A Brief History Of Chinese Medicine

This brief discourse is an introduction to the historical development of medicine in China, whose influence on Korea, Japan and Southeast Asia was profound and even reached far west into the Islamic world. The authors wish to make the interested reader aware of China's rich contribution to the world growth of the medical sciences. Too often the view has been taken that the history of medicine began with the discoveries of the Greeks and those ancient nations from whom they learnt. The authors want to redress this view and acquaint readers with a glimpse of the concepts and history of Chinese medicine and hope that they will feel encouraged to delve deeper. ... this volume is a compact, tantalizing excursion through centuries of medical tradition, in a range of cultures ... it does make a long, complex and fascinating history accessible to medical professionals and students of Chinese history who may be tempted to delve further into this rich and interesting field. American Journal of Chinese Medicine If you want a concise, easy-to-read, easy-to-absorb summary of events and trends from the 29th century BC to the present, this compact book will comfortably and quickly answer many questions. American Journal of Acupuncture Concepts of Chinese Science and Traditional Healing Arts gives an especially useful account of the historical achievements of Chinese medicine. Far Eastern Economic Review

A Brief History of Qi takes the reader through the mysterious terrain of Chinese Medicine, Chinese language, Chinese martial arts and Qi Gong - a truly evocative guide to virtually all the traditional Chinese arts and sciences. This book is devoted to a topic represented by a single Chinese character, Qi. When presented with the concept of Qi, students of Chinese culture, Chinese medicine, Chinese martial arts and a wide range of Chinese traditional arts and sciences face one of the most perplexing challenges of their tenure. The book begins with an examination of Qi's linguistic and literary roots, stretching back through the shadowy mists of Chinese pre-civilisation. The authors then trace the development of the concept of Qi through a number of related traditional Chinese disciplines including painting, poetry, medicine and martial arts. The book concludes with an examination of the depth and breadth of Qi as manifested in life's cycles.

In this book, we endeavor to introduce readers to the cultural background, origins and historical development of traditional Chinese medicine. We surveyed the most important events in its long history and the conditions that influenced its development, including the cultural and philosophical ideas and assumptions that led to the development of the particular methods and techniques of healing that characterize Chinese medicine. Our goal is not to give an exhaustive survey of the history and philosophy of Chinese medicine, but rather to convey the patterns of its development and allow readers to gain an understanding of the distinctive features of traditional Chinese medicine.

This work is a chronicle of medical happenings in China from ancient times down to the present day. It meets a long-felt demand for a concise and authoritative account of one of the most fascinating subjects in the evolutionary story of the Chinese people. The book consists of two parts: the first part deals with pure Chinese art and practice while the second part covers events after the advent of occidental medicine. Of late, considerable interest has been centered on China and things Chinese. This new edition, containing an epitome of all that is known both of the development of the indigenous art and the impact of modern medical science, will be greeted with an enthusiastic response. The author has spent over 16 years on this work. Hundreds of books and articles, both in English and Chinese, have been consulted and several doctors of the old school have been engaged to offer their expertise.

This book set covers the last 3000 years of Chinese Medicine, as a broadly flowing river, from its source to its mouth. It takes the story from the very beginnings in proto-scientific China to the modern age, with a wealth of historical and cultural detail. It is unique in presenting many anecdotes, sayings, and excerpts from the traditional classics.The content is organized into four parts. Part one focuses on the medical activities in Chinese primitive society and the characteristic features of the witchcraft stage of medicine. Part two traces the progress of Chinese medicine as it entered the stage of natural philosophy. It also discusses how other aspects of philosophy, religion, and politics influenced Chinese medical theory and practice at the time. Chinese medicine, having a kind of social existence, was also impacted by the natural and social environment, and multiple cultural factors. Some of these factors are discussed in Part three. The last part concludes by examining the cultural process of Chinese medicine in history and offers a glimpse into the future of Chinese Medicine.