Yellow Emperor's Inner Canon: Suwen--A Must-Read Series for TCM Clinical Practice

Author: Tian Daihua
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2005-08-01
Features: The Yellow Emperor's Inner Canon consists of Suwen and Lingshu, and is one of the earliest medical classics in China, believed to have been compiled during the Warring States and Western Han periods. It comprehensively reflects the medical achievements of ancient China, established the theoretical system of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), laid the foundation for the development of TCM, and has continuously guided its progress. Even today, it remains of significant research value. Suwen comprises 24 volumes and 81 chapters, covering a wide range of topics, including the theory of yin and yang, the five elements, zang-fu organs, qi and blood, acupoints and acupuncture, etiology and pathogenesis, diagnostic methods and disease patterns, treatment principles and methods, medical ethics and health preservation, and the theory of yunqi (qi's movement and transformation). It provides a detailed exposition of human physiology, pathology, diagnosis, and treatment, emphasizing ancient philosophical thought and the holistic concept of the unity of the internal and external body. As a result, it has become a treasure trove of fundamental theories in TCM. Due to its early compilation and subsequent transmission through handwritten copies and printed editions, errors, omissions, and distortions have occurred, leading to the loss of original text. Consequently, scholars have continuously engaged in textual research and collation. However, due to the limitations of the times and individual biases in interpretation, many unresolved issues remain, making it challenging to read and understand the book. For this reason, this edition has been thoroughly revised and organized. The collation is based on the 1933 corrected lead-printed edition from the People's Health Publishing House, with reference to multiple existing versions and the standardization of traditional, vernacular, and archaic characters. The purpose of this collation is to draw on the research achievements and experiences of predecessors, as well as personal insights from years of study, to correct obvious errors in the text, thereby providing readers with a standardized version for learning and research. Additionally, this edition includes an index of important terms at the end to facilitate readers' use.