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'''Huangdi Neijing''' ('''[[Yellow Emperor's Inner Canon]]''') is an ancient Chinese medical text that has been treated as the fundamental doctrinal source for [[Chinese medicine]] for more than two millennia. The work is composed of two texts—each of eighty-one chapters or treatises in a question-and-answer format between the mythical [[Yellow Emperor]] (Huangdi) and six of his equally legendary ministers.
{{Chinese text}}


== Overview ==
== Overview ==
The '''Huangdi Neijing''' is divided into two parts. The first part, the '''[[Suwen]]''' ('''Basic Questions'''), has 81 chapters that cover a wide range of topics, including [[etiology]], [[pathology]], [[diagnosis]], [[treatment]], and [[prevention]] of diseases. The second part, the '''[[Lingshu]]''' ('''Spiritual Pivot'''), is a discussion of [[acupuncture]] therapy in great detail.
The '''Huangdi Neijing''' ({{zh|c=黃帝內經|p=Huángdì Nèijīng}}), also known as the "Inner Canon of the Yellow Emperor," is a fundamental text of [[Traditional Chinese Medicine]] (TCM). It is considered one of the most important classics in the history of Chinese medicine and has been influential in shaping the practice and theory of TCM.
 
== Structure ==
The Huangdi Neijing is traditionally divided into two main sections:
 
=== Suwen ===
[[File:The_Su_Wen_of_the_Huangdi_Neijing.djvu|thumb|The Su Wen of the Huangdi Neijing]]
The '''Suwen''' ({{zh|c=素問|p=Sùwèn}}), or "Basic Questions," is a series of dialogues between the legendary Yellow Emperor and his ministers. It covers a wide range of topics, including the principles of [[yin and yang]], the [[Five Elements]], the [[meridian (Chinese medicine)|meridian system]], and the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. The Suwen is known for its philosophical approach to medicine, emphasizing the balance and harmony of the body and its environment.
 
=== Lingshu ===
The '''Lingshu''' ({{zh|c=靈樞|p=Língshū}}), or "Spiritual Pivot," is the second part of the Huangdi Neijing. It focuses more on the practical aspects of medicine, particularly [[acupuncture]]. The Lingshu provides detailed descriptions of acupuncture points, techniques, and the theoretical basis for their use. It is considered the foundational text for acupuncture practice.


== Historical Context ==
== Historical Context ==
The '''Huangdi Neijing''' was compiled around the first century BCE during the [[Han Dynasty]] but its origins are much older. The text synthesizes the medical knowledge of China up to that time and includes a rich theoretical framework that is still used today.
The Huangdi Neijing is believed to have been compiled during the [[Warring States period]] (475–221 BCE) and the [[Han dynasty]] (206 BCE – 220 CE). It reflects the medical knowledge and practices of ancient China and has been attributed to the legendary Yellow Emperor, although it is likely the work of multiple authors over several centuries.
 
== Key Concepts ==
 
=== Yin and Yang ===
The concept of [[yin and yang]] is central to the Huangdi Neijing. It describes the dualistic nature of reality, where opposite forces are interconnected and interdependent. In medicine, yin and yang are used to explain the balance and imbalance within the body, influencing health and disease.
 
=== Five Elements ===
The [[Five Elements]] theory is another fundamental concept in the Huangdi Neijing. It categorizes the natural world into five elements: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water. These elements are used to understand the relationships between different organs, tissues, and physiological processes in the body.
 
=== Meridian System ===
The [[meridian (Chinese medicine)|meridian system]] is a network of pathways through which [[qi]] (vital energy) flows. The Huangdi Neijing describes the meridians and their connections to the organs, providing a framework for diagnosing and treating illnesses through acupuncture and other therapies.


== Content ==
== Influence and Legacy ==
The '''Huangdi Neijing''' departs from the old shamanistic beliefs that disease was caused by demonic influences. Instead, the natural effects of [[diet]], [[lifestyle]], [[emotions]], [[environment]], and [[age]] are the reason for disease. The universe is composed of various forces and principles, such as [[Yin and yang]], [[Qi]] and the [[Five Elements]] (Earth, Fire, Water, Wood, and Metal). These forces can be understood via rational means and man can stay in balance or return to balance and health by understanding the laws of these natural forces.
The Huangdi Neijing has had a profound impact on the development of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Its teachings have been studied and expanded upon by countless physicians and scholars throughout Chinese history. The text remains a cornerstone of TCM education and practice today.


