Huangdi Neijing Research Articles

A Discussion on Three Different Issues Between Huangdi Neijing 黃帝內經 and Yixuexinwu 醫學心悟 Regarding the 19 Mechanisms of Disease (病機十九條)

Objective: The 19 Mechanisms of Disease were first described in Huangdi Neijing. When examining Yixuexinwu, three descriptions that were different from Huangdi Neijing were found.Methods and Results: After examining the two books, three differences in the description of the 19 Mechanisms of Disease were discovered: 1) The upper and lower locations of dyspnea (喘症) are reversed. 2) The ratio of provisions for “fire (火)” and “cold (寒)” is different. 3) The organ affiliation for pain is different.Conclusion: 1) The upper and lower locations of dyspnea (喘症) are reversed. : Regarding external contraction dyspnea (外感喘), Yixuexinwu used the disease of the upper location (lung 上, 肺) in the same way as in Huangdi Neijing. In terms of internal damage (內傷喘), it was separately classified as a disease of the lower location (kidney 下, 腎). 2) The ratio of provisions for “fire (火)” and “cold (寒)” is different. : Arithmetically, if you round off the number after calculating the fraction, the difference between the two ratios becomes the same. Theoretically, five provisions of “fire” are replaced by four provisions of “heat (熱)”, and the difference in ratios is exactly the same. Empirically, it emphasizes that there are more illnesses from fire and heat than from cold. 3) The organ affiliation for pain is different. : Huangdi Neijing described general inflammatory pain, while the Yixuexinwu described only stress-related abdominal pain (肝木乘脾腹痛).

On acupoints

Acupoint is the basis of acupuncture. To elaborate the theory of acupuncture, the structure and function of acupoint should be clarified in advance. By exploring the discussion upon the classification, distribution and structure of acupoint in Huangdi Neijing (Inner Canon of Yellow Emperor), qi zheng lun (on meridian points and extra points), jie jiao lun (on convergence of joints) and guan ji lun (on three-dimensional structure of acupoint) are extracted. Based on whether located on the fixed sites, acupoints are classified into meridian points and extra points, while the meridian points are divided into 4 categories, i.e maishu, gukong, qixue and muxue. The convergence of joints illustrates the principal rule of acupoint distribution. The density of the major and key acupoints is proportional to the size and the complexity of function of joints. Acupoint is recognized as a three-dimensional structure in consideration of its external distribution on the body surface and the substances inside the body, which can be explored and examined. In addition, the relationship between meridian points and extra points, the significance of meridian points in different conditions, and the approaches to acupoint study are deeply discussed and analyzed. The crucial problems and the way for solving them are proposed for the future study to provide the references to the inheritance and innovation of acupuncture.

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

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

Quepen() and related issues

Based on the features of the Chinese constellation Kuixiu() as seen in archaeological and documentary historical materials and the fact that it is also known as Quepen (), the reason why the pelvis was named Quepen was discussed. To verify the relationship between Jian gu (,Clavicle and shoulder blades) and Quepen on the basis of Kui in qinjian rishu corresponds to the term Jian shang () on the Divination Birth Chart() in bamboo strips of Former Han Dynasty collected byPeking University.Taking the Huangdi Neijing and other relevant documents as clues, the reason of "quepen" may refer to the jugular notch is clarifid.Taking the two acupoints of "quepen" and "Tianshu" as examples, it reveals the habit of the ancients to use the names of human body parts and transfer them to the names of acupoints.

Agnikarma - Understanding the process from Past to the Present

Throughout human history, medical practices have evolved and adapted to the prevailing knowledge, culture, and technology of their time. One such ancient medical technique that holds a significant place in history is "Agnikarma," a fire-based therapeutic intervention. Originating in civilizations such as India, China, Greece, and Egypt, Agnikarma's evolution and significance are explored within their cultural and medical contexts. Its origins are traced to ancient medical texts, including the "Sushruta Samhita" and the "Huangdi Neijing," which document its application in Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), respectively. Agnikarma's role in treating a wide array of conditions, from pain relief to chronic ailments, is examined, reflecting its diverse applications across cultures. Agnikarma involves the application of heat to specific points on the body using a variety of instruments, such as metal rods, needles, and cow dung cakes. By stimulating blood circulation and promoting the body's natural healing process, Agnikarma has been used to address conditions ranging from musculoskeletal pain to skin disorders. An attempt is made using this article to review how the process started from being worshipped like God to a therapeutic procedure, the step-by-step development. This review article explores the historical origins and contemporary use of Agnikarma therapy. The article also discusses the future directions for the research and development of this ancient healing technique. In essence, this historical review illuminates Agnikarma's cultural significance, medical impact, and role in shaping the trajectory of medical practices through time.

