Class Certificate of the Living

Author: Zhu Geng
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-05-01
Features: A practical ancient Chinese medicine classic series. Liesheng Huoren Shu was originally titled Shanghan Baibu, written by Zhu Geng. It was completed between the fourth year of Yuanyou in the Song Dynasty (1089) and the second year of Daguan (1108), totaling 20 volumes. In the eighth year of Zhenghe (1118), Zhu Geng revised and corrected it, renaming it Nanyang Huoren Shu. Over time, it was published under various names such as Zhu Geng Huoren Shu, Wuqiuzi Huoren Shu, Zengzhu Nanyang Huoren Shu, Zengzhu Liesheng Huoren Shu, Shanghan Liesheng Huoren Shu, and Liesheng Huoren Shu. The number of volumes varied, with common editions being 21 or 22 volumes, making it a classic work on Shanghan (cold damage) diseases.
Volumes 1 to 11 follow a Q&A format, discussing meridians, pulse-taking, exterior-interior, and Yin-Yang theories, analyzing various similar symptoms of Shanghan, and elucidating the profound meanings of the Shanghan Lun. Volumes 12 to 15 analyze the 112 formulas of the Shanghan Lun by categorizing them according to symptoms. Volumes 16 to 18 compile 126 formulas from various scholars. Volumes 19 to 21 discuss miscellaneous formulas related to women, children, and Shanghan-related skin conditions. The book concludes with additional sections such as "Ten Encouragements for Shanghan Treatment."
This work adheres to the principles of the Shanghan Lun and incorporates the theories of later scholars, advocating for the interpretation of Six Channels symptoms based on meridian pathways and emphasizing exterior-interior and Yin-Yang differentiation in treatment. It offers unique insights into etiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment, particularly contributing significantly to the organization and interpretation of the Shanghan Lun. Xu Lingtai once praised it as follows: "Books from the Song Dynasty, such as Liesheng Shu, elucidate the Shanghan Lun, making it easier to understand and apply, greatly benefiting Zhang Zhongjing. Liesheng Shu is truly a masterpiece."
This book serves as an invaluable reference for clinical practice and basic research in traditional Chinese medicine.