Xu Shuwei: Biographical introduction and legendary stories, major works and academic contributions
✵Xu Shuwei: a leading physician of the Song dynasty and a follower of Zhang Zhongjing's theory. Based on Zhang Zhongjing's work, he created graphic illustrations of 36 varieties of pulses and propounded the theory of using medicine according to the severity of the disease. Xu was the author of several medical works, the most widely read of which is the Lei Zheng Pu Ji Ben Shi Fang (the Classified Effective Prescriptions for Universal Relief), a medical work in 10 volumes. Xu Shu-Wei was the representative herbalist of the Meng-He School during the Song Dynasty period.
許叔微 (Xǔ Shūwēi).
Brief Introduction
Chinese Name:
許叔微 (Xǔ Shūwēi)
Alias:
知可 (Zhī Kě), 近泉 (Jìn Quán)
Popular Name:
許學士 (Xǔ Xuéshì, Scholar Xǔ)
English Name:
Xu Shu-wei, or Shu-wei Xu (Given/Sur Name)
Hometown:
Baisha, Zhenzhou
Dates:
about 1079~1154 A.D.
Main works:
《類證普濟本事方》(Lei Zheng Pu Ji Ben Shi Fang, or Effective Prescriptions for Universal Relief) in 10 volumes,《傷寒百證歌》(Shang Han Bai Zheng Ge) in 5 volumes,《傷寒發微論》(Shang Han Fa Wei Lun) in 2 volumes,《傷寒九十論》(Shang Han Jiu Shi Lun), 《治法八十壹篇》(Zhi Fa, or Zhi Fa Ba Shi Yi Pian, or Eighty One articles on treatment methods),《辯類》(Bian Lei) in 5 volumes,《翼傷寒論》(Yi Shang Han Lun),《仲景脈法三十六圖》(Zhong Jing Mai Fa San Shi Liu Tu), etc.
Representative works:
Shang Han Bai Zheng Ge (the one hundres syndromes poem of the Treatise on Cold-induced Diseases) in 5 volumes, Shang Han Fa Wei Lun (the Elaborations on the Treatise on Cold-induced Diseases) in 2 volumes, Shang Han Jiu Shi Lun (the ninety treatises on the Treatise on Cold-induced Diseases), Lei Zheng Pu Ji Ben Shi Fang (the Effective Prescriptions for Universal Relief) in 10 volumes.
Biographical introduction and legendary stories
Xu Shuwei (1079–1154 CE): a prominent physician of the Song Dynasty. Based on Zhang Zhongjing's work, he created graphic illustrations of 36 types of pulses and developed the theory of using herbs based on the severity of the disease. He was the author of several medical books, one of which, Lei Zheng Pu Ji Ben Shi Fang (the Classified Effective Prescriptions for Universal Relief), has been one of his most widely read books. He was a leading herbalist of the Meng-He School during the Song dynasty. The Meng-He School can be traced back to the Dong Han dynasty and the Three Kingdoms period. It originated with the herbalist and Taoist Ge Hong.
Xu Shuwei's alias is 知可 (Zhī Kě), his alternative name is 近泉 (Jìn Quán). He was a native of Zhen Zhou, Bai Sha, or Pi Ling of Song, and a famous herbalist who lived during the North and South Song dynasties.
Xu Shuwei was born into a poor family. In the fifth year of the Yuanyou reign (1090 A.D., Yuanyou was the reign title of Emperor Song Zhezong), his parents passed away due to a plague. He was 11 years old at the time. He studied hard, learning both the traditional Confucian classics and medicine.He received a Jinshi title in the imperial examination in the second year of the Shaoxing reign (1132 A.D., Shao Xing was the reign title of the Emperor Zhao Gou). Then, he was assigned as a drillmaster in Huizhou and Hangzhou. He was also a scholar of the National Sages Academy (Hanlin Ji Xian Yuan), so he was later also called "Xu Xueshi." From a young age, he studied all the available medical books and learned the ancient medical classics in great detail. He was very good at medicine and was famous in his hometown until middle age. In the first year of the Jian Yuan era of the Southern Song dynasty (1127 A.D., Jian Yuan was the first reign title of Emperor Gaozong), an epidemic spread throughout the Zhen Zhou area.Xu Shuwei diagnosed patients in their homes and saved eight to nine out of ten. His reputation rose soon after, and he became well-known because he saved so many patients.