Theory and application of pulse diagnosis at Renying and Cunkou regions

Renying and Cunkou pulse diagnostic method is one of the important parts of the pulse diagnosis in Huangdi Neijing (Inner Canon of Yellow Emperor) and has been controversial since its proposal. This article takes WANG Shu-he's diagnostic operation as the evidence, and is in reference of the statement, "Cun region (the region ahead of Guan region of Cunkou) determines the human life, that on the left hand refers to Renying, while on the right hand is Qikou". The pulse conditions on the left and right hands represent yin and yang. If Renying pulse on the left is greater, the diseases are in yang meridians, while if Cunkou pulse on the right is bustling, the diseases are in yin meridians. By comparing the pulse condition and strength, as well as the pulse beating (rapid and urgent) between Guan region and region ahead of Guan on the same side, the conditions of three yang and three yin meridians are detected. In treatment, based on the records of Renying and Cunkou pulse diagnosis in Huangdi Neijing, the principles are proposed for reinforcing and reducing methods on hand and foot meridians of yin and yang. Five-shu points and yuan-source points are taken as the main acupoints in acupuncture treatment. During treatment, the changes in pulse conditions should be emphasized specifically and those at Renying and Cunkou regions are the criteria for judging qi arrival and qi regulation.

Application characteristics and modern research progress of "bone-approaching" acupuncture

The paper explores the evolution of "bone-approaching" acupuncture, its effect target and mechanism. The concrete operation procedure of "bone-approaching" method is recorded originally in Huangdi Neijing (Inner Canon of Yellow Emperor) as short needling and Shu needling (referring to the category of the five needling technique). The periosteum is the most effective stimulation target of "bone-approaching" acupuncture for analgesia, regaining consciousness and regulating spirit. The "bone-approaching" acupuncture is not only prominently effective on bone bi syndrome, but also has the unique effect on painful, encephalogenic and emotional diseases. The paper summarizes and improves "bone-approaching" acupuncture, i.e. "touching bone surface" with needle tip by slow insertion, "touching bone surface" without pain by swift insertion and "touching bone" with needle body by oblique insertion. It contributes to the inheritance, development and supplementation to the bone needling techniques in Huangdi Neijing and is significant for broadening the clinical application range of acupuncture.

Characteristics and application of qicimai points in Huangdi Neijing

The paper summarizes the definition, location and main indication of qicimai points recorded in Huangdi Neijing (Yellow Emperor 's Inner Classic). It is found that qicimai points are the "upward moving points" in reference to the meridian distribution rule of "rooting, running, infusing and moving"; and corresponding to the sites of "running outwards and inwards" of the meridians' "separating, meeting and running outwards and inwards". It also includes the infusing points for the sea of qi and marrow. The new idea, "selecting qicimai points for the treatment of qi obstruction in the neck gate", is proposed. Based on the systematic application of the acupoints on the nape region, it is anticipated that a new approach will be provided to the treatment of the diseases in the neck, shoulder, head, face, the five sensory organs, mental disorders and zangfu qi dysfunction.

One View of the Establishment of the Relationship Between the Zang-Fu and the Meridians in the Huangdi Neijing Suwen

One View of the Establishment of the Relationship Between the Zang-Fu and the Meridians in the Huangdi Neijing Suwen

Discussion on the relationship between yuan-source points of yang meridians and diseases of fu- organs

Huangdi Neijing (Yellow Emperor 's Canon of Medicine) establishes the theory that yuan-source points are indicated in zangfu diseases. However, compared with the yuan-source points of yin meridians for the treatment of zang-organ diseases, there is less attention to the indication of yuan-source points of yang meridians for fu-organ diseases, and this statement is even questioned. Collating the early literature and associating with the researches of medical experts, it is found that Nanjing (Classic of Difficult Questions) should be the theoretic origin that yuan-source points of yang meridians are indicated in fu-organ diseases. Regarding the reasons why this theory has not received clinical attention, the three aspects are involved, i.e. the theoretic completion of "he-sea points of three-foot-yang meridians for the diseases of six fu-organs", the limitation of the theory itself, and the lack of literature materials. It is proposed that the exploration on this theory should be deepened in views of the essence of yuan-source points relevant with the characteristic of the wrist-ankle pulse palpation region, acupoint combination, modern technology, etc.

