Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

            For my Fall Semester independent study project (ISP) I continued to study another cultural healing system. In Costa Rica, I was introduced to the holistic approach to life and yoga, then in India I focused on Ayurveda and Indian Acupuncture. As a junior in LIU Global, I’ve chosen to major in Alternative Health, specifically Traditional Chinese Medicine.

            The core objective to this independent study is to touch the surface of multiple areas in TCM and understand the basic philosophy, history and methodologies. I used observations in clinics to understand the practitioner’s technique and conducted research on down time. Throughout the semester, I went around Hangzhou to receive a variety of treatment for the personal experience. I had the opportunity to visit China’s most famous Traditional Chinese Medicine museum in Hangzhou and the exhibition hall in Beijing’s Chinese Medicine University.

What is TCM?

          Dating back to 16th century BC, Traditional Chinese Medicine is the oldest healing system in the world. Traditional Chinese Medicine is a distinctive system of health belonging to the Tao Philosophy, a valuable medical science, a crystalline of labor and wisdom of the Chinese people. It uses vital energy existing in the body to heal itself. This It is also the traditional science, which has taken the important roles in safeguarding people’s health and economic stability. There are a variety of methods for treatment; acupuncture, cupping and ox bone.

          Today, Traditional Chinese Medicine is still the major medical system, even though Western medicine is slowly seeping into this ancient practice. Although changes happen over centuries, there is one thing that is still a Chinese constant, using Chinese medicine as a lifestyle by choice. People lead preventative lifestyles in this culture and rarely have to find a reason to get treatment on a weekly basis. For example, getting a massage to reduce some stress is simply for enjoyable reasons and maintaining the health before an issue truly affects the person. Many “man-made” diseases such as Diabetes II are avoidable if more people developed healthy eating and daily habits. Leading a holistic lifestyle could benefit the world’s life expectancy, risk of diseases and the mental health of people. Not only do people need to improve daily habits, but also consider their mental status too; spiritual practice needs attention. Tai Qi and Qi Gong are great methods to physically move while replenishing the mind, simultaneously.

HISTORY

           China’s ancient art of healing can be applied to any person Dr. Wo Wei Ping is the father of Chinese Acupuncture. Fku-His, who lived some 8,000 years ago on the banks of the Yellow River,(Honan Province) first identified the two distinct forces of nature, Yin (cool) and Yang (warm). They are the force of creation (Yin) and reception (Yang). The whole universe including the human system functions through the inter-play of these energies, which manifest as the 5 elements of nature.

(History in museum notes)

PHILOSOPHY

QI:

            Understanding the concept of Qi is just as important to understand as the concept of Yin and Yang. Qi is the fundamental of Chinese Medicine, being the vital energy and life force the human body needs to be in a state of harmony. The Chinese say “When the Qi gathers, so the physical body is formed; when Qi disperses, so the body dies.”

            There are seven types of Qi, all supporting different parts of the body. Original Qi (Yuan Qi), also known as Prenatal or Before Heaven Qi, is inherited from our parents at conception. Grain Qi (Gu Qi) derived from the food we eat, works to energize the spleen. Air Qi (Kong Qi) derived from the air we breathe, energizing the lungs. Gu Qi and Kong Qi together create Gathering Qi (Zong Qi), energizing the chest area. Zong Qi is catalyzed by action of Original Qi (Yuan Qi) to form Normal Qi (Zheng Qi), which circulates through the meridians and organs in the body. Zheng Qi forms the basis of Nutritive Qi (Ying Qi) for nourishing all the tissue in the body. Also forms Defensive Qi (Wei Qi), which circulates on the outside of the body to protect from factors that could disharmonize the body into illness. When Zheng Qi flows through each organ, the Qi functions with respect to characteristics of that organ.

The Key Functions of Qi:

1. Source of body activity and movement
2. Warming the body
3. Source of protection for the body
4. Source of transformation in body
5. Governing retention and containment

3 Pillars of TCM:

1. I-Ching: The book of Change (6000 BC) put forth by Fku-His is the first known reference for the philosophy.
2. Nei-Jing: Dialogue between Yellow Emperor Huang-Di and his court chief physician Qi-Bo (2697-2596 BC) It includes the rudiments of acupuncture in two sections; the Su-Wen and Ling-Shu. These talk about the human anatomy, 5 element philosophy, physiology, cause and symptoms of diseases, diagnosis, treatment, prevention/cure, relationship between man and the universe, energy meridians, cool/warm organs, method of stimulation and vital energies.
3. Nan-Jing: Another written text around 100 BC, gives further details about the 5 elements, diagnosis methods and extra meridians.