In the second or third year of the Shao Xing reign (l132 or 1133 A.D., Shao Xing is the second reign title of Emperor Zhao Gou of Song), Xu Shuwei passed the imperial examinations and was selected as a Jinshi. He was assigned the official titles of Huizhou HangZhouFu Jiao Shou (drillmaster of Hui Zhou and Hang Zhou) and Xue Shi of Han Lin Ji Xian Yuan (scholar of National Sages Academy). Folks called him Xu Xueshi (Scholar Xu). Later, he resigned from his official position due to his dissatisfaction with Emperor Song Gaozong's contentment with temporary ease and comfort in southern China and the crafty sycophants. He went back to the countryside to live in Ma Jishan and continued studying and practicing medicine to save people. He treated any patient who sought his help. Day or night, rich or poor, he treats them all, aiming to save lives. His personality is kindhearted, loyal, blunt, bold, and forthright, and he is praised favorably by the local folks.
Major works and academic contributions
Xu Shuwei was recognized as a scholar in the field of Shang Han Lun during the Song dynasty. He wrote books that proposed many detailed interpretations and supplemented them with syndrome differentiation and treatment theory.: "The treatment of cold-induced diseases should clarify interior and exterior, as well as excess or deficiency. As long as we understand these concepts, the 397 methods of Zhang Zhongjing can be easily applied." Xu Shuwei often helped treat strange diseases and difficult cases. He ever made an excellent study with the theory of exogenous febrile disease and emphasized the importance of identifying deficiency, excessive cold, and heat in the treatment of exogenous febrile disease. Later, he compiled related works, including Shang Han Bai Zheng Ge, Shang Han Fa Wei Lun, and Shang Han Jiu Shi Lun, devoted to developing the study of exogenous febrile diseases. These works not only inherit the thoughts of the ancient herbalist Zhang Zhongjing but also provide further interpretations. His main interpretations of the Shang Han Lun and the treatment of cold-induced diseases are introduced below:
⑴ The key to differentiating the syndrome of cold-induced diseases is distinguishing between exterior and interior, and between deficiency and excess. This conclusion is recorded in his book Shang Han Bai Zheng Ge (the hundred syndrome songs of the exogenous febrile diseases), in which he summarizes and points out four types of syndromes and four types of recipes. He also points out that different types of recipes are for different types of syndromes. He summarizes the prescriptions of Shang Han Lun with exterior, interior, and deficiency and excess. This is a further development and interpretation of Zhang Zhongjing's differentiation based on six-meridian syndrome differentiation. He also proposes syndrome differentiation based on exterior, interior, and deficiency and excess. This should be combined with yin and yang, cold and heat. For the differentiation of doubtful cold and heat syndromes, refer to the synthetic analysis of pulse and syndrome. These discussions and interpretations influenced the later establishment of differentiation based on the eight principles.
⑵ Xu Shuwei emphasized the importance of primordial Qi in treating cold-induced diseases. He proposed that, "in cases of cold-induced diseases, whether Yin or Yang syndrome, Yin or Yang toxin, the key point is that cases with strong primordial Qi are easy to treat, while cases with weak and deficient primordial Qi are difficult." This conclusion came from his practice.
⑶ The development of the "affection of deficiency" pathogenesis theory from the ancient book Nei Jing (The Inner Canon): "The pathogens accumulate; the Qi is surely deficient." is an important pathogenesis theory. Xu Shuwei proposed that endogenous pathogenic reasons are due more to a deficiency of healthy energy. However, once affected by pathogens, the nature of the disease normally develops with changes of excess. Thus, Xu Shuwei pointed out that treatment should follow the principle of "eliminating pathogens first and invigorating second." Xu Shuwei applied Zhang Zhongjing's prescriptions flexibly and created new prescriptions to dispel pathogens.
