Yi Guan -- A Must-Read Series on TCM Clinical Practice

Author: Zhao Xianke Guo Junshuang
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-08-01
Features: This book was written by Zhao Xianke (Yangkui) of the Ming Dynasty. It consists of 6 volumes, covering topics such as Xuan Yuan Fu Lun (The Theory of the Origin of the Universe), Zhu Ke Bian Yi (Distinguishing the Main and the Guest), Jiang Xue Dan Shu (The Red Snow Alchemy Book), Xian Tian Yao Lun (The Essential Theory of the Primordial), and Hou Tian Yao Lun (The Essential Theory of the Posterior). The author strongly emphasizes the "Shen Ming Men theory" in Traditional Chinese Medicine, believing that the Ming Men and Shen (Kidney) are akin to water and fire. He states, "The Lord Fire of the Ming Men is the fire within water, inseparable and forever united." He argues that if one fully understands this theory, not only can physical health be enhanced, but clarity will also be achieved in related medical issues. Hence, the book is titled Yi Guan (The Medical Fulfillment). The text is deeply reasoned, with each argument followed by extensive references to the views of various scholars, examples of effective treatments from past practitioners, and the author's own critiques, blending description and evaluation. It provides thorough elaboration on commonly used herbal formulas with proven clinical efficacy. Therefore, this book is a representative and essential read for further research on the "Ming Men theory." It is now printed based on the mutual collation of the Tian Gai Lou and San Duo Zhai editions, with some necessary adjustments made to the organization.