• In the early days, it is believed that bones and stones were used stimulation of acupuncture points 1000 BC. During 421-221 BC needles replaced stones. 113 BC silver and gold needles were introduced.
• In the AD period, acupuncture was the only system of medicine practiced.
• During the Opium War, herbal medicines were introduced.
• Mao Zedong, the Chinese dictator, understood the importance of this practice and was the one who popularized, implemented in government hospitals.
• Later, WHO (World Health Organization) introduced acupuncture to the US, England, France, Australia and other countries too.

Acupuncture in Latin is derived as:

Acuitus + Punctura

Acuitus meaning ‘sharpness of thought’

Punctura meaning ‘pierce’ or ‘stimulate’

• Stimulating with sharpness of thought or with right intention being healing. It does not necessarily mean using needles, optional.

Acupuncture has paved the way for a harmonious life and freedom from drugs and suffering. Nature conceals the cause of disease as well as the life energy, which cures it. When the immune energy is strengthened by the stimulation, the disease is eradicated at the root level. How to resolve the imbalance?

1. Diagnosis of the disease by the symptoms and pulse reading.
2. Treatment at the root level cause

Important aspects of Acupuncture:

1. Yin-Yang philosophy
2. 5 Elements of nature
3. Elimination of stagnant waste and toxins

YIN/YANG PHILOSOPHY

Yin and Yang are the fundamentals of Chinese Medicine. These two natural forces group in pairs of dependent opposites. They should never be seen as “things”, but more as a part of the natural energy’s of daily life. The creator (Yin) and the receptor (Yang); the subtle energy (Yin) and grass energy (Yang).

Intention=Yin                        Action=Yang

EX: A knife can be used to cut fruits or injure someone, the action being yang but the original thought of creating the knife was not meant or destruction- this thought being yin.

EX: The seed (Yin) grows into a plant (Yang), which itself dies back into the earth (Yin). This process takes place during the changes of seasons – winter (Yin) transforms into spring into summer (Yang) which turn transforms to fall into winter again.

*There is a Yin in every Yang and a Yang in every Yin. What matters is to perceive the Yin in its true form and not get mesmerized by the Yang.

Yin                                    Yang           

Life                                    Body

Invisible                        Visible

Cool                                    Warm

Deep                                    Superficial

Creation                        Reception

Internal                        External

Source of Energy            Distribution of Energy

Night                                    Day

Infinite                                    Finite

Formless                        Definite Form

5 ELEMENTS OF NATURE

FIRE

Internal Organs: Heart (HT), Small Intestine (SI), Pericardium (PC), Triple Warmer (TW)

External Organ:  Tongue

Taste: Bitter

Color: Red

Negative Emotion: Too much pride, ego

Positive Emotion: Clarity, calmness

Function:

• Blood Circulation
• Heat, Warmth
• Functioning of the mind
• Inflammation
• Restlessness

Body Part Energized: Ribs, chest cavity, upper back shoulder region

EARTH

Internal Organs: Spleen (SP), Stomach (ST)

External Organ: Lips

Taste: Astringent, sweet

Color: Yellow

Negative Emotion: Worry, anxiety

Positive Emotion: Growth, nature, prosperity

Function:

• Metabolizes nourishment
• Nurtures life energy to blood, cells, lymph fluids
• Governs soft tissues, gums
• Sustains the position of organs
• Nurtures uterus during pregnancy

Body Part Energized: Stomach cavity, waist area

Waste Elimination: Saliva

METAL

Internal Organs: Lungs (LU), Large Intestine (LI)

External Organ: Nose

Taste: Pungent

Color: White

Negative Emotion: Grief, tearful

Positive Emotion: Inspire, activate

Function:

• Breathing governs the skin and the hair on the skin
• Coughing
• Constipation
• Shoulder pain

Body Part Energized: Neck and shoulders

Waste Elimination: Phlegm

WATER

Internal Organs: Kidney (KI), Urinary Bladder (BL)

External Organ: Ears

Taste: Salt

Color: Black

Negative Emotion: Fear, murmur in pain

Positive Emotion: Faith, trust

Function:

• Maintains water balance
• Governs genital reproductive organs, uterus
• Secretion of fluids
• Bones, joints, knees
• Teeth, nails, hair on scalp
• Voice and speech
• Inflammation
• Throat pain

Body Part Energized: Knees, joints and bones

Waste Elimination: Urine

WOOD

Internal Organs: Liver (LR), Gall Bladder (GB)

External Organ: Eyes

Taste: Sour

Color: Green

Negative Emotion: Anger, shouting

Positive Emotion: Mercy, grace

Function:

• Removes toxins through body from liver
• Helps digestion (bile)
• Governs muscles, nerves and tendons
• Uterus during pregnancy
• Maintains equilibrium in body
• Excess glucose stored in glycogen
• Headaches
• Trembling
• Vomiting

Body Part Energized: Muscles, nerves and tendons

Waste Elimination: Tears

Stagnation: Impurities and their Elimination

Nature is so bountiful; it manifests and expresses itself in a number of ways. The human body has an exclusive language. The following is an insight into the ways nature works in us for our well-being. The message is loud and clear; nature always knows best and is always on the right path. All actions and reactions are only aimed at our body’s well-being. The body most certainly has the wisdom and foresight to shield itself from any toxin.