⑷ Interpretation of the pulse methods of Zhongjing: Xu Shuwei attached great importance to pulse manifestations. He proposed that "treating cold-induced diseases should be based on the pulse methods of Zhongjing," and summarized the complicated pulse manifestations using the principles of yin and yang to determine good or bad luck and prognosis. Then he summed up various pulse manifestations. He differentiated exterior and interior deficiency and excess by pulse floating or deep, powerful or weak, and location in the Zang or Fu viscera by rapid or slow pulse. He made these principles clear and flexible for application. Herbalist Xu also pointed out the differences in pulse manifestations between cold-induced diseases and other diseases and summarized the common pulse manifestations of cold-induced diseases. For example, a floating and slow pulse indicates Zhongfeng (wind affection); a floating, uneven (hesitant), and tight pulse indicates Shanghan (cold affection); a floating and rapid pulse indicates Yang pulse of Yang syndrome; a string-like, slow pulse with cold hands and feet indicates Shao Yin syndrome. He pointed out the characteristics of cold-induced diseases, making it easier for disciples to learn. He also emphasized diagnosing Ren Ying, Cunkou, FuYang, and TaiXi. He pointed out that "The Cunkou of the right hand is main for Qi, the RenYing is main for blood. If the Cunkou is tight, then it is surely hurt from the diet. If the Ren Ying is tight, then it is a severe case of wind affection." He also said that "the Fuyang stomach pulse determines life or death and the Taixi kidney pulse is the root and base." The first conclusion is valuable for differentiating between exogenous wind affection and endogenous injury from diet and drink. The second conclusion is valuable for prognosis. He also pointed out that, although diaphoresis, emesis, and purgative methods are significant for treating Shanghan syndrome, they are only suitable for excess syndromes and should never be used for deficiency syndromes. He also emphasized that, "In case the pulse is weak and big, it should avoid leading to vomiting. To use the purgative method, it should avoid a case of feeble and thready pulses. In case the pulse is deep and weak with Qi weakness, it is difficult to induce sweating. These three principles should be carefully remembered." This is a summarized conclusion based on experience. He also attached great importance to pulse variations to differentiate the development and transmission of diseases and their prognoses. He proposed that "If the pulse has nine arrives in one breath, the essence and Qi are collapsing; the spirit and Qi are chaotic and should be saved immediately. iF THE pulse has nine to ten arrives in one breath, it is like flowing spring water, there is no Qi flowing inside the pulse, it is a collapse of the primordial Qi and a symptom of death." He has many other intensive and profound conclusions about pulse manifestations based on Zhongjing's pulse theory and his own experience.
⑸ Interpretations and summaries of applications of cold-induced syndromes and prescriptions: Xu Shuwei has an in-depth study of the syndrome differentiation and pulse manifestations of Shang Han Lun, and has made many developments and innovations. His work, Shang Han Jiu Shi Lun, recorded 61 cases of cold-induced diseases and listed pulse manifestations and syndromes strictly according to the entries and articles of Shang Han Lun. These cases proved the precise effects of the prescriptions and syndrome differentiations from Zhongjing's theory. He also uses prescriptions flexibly. For example, he created a prescription for heat invading the blood chamber syndrome in women. For syndromes with no listed prescriptions in Shang Han Lun, he collected prescriptions from other medical works, including Nei Jing, Nan Jing, Qian Jin Yao Fang, and Wai Tai Mi Yao, to supplement the syndrome with a relevant prescription to guide the practice. In addition to his flexible application of Zhongjing's prescriptions, Xu summarized Zhongjing's theories. For instance, he summarized the Taiyang-Yangming combined syndrome as (1st). The case of diarrhea is the Ge Gen decoction syndrome. (2nd). The case of vomiting and throwing up, but no diarrhea, is the Ge Gen Jia Ban Xia syndrome. (3rd). The case of panting and fullness in the chest is one of the three syndromes of mahuang decoction. He also summarized the Tai Yang Zhong Ye syndrome as having three types: (1st). The case of sweating, aversion to cold, body heat, and thirst is the case of Tai Yang Jing Zhong Ye. (2nd). The case of fever and aversion to cold with pain in the body and the pulse is string-like, thready gaseous (hollow) and late. (3rd). A case of being hurt by cold water in summer, with water flowing in the skin, heat in the body, and heavy pain and aching, with a weak and feeble pulse, is also included. He summarized the theory of Zhongjing, providing a clear and precise theoretical basis for practice. He also classified and summarized Zhongjing's methods, including diaphoresis, emesis, purgation, fire, water, acupuncture, and moxibustion. He analyzed and listed them in an orderly fashion, making it more convenient for later generations to study the theory of Shang Han Lun. These represented his correct and penetrating views of Shang Han Lun.
⑹ Interpretations on the Prescriptions and Application of Shang Han Lun: Xu Shuwei had insightful discussions about the prescriptions and applications of Shang Han Lun. He connected and combined the pathogenesis and interpretations of previous herbalists, Wang Shuhe and Sun Simiao. He also offered his own creative opinions on the three main types of Tai Yang syndromes. As he explained, the pathogenesis of wind affection (Zhongfeng) and cold affection (Shanghan) occurs when a cold pulse is observed in cases of wind affection (Zhongfeng) or a wind pulse is observed in cases of cold affection (Shanghan). This indicates that wind and cold doubly hurt the Ying and Wei system. Herbalists Wang Shuhe and Sun Simiao's three outlines became clear and distinct through their interpretations, which had a significant influence on later herbalists. Additionally, Xu had his own views on the applications of decoctions and pills in Shang Han Lun and proposed the principle that "pills should be used cautiously in the treatment of cold-induced diseases." He also pointed out the differences in applications between the white peony root and red peony root, the Gui Zhi (cassia twig) and Rou Gui (the cinnamon bark). He agrees with Wang Shuhe's opinion that "not using Dahuang in the Dachaihu decoction is a mistake" and emphasizes that, "although Dahuang is a general herb, to eliminate the accumulated heat and dispel old retentions, it is a key herb in Shang Han" and should be used properly. He also proposed that "croton seeds only dispel food retention and cannot eliminate heat toxins" and should not be used in the case of endogenous heat toxin accumulation. These theses and discussions are very relevant to practice and have had a significant impact on the later use of Zhongjing's prescriptions.