On thinking of Traditional Chinese Medicine nursing in Huangdi Neijing

On thinking of Traditional Chinese Medicine nursing in Huangdi Neijing

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。.

From the body-mind holism to psychosomatic medicine: theory and practice of acupuncture and moxibustion

The traditional life concept of "body-mind holism" in Chinese medicine has drawn a special attention with the development of modern psychosomatic medicine. The "body-mind holism" is valuable in the guidance for clinical acupuncture practice, but, it is only remained on the theoretical significance by the medical masters in the past dynasties. In the paper, based on the understanding of Huangdi Neijing (Yellow Emperor's Internal Classic), the similarities and differences are compared between the body-mind theory and psychosomatic medicine. In association with clinical observation, from three aspects, i.e. body-mind pathogenesis, acupoint detection and observing the mind, and body-mind treatment, the guidance of "body-mind holism" is explored for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of acupuncture and moxibustion; the referents of "body" and "mind" are clarified in views of disease, diagnosis and treatment; and the treatment strategies of acupuncture and moxibustion are discussed in the perspective of "body-mind holism".

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.

"Pain-point needling": an interpretation based on the context and therapeutic principles of muscles along the twelve regular meridians

"Pain-point needling", a term of acupuncture medicine from the Chapter Jingjin (Muscles along Meridians) of Lingshu Jing (Miraculous Pivot), is one of the selection principles of acupuncture and moxibustion stimulation spots, and is an integral part of the theory of Jingjin. The statement style of the Jingjin theory in Lingshu imitates that of the twelve regular meridians theory. From the perspective of the evolution process of the meridian theory, it is a continuation of the literature from Jianbo Maishu (Bamboo Slips Book and Silk Book on Meridians) to Huangdi Neijing (The Yellow Emperor's Internal Classic). In this context, meridian diseases are treated with acupoints, while Jingjin disorders are treated with "pain-point needling" rather than acupoints. The theoretical framework of the two is strictly relative. This phenomenon is due to the strong position of the meridian and acupoint theory at that time, which affects the reasoning habit of acupuncture and moxibustion literature. The correct understanding of "pain-point needling" will also involve the understanding of "Ashi point" and its relationship with the acupoints, so as to help us clarify the concept of the acupoints, and then construct the category of "acupuncture and moxibustion stimulating points", which may solve the problems existing in the current theoretical system of acupuncture and moxibustion.

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.

Using Text Mining and Data Visualization Approaches for Investigating Mental Illness from the Perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine

Background and Objectives. Anxiety and depressive disorders are the most prevalent mental disorders, and due to the COVID-19 pandemic, more people are suffering from anxiety and depressive disorders, and a considerable fraction of COVID-19 survivors have a variety of persistent neuropsychiatric problems after the initial infection. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a different perspective on mental disorders from Western biomedicine. Effective management of mental disorders has become an increasing concern in recent decades due to the high social and economic costs involved. This study attempts to express and ontologize the relationships between different mental disorders and physical organs from the perspective of TCM, so as to bridge the gap between the unique terminology used in TCM and a medical professional. Materials and Methods. Natural language processing (NLP) is introduced to quantify the importance of different mental disorder descriptions relative to the five depots and two palaces, stomach and gallbladder, through the classical medical text Huangdi Neijing and construct a mental disorder ontology based on the TCM classic text. Results. The results demonstrate that our proposed framework integrates NLP and data visualization, enabling clinicians to gain insights into mental health, in addition to biomedicine. According to the results of the relationship analysis of mental disorders, depots, palaces, and symptoms, the organ/depot most related to mental disorders is the heart, and the two most important emotion factors associated with mental disorders are anger and worry & think. The mental disorders described in TCM are related to more than one organ (depot/palace). Conclusion. This study complements recent research delving into co-relations or interactions between mental status and other organs and systems.

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.