Violation of Nature:

The body’s basic requirements need to be fulfilled instantaneously. These include hunger, thirst, sleep and waste elimination. Without these, the body becomes restrained, beginning of trouble, leading to imbalances. Due to:

1. Eating and drinking when one is not hungry or thirsty and visa versa.
2. Not resting when the body craves for sleep
3. Suppressing natural urges

The Body Operates Through 3 Vital Forces:

1. Immune Energy
2. Digestive Energy
3. Functional Energy

Immune Energy:

1. Removes toxins from the body on a daily basis through breath, sweat, urine, bowel movement
2. Energizes the external and internal organs, which may tire out due to daily incessant activities
3. Helps the body cope with consequences of toxic stagnation, restores balance
4. Water enhances immune energy

Digestive Energy

1. Absorbs the needful essence from the food we eat, water we drink and air we breathe
2. Ensures a balanced distribution of energy to the whole body
3. Air enhances digestive energy

Functional Energy:

1. Enables us to execute our activities through the sense organs- hands to do things, legs to move, eyes to see, ears to hear, voice to speak, tongue to taste, etc.
2. Most importantly, it enables the smooth functioning of all internal organs
3. Food enhances functional energy

Body Organ Clock:

Gall Bladder                         11 PM – 1 AM

Liver                                   1 AM – 3 AM

Lungs                                  3 AM – 5 AM

Large Intestine                     5 AM – 7 AM

Stomach                              7 AM – 9 AM

Spleen                                 9 AM – 11 AM

Heart                                   11 AM – 1 PM

Small Intestine                     1 PM – 3 PM

Urninary Bladder                   3 PM – 5 PM

Kidneys                                5 PM – 7 PM

Pericardium                          7 PM – 9 PM

Triple Warmer                       9 PM – 11PM           

We should lead our lives in such a way that our habits enhance the activity of internal organs.

CYCLES

Generative Cycle: (Sheng Cycle) the sequence of one element (mother) generating the other (son). The cycle is as follows:

From fire àEarth is generated (Here fire element is the mother and earth element is the son). Fire burns to create Earth, water nourishes the growth of wood, etc

Heart (F) supports the spleen (E), the spleen (E) supports the lungs (M), lungs (M) support the kidney (Wa.), the kidney (Wa.) supports the liver (Wo.) etc.

Control Cycle: (Ke Cycle) to inhibit excess energy drain from the mother element by the son, another element is used to control the withdrawal, thereby maintaining balance.

Diagnostic Skills:

1. Listen to the complaints/symptoms described by the patient and not rely on external equipment/lab tests.
2. Observe the individual keenly, bearing in mind the physiology of the 5 elements
3. Feel by the way of palpation or pulse reading

CHOOSING THE TREATMENT POINT:

1. When one element is disturbed: it is appropriate to choose the element point along with its mother element.
2. 2 Elements: combine the 2 disturbed elements for treatment. If earth and wood are imbalanced, the point is earth channel, wood point = SP1.
3. 3 Elements: must apply Sheng or Kho cycle according to imbalances.

Acupuncture Body Measures:

Body Inch:

There are two creases to make three parts to the fingers. The centre part is considered to be 1 cun or 1 inch. Similarily 1.5 cun is the width of the pointer and middle finger, 2 cun is the width of 3 fingers and 3 cun is the width of 4 fingers.

Inner – Outer part of body:

The standard position is to stand with the feet together and palms opened out along the sides of the body. In this position inner refers to the little finger side and outer to the thumb side. In the legs inner refers to the big toe/outer little toe

Anterior – Posterior:

Anterior part of hands – starts from the palm to shoulders.

Anterior Part in body – starts from face to genital organs.

Anterior Part in legs – starts from inner thigh to inner sole of foot.

Posterior Part in hands – starts from the fingernails, back of the hand to the outer shoulder.

Posterior Part in body – starts from the back of the head to the buttocks.

Posterior Part in legs – starts from outer thigh to outer sole.

POINTS / MERIDIANS:

ELEMENT                                    YIN/YANG                        # of POINTS           

FIRE

Heart (HT)                                                 Yin                                    9

Small Intestine (SI)                                    Yang                                    19

Pericardium (PC)                                    Yin                                    9

Triple Warmer (TW)                                    Yang                                    23

EARTH

Spleen (SP)                                                Yin                                    21

Stomach (ST)                                                Yang                                    45

AIR

Lungs (LU)                                                 Yin                                    11

Large Intestine (LI)                                    Yang                                    20

WATER

Kidneys (KI)                                                Yin                                    27

Urinary Bladder (BL)                                    Yang                                    67

WOOD

Liver (LR)                                                Yin                                    14

Gall Bladder (GB)                                    Yang                                    44

Conception Vessel (REN)                        Yin                                    24

Governing Channel (DU)                        Yang                                    28

Total = 361 Pts.

Sources

The main source behind understanding the philosophy in TCM came from my acupuncture teacher, Philomena, in India. She taught me most of what I know about this alternative healing system and the how it connects to the human body, mind and soul. Along with her knowledge I also retrieved information from books, digital journals and personal experience in the field.

Beinfield, Harriet, and Efrem Korngold. Between Heaven and Earth: A Guide to Chinese Medicine. Ballatine Books, 1992.

The Bomamed Inc. , "Oriental Medicine Philosophy." Last modified 2011. Accessed December 4, 2013. http://www.orientalmedicine.com/philosophy.

Williams, Tom. The Complete Illustrated Guide to Chinese Medicine. Shaftesbury, Dorset: Element Books , 1996.

Field Work: Session 1

10/26/2013

Treatment: Acupuncture, Cupping, Ox Bone

Practitioner: Laoshi Sun

Experience

Vivian and I arrived to the clinic; Laoshi Sun was waiting for us with a warm welcome. She introduced herself and told a bit about her background and experience. Sun took a look at me from a distance and she could tell I was on my menstrual cycle because my face was radiating more heat. She saw that I was drinking an elixir tea, honey lemon ginger, and gave me advice that I should not drink ginger during the menstrual cycle because the acidity produces too much heat in the body. She gave off positive energy within the first ten minutes, which created a comfortable environment to receive treatment. 

Ox Bone: The Ox Bone rub treatment is a common practice in Chinese Medicine. This method is used on the back, mainly targeting the spine. The bone is rubbed in an up and downward motion on the spine, which creates heat in skin and stagnated blood rises to the surface to recirculate, similar results to cupping.

Cupping: Chinese Cupping is one of the two mostly used treatments, other than acupuncture. It is used to open up the pores in the back and start recalculating stagnated blood.

            Process: After the Ox Bone rub, my back felt hot and most knots were loosened up. In order to perform cupping, the round glass jars need to be heated with fire for few seconds before suctioned to the skin. One at a time the cups are set symmetrically along the spine, 4 across and 5 down. As each one vacuums to the skin, it feels as if 5 bricks were laid on top of the back, due to the pressure being pulled upward into the jar.  After the first few minutes cupping is slightly uncomfortable because this type of pressure is not natural. You start to get used to the feeling and it becomes relaxing after ten minutes. When the practitioner removes the cups, it feels refreshing while the pores on the skin are open and rejuvenated.

Acupuncture:

Process: Since my back was raw with ox bone and cupping treatment, Sun could not perform acupuncture on my back. Instead, she observed I had a head cold and wanted to help rid of it with acupuncture. The meridian she treated was in my right arm where she inserted three needles. One went in between my index finger and thumb; the second one was in the middle of the forearm and the third was located on the outside of the elbow bone. These three points are also commonly used to improve blood circulation throughout the body.

Laoshi Sun’s methodology for inserting needles was different than what I’ve experienced and studied in Indian and Western methodology. In India and the US, acupuncturists use a plastic covering tube around the needle to tap quickly and lightly into the surface of the skin, then reposition. The Chinese method is not used with the tube covering the needle; the acupuncturists only use their fingers to insert the needle. I prefer the Western and Indian practice because it is not as uncomfortable and quick compared to the insertion like an ivy at the hospital.

“The spine is like the body’s tree and the organs are the tree’s fruit growing. The tree needs to keep healthy so healthy fruit is grown.” – Laoshi Sun

During the treatment, I had the opportunity to ask Laoshi Sun questions about her practice and opinions on Traditional Chinese Medicine. My first question; Do you think TCM should continue to spread globally or stay authentic to Chinese culture? She said, “Yes, I feel TCM should spread globally to other Western cultures to introduce an alternative healthy lifestyle but also incorporating Conventional Western Medicine too. Both healing systems are effective but in different ways, such as TCM being a better practice for long-term and prevention healing, while Conventional practices are used for emergencies and short-term healing.” Her answer was interesting because most Alternative Health practitioners of any sort will usually advocate for alternative healing, not both. I admired her open-mindedness towards multiple medical practices. Sun was very knowledgeable about TCM, but also had something to say about other healing systems benefits, even if it not her passion.

