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Huangdi neijing

Chinese medical text
Also known as: “Nei ching”, “The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine”(Show More)

Quick Summary

The Huangdi neijing, or The Yellow Emperor's Inner Classic, is a foundational text in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). While long attributed to the legendary Yellow Emperor (Huangdi), who ruled in the 27th century BCE, it was actually composed around the 3rd century BCE.12

This revered work provides the theoretical framework for TCM, emphasizing preventive medicine. It teaches that a physician's skill lies in maintaining health, not just treating illness. The text explores concepts like yin and yang, which are seen as complementary forces that must be balanced for health. Imbalances, often caused by external factors like winds or improper living habits, can lead to disease. The Huangdi neijing also details correspondences between organs, elements, and other natural phenomena, which are crucial for understanding and treating ailments within the TCM system.12

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