic, yin-yang balance theory, concept of life flow, monophyletic theory of qi , theory of existence of disease-evil, yin-yang astrology theory, theory of inter-promotion of five elements, were summarized and analyzed. The clarified and systematic understanding on guiding ideology of reinforcing and reducing method of acupuncture could significantly promote the understanding on principle, method, content and manipulation.

Learning experience of acupuncture technique from professor ZHANG Jin

As a famous acupuncturist in the world, professor ZHANG Jin believes the key of acupuncture technique is the use of force, and the understanding of the "concentrating the force into needle body" is essential to understand the essence of acupuncture technique. With deep study of Huangdi Neijing (The Inner Canon of Huangdi) and Zhenjiu Dacheng (Compendium of Acupuncture and Moxibustion), the author further learned professor ZHANG Jin's theory and operation specification of "concentrating force into needle body, so the force arriving before and together with needle". The whole-body force should be subtly focused on the tip of needle, and gentle force at tip of needle could get significant reinforcing and reducing effect. In addition, proper timing at tip of needle could start reinforcing and reducing effect, lead qi to disease location, and achieve superior clinical efficacy.

Textual research on the fire needle and the fire needle therapy

There are different names of the fire needle therapy in the Huang di nei jing (Inner Canon of Huangdi) such as Zu-zhen (), Cui-zhen (,), Fan-zhen (), Huo-cui (), Cui (,,), Cuici ,), Fan zhen jie ci (). It is claimed that the lance needle, the round sharp needle and the long needle recorded in this Classic are puncturing tools for the fire needle therapy. In the Eastern Han Dynasty, Zhang Zhongjing expanded the indications for the fire needle therapy and Huo-zhen () firstly appeared in the Jin kui yu han jing(Classic of the Jade Box and Golden Chamber). The application of the fire needle therapy had been further expanded to a lot of internal and external disorders form the Wei-Jin-Southern and Northern Dynasties to the Ming and Qing Dynasties. There are more detailed records on the manipulation and the tools of the fire needle therapy during this period. In the 1970s, Huo zhen liao fa () was proposed and still in use today. However the Bai-zhen (plain needle) in ancient literature is equal to the filiform needle and should not be regarded as the former name of the fire needle.

A Study on the quotations in the Wu xing da yi (The Gist of Five Phases) cited from Nei jing (Inner Canon)

In the Wu xing da yi (The Gist of Five Phases), written by Xiao Ji of the Sui Dynasty, there were 9 quotations cited from Huang di nei jing (Inner Canon of Huangdi). By comparison with current version of Huang di nei jing, most of the descriptions are similar, yet still with some differences, such as yin-yang nature of the five zang visceras, the liver being the root of "pi ji", the spleen being the root of "cang lin" etc. Wu xing da yi epitomizes the books about yin-yang and five phases before the Sui Dynasty, while Xiao Ji's quotations from Huang di nei jing interpreted from the views of yin-yang and five phases, are different from the annotations of later ages.