Field Work: Session 2

11/13/2013

Treatment: Cupping, Massage

Practitioner: Blind Practitioner

Experience

For my second fieldwork experience, I visited a different Traditional Chinese Medicine center in Hangzhou. The specialty of this clinic is the blind practitioners performing cupping (baguan) and massages on patients. I chose to go solo because I knew it would be a challenge to find the clinic, communicate in Mandarin without a translator and successfully receive treatment without a native’s help.

When I found the place, I asked the receptionist what type of treatment the clinic offered. She told me the practitioners are blind; hence, they do not practice acupuncture. They still obtain the motor skills to insert needles but without vision that is not safe for the patient. Even though I was specifically searching for an acupuncture center, I decided to try cupping again, in new circumstances. My first session cupping was an interesting experience, due to the lack of knowledge I had about expectations/results. Within 24 hours, I felt all toxins release inside my body and soon underwent the detox period. Clearly, my body needed to rid of the waste and release trapped toxins to restart circulation of stagnated blood, which pulled to the surface. I did not realize how much waste was held inside my body because we as humans get into daily routines, which distracts the mind from daily harm to the body.

This time around, I had quite a new experience at the blind massage clinic. Communicating in Mandarin was challenging because I could not communicate through body language with the practitioner. This factor tested my skills and made me question how much I knew in this new language. This experience pointed out one of many things; not everyone will have vision to understand body language if you do not know the Mandarin word, hence, I need to apply myself outside of the classroom in order to have these realizations.

First, he loosened the back muscles and released tension/knots by massaging. Then, he took a flame and heated each cup as they were placed on my back. These cups were made of wood, not glass jars as I had the first experience. I noticed the wooden cups held heat from the flame longer than glass jars. Also, when the cup is placed on the back, I did not feel as much pressure; pull upwards into the cup as last time. I laid there for 10 minutes and during he would press down on the cups every couple minutes to make sure they were still pulling stagnated blood to the surface.

His movement navigation on my back was interesting because he was feel for an empty spot, then tap the cup once on my back before he heated it up with the flame and then suction the cup to the skin. When looking at my back afterwards, the cups were not exactly symmetrical but pretty close. Considering the fact he was blind, I was impressed with how the brain still creates muscle memory and a vision in the mind.

One goal for this Chinese Medicine session was not to ask questions and simply observe as the patient. I wanted to notice little details about technique and feeling without the bird’s-eye view. I plan to return with a friend so I can observe their same treatment, but this time as an outsider observation. I feel this will connect the dots between what I felt during my own treatment and what is really happening and have the opportunity to ask questions.

24 hours later, my cupping marks are not as dark red as the first time and I do not feel nearly as drained as the first detox session. Similarly, I do feel a boost in energy and motivation in University classes for the next week.

Field Work: Session 3

11/26/2013

Clinic: Blind Massagers

Treatment: Cupping

Experience

As a part of fieldwork, not only should it come from first-hand experience but also from the lens of the observer. Four classmates allowed me take them to receive cupping treatment, which was a great opportunity to watch the technique multiple practitioners from a distance.

NAME:                Day 1                              Day 2                      Day 3

Paloma Criollo     Bad to good                      Improved               Huge boost of energy

Megan Rocke      Heavy, tired, sore            Sore, more energy            Boost of energy

Melissa Mohamed  Bad, sore                  Bad, sore, improved             Normal, Energized

Forrest Neumann  Really sore, drained     Tired, Clear, sore,            Sore, boost energy

I kept tabs on each person for three days, watching how his or her body reacts to the cupping treatment. I kept in mind that each of them lead different daily habits and lifestyles. Some drink and smoke, while others did not; some sleep less than others; some exercise often; etc. Depending on how much stagnated blood is pulled to the surface to start re-circulating, the three-day period could be more of a challenge due to the heavier release of toxins in the body.

The majority of responses I heard one week later were positive, with more energy and motivation on a daily basis. For those who were sore for days needed cupping treatment most because their body obtained more waste than others.

As for my observations, it was fascinating to analyze how blind practitioners navigate the wooden cups on a patient’s back. Compared to my personal experience on the table, it felt different than it looked from a bird’s eye-view. My perception on the table and observing the others on the table broadened my knowledge because they each have different body types and so the practitioner treated each person accordingly. Also, I did not realize how large the flame was to heat the cups and suck out the oxygen. It almost seemed dangerous to work with fire with this type of disability, but they’ve had years of experience.

