Qian Jin Yao Fang: Sun Simiao's Prescriptions Worth a Thousand in Gold
Explore Qian Jin Yao Fang (千金要方), the monumental medical encyclopedia by Sun Simiao — the King of Medicine — covering prescriptions, acupuncture, diet therapy, and medical ethics that shaped TCM for over 1,300 years.
The King of Medicine and His Masterwork
Qian Jin Yao Fang (千金要方), “Essential Prescriptions Worth a Thousand in Gold,” was written by Sun Simiao (孙思邈, 581–682 AD) during the Tang Dynasty. Sun Simiao is revered as the “King of Medicine” (药王) in Chinese culture, and this text is considered one of the most important medical encyclopedias in the history of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
The title reflects Sun’s belief that a human life is worth more than a thousand pieces of gold — and that a prescription that can save a life is therefore priceless.
Who Was Sun Simiao?
Sun Simiao was a physician, pharmacologist, and Daoist practitioner who reportedly lived to be over 100 years old. Key facts about his life:
- Born in Hua Yuan (modern Shaanxi province) during the Sui Dynasty
- Refused official government positions multiple times, choosing to serve common people instead
- Compiled medical knowledge from earlier texts and his own extensive clinical experience
- Emphasized medical ethics — his writings on physician conduct predate the Western Hippocratic tradition in some respects
- Worshipped as a deity — the temple complex at his home on Yao Wang Shan (Medicine King Mountain) is still a pilgrimage site
He wrote two major works:
- Qian Jin Yao Fang (千金要方) — completed around 652 AD, 30 chapters
- Qian Jin Yi Fang (千金翼方) — completed around 682 AD, a supplement expanding on the first work
Structure and Content
Qian Jin Yao Fang is massive — it contains approximately 5,300 prescriptions organized into 30 chapters (卷). The scope is extraordinary:
Major Sections
| Section | Content |
|---|---|
| Medical Ethics | The first major text to systematize physician conduct |
| Gynecology | Menstrual disorders, pregnancy, postpartum care |
| Pediatrics | Childhood diseases, developmental issues, nursing |
| Eye, Ear, Nose, Throat | Specialized treatments for sensory organs |
| Internal Medicine | Organ patterns, fever, cold damage, digestive diseases |
| Surgery and Sores | Wound treatment, abscesses, skin conditions |
| Toxicology | Poisoning treatment and detoxification |
| Dietary Therapy | Food as medicine — properties of common foods |
| Acupuncture and Moxibustion | Point locations, needling methods, clinical applications |
| Health Preservation | Longevity practices, exercise, meditation |
Sun Simiao’s Medical Ethics
One of the most influential parts of Qian Jin Yao Fang is Sun Simiao’s essay “On the Absolute Sincerity of Great Physicians” (大医精诚, Da Yi Jing Cheng). This is considered the foundation of medical ethics in TCM and is often compared to the Hippocratic Oath.
Core Principles
- Treat all patients equally — whether rich or poor, young or old, beautiful or ugly, friend or enemy, Chinese or foreigner
- Do not discriminate based on social status — the physician serves the patient, not the patient’s wealth
- Maintain a calm, focused mind — do not be swayed by personal desires, and do not act impulsively
- Respect the urgency of suffering — when called to treat a patient, go without delay, even in bad weather or at night
- Do not boast or gossip — a physician should not brag about curing difficult cases or discuss patients’ private matters
- Continuously study — medicine is vast; no one can master it all, so never stop learning
This ethical framework established the ideal of the “Great Physician” (大医) — a doctor who is not only technically skilled but morally grounded.
Key Contributions to TCM
1. Gynecology and Obstetrics
Qian Jin Yao Fang contains some of the most detailed gynecological content in pre-modern Chinese medicine:
- Systematic treatment of menstrual disorders
- Comprehensive pregnancy care — month-by-month guidance
- Postpartum recovery protocols
- Recognition that women’s health requires specialized knowledge, not just modified general treatments
2. Pediatrics
Sun Simiao established pediatrics as a distinct specialty:
- Developmental milestones for infants
- Treatment of infantile convulsions (小儿惊风)
- Nursing and feeding guidance
- Recognition that children are not simply “small adults” and need different dosing and approaches
3. Dietary Therapy
The text includes extensive material on the medicinal properties of common foods:
- Categorizing foods by nature (hot, warm, neutral, cool, cold)
- Matching foods to seasons and constitutions
- Using food to prevent disease, not just treat it
- Detailed guidance on what to eat and avoid during illness
4. Acupuncture Systematization
Sun Simiao made several important contributions to acupuncture:
- Revised and expanded acupoint locations
- Introduced the use of finger measurements (cun) for locating points consistently
- Documented clinical applications for hundreds of points
- Emphasized the integration of acupuncture with herbal medicine
5. Emergency Medicine
The text includes treatments for acute emergencies:
- Drowning resuscitation
- Poisons and their antidotes
- Traumatic injuries and wound care
- Acute febrile diseases
Notable Prescriptions from the Text
Du Huo Ji Sheng Tang (独活寄生汤)
One of the most famous formulas originating from Qian Jin Yao Fang, used for chronic joint pain and Bi syndrome caused by wind-cold-dampness with Liver and Kidney deficiency.
Wen Dan Tang (温胆汤)
Another well-known formula from this text, used for phlegm-heat disturbing the Gallbladder — anxiety, insomnia, bitter taste, palpitations.
Jiao Ai Tang (胶艾汤)
For bleeding during pregnancy — a formula that nourishes Blood, stops bleeding, and calms the fetus.
Du Shen San (独参汤)
A simple but powerful emergency formula: single herb ginseng decoction for rescuing devastated Qi.
Legacy and Influence
Qian Jin Yao Fang’s influence on TCM cannot be overstated:
- Preserved earlier knowledge — Sun Simiao collected and organized prescriptions from texts that have since been lost, making his work an invaluable historical record
- Inspired later works — the Qian Jin Yi Fang (his own supplement) and countless later medical texts built on his foundation
- Medical ethics standard — “Da Yi Jing Cheng” remains required reading for TCM students in China today
- Global influence — the text was transmitted to Japan, Korea, and Vietnam, shaping East Asian medicine broadly
- Yao Wang Shan — Sun Simiao’s mountain retreat in Shaanxi is now a UNESCO-associated heritage site and active temple
The Text in Modern Context
While no modern practitioner directly applies 1,300-year-old prescriptions without modification, Qian Jin Yao Fang remains relevant because:
- Many of its formulas are still in daily clinical use (Du Huo Ji Sheng Tang, Wen Dan Tang)
- Its emphasis on medical ethics is timeless
- Its approach to dietary therapy aligns with modern nutritional science
- Its systematization of acupuncture points is the foundation of modern point location
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FAQ
Who is this article for?
Readers interested in the history and foundational texts of TCM, especially the work of Sun Simiao, one of China's greatest physicians.
Can this article replace professional medical advice?
No. This content is educational only and does not replace diagnosis or treatment from a qualified healthcare professional.
Disclaimer
This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment.