Shoushiqing compiled

Author: You Cheng
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2002-06-01
Features: Shoushi Qingbian is a specialized work on health preservation, also known as Shoushi Bian, written by the Qing Dynasty physician You Cheng. It was published in 1667 (the sixth year of the Kangxi reign) as an appendix to the series Shicai San Shu. You Cheng, styled Shengzhou, was also known as Wuqiuzi and was a native of Wu County, Jiangsu, in the Qing Dynasty. In his early years, he studied Confucian classics and, at the age of twenty, became a disciple of Li Zhongzi to learn medicine. Later, he traveled to visit renowned masters and mastered the art of acupuncture. He once served as an imperial physician in the Imperial Medical College before returning to his hometown. He practiced medicine at Xuanquan in Huqiu, offering acupuncture and herbal treatments, attracting numerous patients. He authored works such as Shoushi Qingbian, Wuyao Zhinan, Zangfu Xing Jian, Houke Mishi, and Shi Zhi Mi Fang. He also supplemented the works of his teacher, Li Zhongzi, including Zhenjia Zheng Yan, Bencao Tongxuan, and Bingji Sha Zhuang, and revised the Yao Lu Bian Yi by Jia from the Ming Dynasty, contributing to the dissemination of the Shicai school of medicine. The book consists of two volumes. The first volume includes 30 essays on health preservation, such as Wuyao Zhinan, Liao Xin Fa Yan, discussions on nurturing the liver, spleen, lungs, and kidneys, Zhai Shuo, Shi Ji Shuo, Jushi An Chu Lun, Shui Jue, Sun Zhenren Weisheng Ge, Zhen Xishan Weisheng Ge, Yang Shen Qi Ming, Sun Zhenren Shengyang Ming, Jin Ji Zhen, Dao Yin Quebing Fa, Gu Jing Fa, Shiba Duan Gong, Sisi Shi Shibing Pian, Shiba Shi Wubing Fa, Jinggong Liuzi Quebing Fa, Tiao Xi, Qing Xin Shuo, and Xiu Yang Yu Yan, summarizing the health preservation experiences of Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism in terms of regulating the mind, body, and breath. The second volume begins with Yao Fu Zhinan, Jian Yao You Fa, Yao Fu Ji Shi, Yinshi Jinjie, Bing You Shifu, Ba Bu Zhi, Quebing Shiba Yao, Bing You Qi Shi Bu Ke Zhi, Lao Ren Bing Bu Tong Zhi Fa, Wang Yong Yi Bing, Gufang Wu Wang Yong, Caohua Wu Wang Yong, Zhen Ju Ye Ju, Fuye Yi Xue, and Yao Pin Zhuifa Fa. The end of the book includes methods for post-illness conditioning and dietary practices. It lists 117 secret recipes for dietary treatment, categorized into thirteen sections: wind, cold, summer heat, dampness, dryness, fire, regulating the spleen and stomach, qi, blood, phlegm, as well as yin deficiency, yang deficiency, and other deficiencies. The recipes are practical and comprehensive. You Cheng extensively collected health preservation theories from works such as the Neijing, Laozi, Zhuangzi, and Sun Simiao, elaborating in detail on diet, daily routines, seasonal adjustments, work and rest, emotional regulation, qigong, and massage. The book includes over 150 methods for processing medicinal herbs and summarizes dietary treatments and dietary recommendations for post-illness recovery. The author emphasized health preservation and prevention, proposing that "clearing the mind and reducing desires, and cultivating temperament" are "the best methods for avoiding illness and prolonging life." The book advocates that "if dietary treatment fails, then consider medicine. This is not only suitable for the elderly and children but also for those who take medicine reluctantly due to long-term illness." It also emphasizes that "one should first calm the mind before sleeping." Additionally, it advises "combing hair frequently, massaging the face, moving the eyes, tapping the ears, lowering the tongue, kissing the teeth, swallowing saliva, warming the back, protecting the chest, massaging the abdomen, gripping the rectum, and rubbing the (yongquan point) frequently. The skin of the entire body should be regularly dried with a bath." The book also lists the Shiba Duan Gong (Twelve Segment Exercises) and the Shiliujianjin (Sixteen Segment Exercises), both of great value. For the elderly, whose qi and blood have weakened and whose vitality has declined, the book suggests avoiding aggressive acupuncture and medicine and instead using balanced remedies to replenish deficiencies. Among the dietary recipes, the Ou Mi Gao (Lotus Root and Honey Paste) treats feverish thirst and constipation; the Li Pi Gao (Spleen-Calming Cake) treats spleen deficiency and diarrhea; the Ma Chi Xian Geng (Purslane Soup) treats dysentery with white discharge and abdominal pain; the Lian Rou Gao (Lotus Seed Cake) treats post-illness stomach weakness and poor digestion; and the Fu Ling Zhou (Poria Porridge) treats spleen deficiency and insomnia, all of which are simple and effective. Shoushi Qingbian exists in various editions, with the most commonly used being the Shicai San Shu edition and the Zhenben Yishu Jicheng edition. As the book is written in classical Chinese, it is not suitable for modern readers. To improve its accessibility, we have not only added necessary annotations to the original text but also translated it into vernacular Chinese. Additionally, we have supplemented introductory texts after each chapter, making it easier for readers to grasp the content.