Tujia traditional medicine

Author: Tian Huaying
Publisher:
Publish Date: 1994-08-01
Features: The traditional Chinese medicine, which is a grand synthesis of ethnic medicine, is the essence distilled and elevated from the folk medicine of various ethnic groups, attracting worldwide attention. Due to the fact that the Tujia ethnic group's folk medicine has undergone repeated trials over thousands of years and continues to play a significant role in the health care of the Tujia people, it has gained increasing recognition in the medical community. To inherit and develop this medical heritage and enrich the treasury of traditional medicine, since 1985, we have systematically explored and compiled the Tujia ethnic medicine. In the process of exploration and compilation, we first conducted field investigations in twenty-seven counties with relatively concentrated Tujia populations in the border areas of Hunan, Hubei, Sichuan, and Guizhou, focusing on the scattered Tujia folk medicine. Additionally, we conducted in-depth investigations in twelve counties along the You River and Qing River basins, which are rich in ethnic characteristics, ethnic consciousness, and cultural customs, as the core areas. Other counties with scattered Tujia populations were considered as radiation zones for field studies. Second, we reviewed historical materials related to the Tujia ethnic group, attempting to uncover traces of Tujia medicine in historical records and explore its developmental history. Through years of investigation and research, we found that the medical knowledge scattered among the Tujia people is rich in content and characterized by simplicity, convenience, affordability, and effectiveness. Over a long history, it has indeed made significant contributions to the health of the Tujia people. However, most of this rich content remains at the practical level. We aim to unlock this treasure trove, consolidate and systematize the abundant materials, and supplement the nutrition of medical science with new content. This is the purpose of our compilation of "Tujia Ethnic Medicine." The primary sources of these materials are from field investigations. In the selection and organization of the materials, we adhere to the principles of prioritizing the present over the past, recording faithfully, and providing concise annotations. Information passed down from masters or documented in historical records is not fabricated. When selecting materials, we repeatedly review and choose the most reliable sources, using multiple accounts as the core. For conflicting or contradictory information, we include both or present them in a balanced manner, otherwise, we exclude them. All formally published references cited in this book are clearly noted. For manuscripts, oral traditions, or internal exchange materials, sources are not currently noted but will be sincerely acknowledged in the postscript. Please bear with us. In terms of format, we have compiled the book according to the common conventions of medical works. The entire book is organized in the order of basic and clinical sections. Clinical diseases are classified according to the Tujia medical system, such as "Seventy-two Symptoms," "Thirty-six Illnesses," "Seventy-two Winds," "Seventy-two Consumptions," and "Thirty-six Frightens," without categorizing them into internal, external, pediatric, or other departments. The treatment of diseases is described using Tujia medical disease names as headings, with folk names also listed. For example, "Lei Huo Zheng" (Thunder Fire Syndrome) is also known as "Lu Huo Zheng" (Kitchen Fire Syndrome). For each disease, we briefly analyze the etiology and pathogenesis, list symptoms and signs, treatment methods, and prescriptions. Medicines are classified by their functions, such as "Seventy-two Qi," "Seventy-two Yang Revival," "Seventy-two Lotus," "Seventy-two Wind," "Seventy-two Ginseng," "Thirty-six Blood," and "Thirty-six Centipede." The commonly used Tujia medicines are described in twenty-one categories: detoxifying medicines, qi-boosting medicines, wind-dispelling medicines, fire-clearing medicines, food-dispelling medicines, joy-inducing medicines, fire sore medicines, injury-healing medicines, anti-parasitic medicines, and snakebite medicines. Medicinal dosages are standardized according to the current national system of weights. Each medicine is listed by its Tujia common name as a heading, followed by its vernacular name, scientific name, properties, and usage. The index of medicinal names is arranged in order of strokes.