A Brief History of Ancient Chinese Medicine
The Chinese have a long, continuous and unbroken history of medicine that is still practiced today. From esoteric chi kung exercises to acupuncture, the Chinese still adhere to these traditional arts as they have a proven record of healing and helping patients to recover. Since earliest times, the Chinese have extensive knowledge of how to use and apply herbs for treatment. Also, archaeological findings have unearthed ancient tools and needles constructed from bamboo and stone that were used in acupuncture treatment.
The Xia (ca. 2,100-1,600 BCE) and Shang (ca. 1,600-1,046 BCE) dynasties did not see much development in Chinese medicine. Even then, it is significant to note that during this period of Chinese history when the Chinese written language came into being, the Chinese have developed words for medical terms and personal hygiene like microorganism and bath. The succeeding Zhou dynasty (1,066- ca.221 BCE) saw the bloom and flowering of Chinese medicinal thought. The concepts of ying-yang harmony and the five elemental processes were incorporated into ancient Chinese medicinal thought to describe certain medical concepts figuratively and pragmatically. Two great medicinal texts, the Ben Cao Jing (Great Herbal Classic) and Nei Jing (Inner Classic of Medicine) were compiled during this time. They were attributed to Shen Nong and Huang Di, two great emperors from prehistoric China. It is more correct to say that the texts themselves were the result of the collective effort of the peoples of ancient China in compiling their knowledge and experience into written form, to serve and benefit future generations.
The Nei Jing was very astounding in its forward-looking description of the human body. For example, it detailed the circular flow of blood in the body and even classified blood based on the ying-yang principle. The Ben Cao Jing, though written and compiled several hudreds of years ago, is still as relevant today as it was then. The text identified 365 natural drugs and included precious instructions on how to prepare them, use them for treatment, and ways of preserving them. Two great personalities from this period are Bian Que and Wei Po Yang. Bian Que wrote “The Eighty One Difficult Topics of Hwang Ti” which was a comprehensive book on the subjects of acupuncture, human anatomy and diagnosis, while Wei Po Yang wrote “The Classic of Elixir” which is a treatise about the Chinese art of chi kung for extending one’s longevity and maintaining health.
The Han (202 BCE-220 CE) and Tang (618-907 CE) dynasties was the pinnacle of ancient Chinese medicine. This was exemplified by two very accomplished physicians of that period, Hua Tuo and Zhang Zhong Jing. Hua Tuo carried out surgery with anesthetics and developed a system of chi kung to keep the body healthy and fit. Zhang Zhong Jing was a very logical and rational physician. In line with Chinese medicinal thought which is very rational and based on proven facts and records, he wrote the treatise Shang Han Za Bing Lun (The Treatises of Epidemic Colds and Fevers) which is based on the actual application of Chinese medical concepts. Being a responsible physician, he strove to educate people on the causes of illnesses and epidemics and fought against the prevailing belief that major diseases are caused by supernatural means.
Also, it was during this golden age of Chinese medicine that the great Indian monk, Bodhidharma, introduced Sinew Metamorphosis, a system of chi kung to the monks at the Shaolin temple. This system of chi kung has grown and evolved through the ages and has played an important role in Chinese preventive medicine. Today, chi kung is practiced by people in parks and fitness centers everywhere.
Traditional Chinese medicine has continued to grow and adapt to the changing times and circumstances. It has benefited millions of people throughout its development and history. Certainly, it will continue to benefit and help future generations to come.