Traditional Chinese Medicine Museum History Notes

Hu Qing Yu Tang

Hangzhou, China

Exhibition Hall – Chinese Medicine University

Beijing, China

            As a portion of the project, I visited two Traditional Chinese Medicine educating centers; one of China’s most famous museums is located in Hangzhou and also Beijing’s Chinese Medicine University’s Exhibition Hall. I enjoyed learning the history and development through a hands-on medium, outside the textbook. It makes all the difference having the opportunity to see/touch the Chinese medicinal plants and minerals in person.

            Hu Qing Yu Tang was founded in the 13th year (AD 1874) of the reign of Emperor Tongzhi of the Qing Dynasty. It has inherited and carried forward the Chinese medicine that created a series of unique managerial methods. It’s persistence in “purchasing the crude drugs and preparing medicines carefully and consciously in ancient buildings of Hu Qing Yu Tang have unique style, integrating practicality and artistry into a body. It is a gem of the Chinese architectural art. In 1988, the state council designated it as one of the national key protected units of cultural relics.

            With the ancient-style buildings of Hu Qing Yu Tang as its base, the Hu Qing Yu Tang Chinese Medicine Museum, covering a floor area of 4,000 square meters, was founded in 1987. This is the first special museum in the medical field. The exhibits, through introducing the general survey of Chinese material medica, the development history of Hu Qing Yu Tang specimens pharmaceuticals, manual-operation workshop etc. This enables the viewer to have a certain understanding of the origin, formation, development and usage of Chinese medicines as well as the distinctive features of Hu Qing Yu Tang. The exhibition aims at promoting the development of Chinese medicine and making it to better serve mankind’s health.

             Chinese medicines are widely used, beside internal use, there are various ways for external application. External application originated from the Stone Age. People imitated the ancients to stop bleeding by applying earth or plant ash to the affected part to relieve pain with rubbing and pressing, to relieve itching or subside swelling with bathing and to induce perspiration and invigorate the circulation of blood with baking or roasting. The China’s territory is so vast that the customs of nationalities are different widely from each other, and the external therapeutic methods handed down from ancestors or different nationalities are diversified too. During these recent years, under the influence of medical trend of “returning to original simplicity”, these therapeutic methods are more and more paid attention to by modern medical circles.

Sun Simiao – Medicine King

            Sun Simiao (AD 581 – 582) a famous pharmacologist of the Tang Dynasty was born in Huayuan, in environs of capital city (now Yao County, Shaanxi Province). Sun Simiao was versed in the Confucian Classics and various schools of thinkers. He wrote “Precious Vital Prescriptions” and “Precious Ancillary Prescriptions”, each was 30 volumes. He was summed up that achievements of different branches of medicines before the Tang Dynasty systematically and having great influence on the medical science of the later generations. The people as “Medicine King” honored him and a temple was built in memory of him. Sun Simiao emphasized that doctors should make diagnosis and give treatment for patients meticulously as treating own family members, whether they were rich or poor.

Tongjun Old Man – The Originator of Chinese Medicine

           It was said by tradition that Tongjun Old Man was born in the age of yellow Emperor. He could discern the properties and flavor of plants, metals and stones, determined three varieties of medicines and established the adjuvant theory of monarch subjects in the prescriptions. He wrote a book entitled “Tongjun’s Records of Gathering Medicines”, and the pity is that it was lost. According to legend, he gathered medicinal herbs on the Tongjun Hill, Tonglu County, Zhejiang Province, and cured the illness for the patients.

Li Shizhen (AD 1518-1593)

             A native of Qizhou (now Qichun, Hubei) the author of “Compendium of Materia Medica”, “Binhu Pulse Theory”, is an outstanding pharmacologist in the Ming Dynasty.

            “Compendium of Materia Medica” is a voluminous work of Chinese pharmacology, which took Li Shizhen 26 years to complete. The whole book records 1892 kinds of medicines attached over 10,000 prescriptions, over 1000 medicine photos, 53 volumes in total, about 2,000,000 words. With its rich content, it is valuable legacy of botany and pharmacology in China. In the 17th Century, the book was spread to foreign countries and benefited the development of the world’s natural sciences, especially pharmacology, botany, zoology, etc.

Medicine King in the South of Yangtze River - Hu Qing Yu Tang

           Hu Qing Yu Tang Xueji Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, founded in 13th year (AD 1874) of Emperor Tongzhi of the Qing Dynasty, is an old pharmacy with a history of over 100 years long. It has ever enjoyed the laudatory title of “Medicine King in the South of Yangtze River” for it reliable quality of medicines and pharmacy on a large scale. The ancient buildings of Hu Qing Yu Tang are unique in design, ingenious in layout and antique in furnishings. Up until now, they are the most well preserved one among all the industrial and commercial buildings of the late Qing Dynasty remained in China.

