Classic Texts
Guided readings of foundational TCM classics.
46 articles · Page 2 of 5
Zhen Jiu Zi Sheng Jing: The Acupuncture Text That Saved Lives
Explore Zhen Jiu Zi Sheng Jing (针灸资生经), the Song dynasty masterpiece by Wang Zhizhong that revolutionized clinical acupuncture through evidence-based point selection and practical treatment protocols.
San Yin Ji Yi Bing Zheng Fang Lun (三因极一病证方论): The Three Causes Formulary — Revolutionizing TCM Etiology
Explore San Yin Ji Yi Bing Zheng Fang Lun by Chen Wuze, the Song dynasty text that systematically categorized disease causes into internal, external, and neither-internal-nor-external — a framework still used in TCM today.
Shou Shi Bao Yuan (寿世保元): Longevity and Health Preservation — Gong Tingxian's Guide to a Long Life
Discover Shou Shi Bao Yuan (Longevity and Health Preservation) by Gong Tingxian, a Ming dynasty classic that combined internal medicine, geriatrics, and preventive care into a practical guide for living a long and healthy life.
Ling Shu (灵枢): The Spiritual Pivot — Acupuncture's Foundation Text
Explore the Ling Shu (灵枢, Spiritual Pivot) — the second half of the Huangdi Neijing and the foundational text of acupuncture and meridian theory. Learn about its history, structure, key theories, and lasting influence on TCM.
Bencao Jing Jizhu (本草经集注): Tao Hongjing's Annotated Materia Medica — The Bridge Between Ancient and Imperial Chinese Herbal Medicine
Discover Bencao Jing Jizhu (本草经集注), Tao Hongjing's landmark 5th-century annotated revision of the Shennong Bencao Jing that reorganized 730 herbs into a classification system used for over a thousand years.
Xin Xiu Bencao (新修本草): The Tang Dynasty Imperial Materia Medica — The World's First National Pharmacopeia
Explore Xin Xiu Bencao (新修本草), the 659 AD Tang Dynasty pharmacopeia commissioned by Emperor Gaozong — the first government-sponsored materia medica in world history, with 850 entries and illustrated herb guides.
Wen Re Lun (温热论): Treatise on Warm Heat — The Birth of Warm Disease Theory
Explore Wen Re Lun by Ye Tianshi, the Qing dynasty text that revolutionized TCM by introducing the Four Levels (卫气营血) diagnostic framework for febrile diseases. Learn how it transformed the treatment of infectious diseases.
Yin Shan Zheng Yao (饮膳正要): Principles of Correct Diet — The First TCM Nutrition Classic
Discover Yin Shan Zheng Yao (Principles of Correct Diet) by Hu Sihui, a Yuan dynasty text that was the first systematic work on TCM dietary therapy. Learn how a Mongol court physician combined Chinese medicine with steppe dietary wisdom.
Xue Zheng Lun (血证论): Treatise on Blood Syndromes — A TCM Landmark
Explore Xue Zheng Lun (Treatise on Blood Syndromes) by Tang Zonghai, a landmark Qing dynasty text that systematically categorized bleeding disorders and established foundational principles for treating blood conditions in TCM.
Yi Xue Ru Men (医学入门): Introduction to Medicine — A Ming Dynasty TCM Encyclopedia
Discover Yi Xue Ru Men (Introduction to Medicine) by Li Chan, a comprehensive Ming dynasty medical encyclopedia that served as both a textbook for beginners and a clinical reference for experienced practitioners.