== Influence ==
== Related Pages ==
The '''Huangdi Neijing''' has been the primary source of Chinese medical theory and practice. Its influence has also spread to neighboring countries like Korea, Japan, and Vietnam and has been translated into many Western languages.
* [[Traditional Chinese Medicine]]
* [[Acupuncture]]
* [[Yin and yang]]
* [[Five Elements]]
* [[Meridian (Chinese medicine)]]


[[Category:Traditional Chinese Medicine]]
[[Category:Chinese classic texts]]
[[Category:Chinese classic texts]]
[[Category:Chinese medical texts]]
[[Category:Han dynasty literature]]
[[Category:1st-century BC books]]
{{medicine-stub}}
<gallery>
File:The_Su_Wen_of_the_Huangdi_Neijing.djvu
</gallery>
<gallery>
File:The_Su_Wen_of_the_Huangdi_Neijing.djvu|The Su Wen of the Huangdi Neijing
</gallery>
<gallery>
File:The_Su_Wen_of_the_Huangdi_Neijing.djvu|The Su Wen of the Huangdi Neijing
</gallery>
== Huangdi Neijing gallery ==
<gallery>
File:The Su Wen of the Huangdi Neijing.djvu|The Su Wen of the Huangdi Neijing
</gallery>

Latest revision as of 10:57, 23 March 2025

Template:Chinese text

Overview[edit]

The Huangdi Neijing (Chinese: 黃帝內經; pinyin: Huángdì Nèijīng ), also known as the "Inner Canon of the Yellow Emperor," is a fundamental text of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It is considered one of the most important classics in the history of Chinese medicine and has been influential in shaping the practice and theory of TCM.

Structure[edit]

The Huangdi Neijing is traditionally divided into two main sections:

Suwen[edit]

File:The Su Wen of the Huangdi Neijing.djvu The Suwen (Chinese: 素問; pinyin: Sùwèn ), or "Basic Questions," is a series of dialogues between the legendary Yellow Emperor and his ministers. It covers a wide range of topics, including the principles of yin and yang, the Five Elements, the meridian system, and the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. The Suwen is known for its philosophical approach to medicine, emphasizing the balance and harmony of the body and its environment.

Lingshu[edit]

The Lingshu (Chinese: 靈樞; pinyin: Língshū ), or "Spiritual Pivot," is the second part of the Huangdi Neijing. It focuses more on the practical aspects of medicine, particularly acupuncture. The Lingshu provides detailed descriptions of acupuncture points, techniques, and the theoretical basis for their use. It is considered the foundational text for acupuncture practice.

Historical Context[edit]

The Huangdi Neijing is believed to have been compiled during the Warring States period (475–221 BCE) and the Han dynasty (206 BCE – 220 CE). It reflects the medical knowledge and practices of ancient China and has been attributed to the legendary Yellow Emperor, although it is likely the work of multiple authors over several centuries.

Key Concepts[edit]

Yin and Yang[edit]

The concept of yin and yang is central to the Huangdi Neijing. It describes the dualistic nature of reality, where opposite forces are interconnected and interdependent. In medicine, yin and yang are used to explain the balance and imbalance within the body, influencing health and disease.

Five Elements[edit]

The Five Elements theory is another fundamental concept in the Huangdi Neijing. It categorizes the natural world into five elements: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water. These elements are used to understand the relationships between different organs, tissues, and physiological processes in the body.

Meridian System[edit]

The meridian system is a network of pathways through which qi (vital energy) flows. The Huangdi Neijing describes the meridians and their connections to the organs, providing a framework for diagnosing and treating illnesses through acupuncture and other therapies.

Influence and Legacy[edit]

The Huangdi Neijing has had a profound impact on the development of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Its teachings have been studied and expanded upon by countless physicians and scholars throughout Chinese history. The text remains a cornerstone of TCM education and practice today.

Related Pages[edit]