MEDICINAL PLANTS:

Origin of medicine and establishment of science of Chinese herbal medicines:

          At the beginning of the primitive society, the hungry persons were forced to eat what they could find out without selection. Sometimes they ate poisonous plants and suffered from vomiting, diarrhea, coma and even death; and sometimes they ate certain plants and found that the phenomena of poisoning became alleviated. As the legend goes, “Shennong tasted every herb and met poisoning 70 times per day”. Countless times of intentional or accidental trials in such a way people gradually found the curative functions of plants, animals and minerals. “Food and medicine come from the same origin”, so the medicines were produced.

Development of Pharmacology:

             Pharmacology is mainly composed of three aspects: materia medica (herbal medicines), concoction and prescription. In the history of materia medica is a general name given to the books recorded Chinese medicines. Concoction includes processing by roasting/baking, immersing and preparing. It is a traditional technology of preparing medicine according to the properties of medicine, theory of Chinese medicine and pharmacology and different requirements of therapy. Blending, preparation and prescription include the set prescriptions formulated by famous physicians and effective folk recipes. Thousands of years since, materia medica, concoction and preparation formed a complete set of unique standard theory and preparation. At present, there are not only comparatively perfect Chinese pharmacological theories, but also advanced equipment and technology of concoction by making use of modern scientific and technological means.

Development of Prescription Science:

             The ancient Chinese pharmacology mainly consisted of prescriptions and herbal medicines. Prescriptions are the main form of application of Chinese medicines with herbal medicines as the basis. The formation of prescriptions has a long history. In the primitive society, people tried to cure sickness with a single medicine. Through long-term practice, they began to find that the mixture of several medicines had better curative affect; hence, prescriptions began to form. The existing earliest prescription book in our country is the “Fifty-two Prescriptions”, copied on the silk excavated from Mawangdui a tomb of the Han Dynasty. During the last years of Eastern Han, the book “On Typhoid and Mixed Diseases” written by Zhang Zhongjing was honored as the “originator of all prescriptions” during the two Jins, Northern and Southern Dynasties. There were “Handbook of prescriptions for Emergency” by Ge Hong and “Minor Prescriptions” by Chen Yanzhi. In the Tang Dynasty appeared the voluminous “Precious Vital Prescriptions” compiled by Sun Simiao and “Waitai Secret Recipes” by Wang Tao, which epitomized the prescriptions before the Tang Dynasty. The Northern Song Dynasty’s “Formulary of Peaceful Benevolent Dispensary” and “Holy Aid Collection of Prescriptions”, as well as Ming Dynasty’s “Universal Aid Prescriptions” are all great works compiling prescriptions of some generations.

Development of Concoction:

              As early as in spring and autumn period as well as Warring states, “Internal Classics” and “Fifty-Two Prescriptions”, two books of prescriptions began to deal with the concoction of Chinese medicines. Lei Xiao of Northern and Southern Dynasties wrote on “preparing medicines by Revered Lei”, the first special work in this field. The book has greater influence on concoction of medicine in later generations. In the Tang Dynasty, people paid greater attention to the concoction of medicine. Sun Simiao made a detailed description of concoction of medicines in his works “Precious Vital Prescriptions” and “Precious Ancillary Prescriptions”, and summed up all methods. In the Song Dynasty, “Formulary of Peaceful Benevolent Dispensary” a book setting the standard and mixture method of the Chinese patent medicines, discusses extensively the development of concoction method. In Jin and Yuan Dynasties, on the basis of summing up clinic use medicine, the iatrologists and pharmacologists made new development of concoction of traditional Chinese medicine. This formed the basic new law followed by the later generations in Ming Dynasty, “Great method of Concoction” written by Miao Xiyong is a special book with practical value for concoction.

Development of Materia Medica:

              In traditional Chinese medicines, the most herbaceous plants; therefore, the medicines are called herbal medicines or materia medica. In the Han Dynasty came out several books dealing with herbal medicines with “Shennong Meteria Medica Classic” as representative, marking the formation of the science of herbal medicines. Up to the Liang Dynasty, Tao Honjing collected and collated several editions of Shennong Materia Medica Classic” and added “Extra Records of Famous Physicians”. He wrote 7 volumes of “Variorum of Materia Medica Classics”, accomplished for the first time the historic summing up of science of herbal medicines and clarified its main trend for the later generations. The development of herbal medicine science has continued by supplements and revisions on the basis of “Variorum of Materia Medica Classic”.

Development of the Form of Medicine:

             Judging from the prescriptions recorded in “On Typhoid Fever” and “Extracts from Gold Treasury”, as early as the 2nd century, people in our country could use medicines flexibility in compliance with the rule of dialectically practicing diagnosis and treatment. There were a great variety of medicinal forms in books. The forms used at the time may be classified into 16 kinds such as decoction, pill powder, wine and liquid. Up until the modern times, the new forms of tablet, injection, capsule, oral liquid, etc. appeared to improve the therapeutic effect.

Exchange of Chinese and Foreign Medicines:

             The exchange of medicines between China and foreign countries has a long history. During the Qin and Han Dynasties, the Chinese medicines began to spread to Korea, Japan, and other countries. Through two Jins, Northern and Southern Dynasties, Sui and Tang Dynasties, the exchange developed more rapidly. Then, Chinese medicines had spread to Korea, Japan, India, Vietnam, Arab Nations. China also absorbed medicinal knowledge from foreign countries and assimilated them gradually. During the reigns of Song and Yuan Dynasties, the development of navigation on the sea promoted the foreign trade and exchange of medicines. Then China established trade relations with more than 50 countries and exported over 60 kinds of medicines to Europe, Asia and Africa. During the Ming and Qing Dynasties, owing to the progress in ship building technology, transportation between China and foreign nations became more convenient, economic relations further developed, including the exchange of medicines. As soon as “Compendium of Materia Medica” was introduced into Japan and European countries, it was translated into Japanese, Russian, German, English, etc. making the Chinese medicine spread widely in Europe.

             In the Han Dynasty, Zhang Qian and Ban Chao were, early or late, sent to Western Regions on Diplomatic missions, as a result, the “Silk Road” was opened up and the drugs were taken to the inland. Following the development of transportation between China the foreign countries, economic and cultural exchange became more frequent, Chinese medical skill continued to spread over Japan, Korea, India, Vietnam, Arab Nations, etc. Meanwhile China absorbed achievement of foreign medicines to enrich the medicine and pharmacology.

             At the invitation of Japanese eminent monk, Jian zhen with his 10 disciples crossed the sea eastward to Japan for 6 times; it took them 10 years. They carried more than 1000 Jin of medicinal materials to Japan. Up until now some of the medicines were still preserved Shousouin of Todaiji, Nara. Besides he publicized Buddhist doctrines, Jian Zhen did much in instructing knowledge of Chinese medicine, greatly helping to develop medicine then.

             In AD 1076, the government of the Song Dynasty initiated an official pharmacy in Kaifeng, namely “Imperial Dispensary Patent Pharmacy”, to prepare and sell patent medicines. Afterwards, the pharmacies spread to all over the country. In 1136, the government of the Southern Song set up 5 dispensaries in Lin’ an (now Hangzhou), 12 years later it was renamed “Peaceful Benevolent Dispensary”. Hu Xueyan set up and indescribed board “dispensary”, meaning that he would inherit the dispensary of the Song Dynasty and continue to use the prescriptions of dispensary so as to raise his reputation.

              Hu Xueyan taken “Refrain from Cheating” as the objective business operation. He stressed to be sure to purchase genuine medicinal materials; be sure to prepare the medicines carefully and conscientiously”, and never tried to gain profit with poor-quality products.

              In January 1999, Hangzhou Hu Qing Yu Tang pharmaceutical factory carried out the institutional reform internally and founded Hangzhou Hu Qing Yu Tang pharmaceutical Co. it sets up the faith of spurring oneself on “Nobody seeing you going into religious self-discipline, but Buddha knowing your sincereity”, and inheriting the traditional old adage; “being engaged in honest work in purchasing and preparing with constantly perfect one’s skill”, the company has operated their business in a unique way and has been particular about preparing their products, achieved many varities of products and marked curative effect, thus it enjoys the title Medicinal King South of the Yangtze River”. Now Hu Qing Yu Tang Pharmaceutical factory has odd-forms of medicines such as pills, tablets, oral liquid, granule, powder and capsules; about 200 kinds of medicines.

               China Qingchunbao Group Co., located at the foot of Taoyuan Ridge in the West of Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province, is well known to the world for its operation in traditional Chinese medicines and health preservation products. The group company, former Hangzhou No. 2 Traditional Chinese Medicine Pharmaceutical Factory, was founded in 1972; under the leadership of Mr. Feng Gensheng, the Chinese famous entrepreneur and president of this group company, the enterprise, starting bare-handed, is in obedience to the development of thinking of “Taking medicine as its main body, developing a diversified economy, talent being essence and capital operating and joins in the industries of tourism, real estate, garment, finance, telecommunications, etc. Under the Group Company, the principal enterprises are Chiatai Qingchunbao Pharmaceutical Co. and Hu Qing Yu Tang Pharmaceutical Factory, which merged into Qingchunbao Group Company in November 1996.

Sources

The sources originated from the Hu Qing Yu Tang TCM Museum and Beijing’s University for Chinese Medicine Exhibition Hall. I did not retreave information from history books or digital journals online. Everything I learned was in person in the public educating places.