Except for his interpretations of the Shang Han Lun and his treatment of cold-induced diseases, herbalist Xu has made academic contributions to the treatment of miscellaneous diseases. He emphasizes aspects of life activities and the pathological functions of the spleen and stomach. He is proficient in ancient prescriptions and has created new ones. These interpretations are briefly introduced below:
⑴ Studies and Interpretations on the Theory of the Spleen and Stomach: Xu placed great importance on the vital functions of the spleen and stomach. In his works Pu Ji Ben Shi Fang and Shang Han Bai Zheng Ge, he repeatedly pointed out that the spleen and stomach are closely related to life and death. In severe cases, one should take a Taichong pulse to assess the stomach qi and a Taixi pulse to determine the sufficiency or deficiency of kidney qi. If these two pulses are not good, then there is mostly a case of a syndrome with an unfavorable prognosis and symptoms of danger. Additionally, Xu developed effective methods for treating related syndromes. His famous prescriptions, such as Ren Shen Pills, are highly effective. He also developed creative methods and prescriptions for treating kidney deficiency and spleen-kidney deficiency syndromes.
⑵ Creative contributions to the differentiation and treatment of endogenous wind syndrome: Xu made many creative conclusions to the differentiation and treatment of endogenous wind syndrome, which he recorded in Pu Ji Ben Shi Fang. His work greatly influenced later generations. He classified wind affections into three major types: (1) wind affection the channels, (2) wind affection the Fu viscera, (3) wind affection the Zang viscera. He recorded the general and specific symptoms of wind affecting the channels, Zang viscera, and Fu viscera and established related treatment principles. Likewise, he suggests using moxibustion to treat wind affection and lists 12 special acupoints for it. Furthermore, he analyzed the reasons for palpitations due to fear and established a method to treat them.
⑶ Xu Shuwei is skilled at treating various diseases, such as accumulation and mass, numbness, and pain syndromes. He often uses a method known as Sou Ti Qu Xie Fa (sourcing and kicking dispelling method) and prescriptions mostly composed of insects and worms, including scorpions and earthworms, to free the meridians and relieve pain. He also pointed out the proper applications and insect herbs for various accumulation and retention syndromes.
⑷ Herbalist Xu is skilled in applying ancient prescriptions flexibly and modifying them to create new ones. His book Pu Ji Ben Shi Fang recorded over 370 kinds of prescriptions, some of which came from famous ancient medicine books such as Qian Jin Fang, He Ji Ju Fang, Bi Yong Fang, Huo Ren Shu, Qian Jin Sui, Jing Xiao Chan Bao, and Wan Jin Fang. Some came from famous ancient herbalists and Taoists, including Pang Anshi, Sun Zhao, Yang Jilao, Shen Kuo, Cai Taishi, Zhang Changshi, Chao Tuiguan, Zheng Kangde, Cui Yuanliang, Tian Zi, and Zhenxin Taoists. Herbalist Xu classified the effective prescriptions he collected into different entries under the title of the five Zang viscera syndromes. He recorded the syndromes and listed the prescriptions, supplementing them with notes about their origin or efficacy. Thus, herbalist Xu did a good job of preserving valuable experience from previous professionals and keeping precious historical literature for later generations. In addition to his preservation work, Xu also placed importance on modifying ancient prescriptions. Those from Shang Han Lun are effective in practice. He also created new prescriptions with wide applications. Some of these are Qi Zhen San, Qu Mu Yuan, Mi Rong Yuan, Er Shen Yuan, Jing Qi Yuan, and Xiong Qiang Tang. These prescriptions influenced later generations.
The three major books on the Shang Han Lun by herbalist Xu, known as the Shang Han Bai Zheng Ge in five volumes, Shang Han Fa Wei Lun in two volumes, and Shang Han Jiu Shi Lun, were revised, printed, and widely published in the 18th and 19th centuries. These books became well-known and popular ever since. The academic value of these books by herbalist Xu has been sufficiently confirmed in the field of TCM. Herbalists have acknowledged him as a prominent herbalist of the Song dynasty who made significant contributions to the interpretation and application of the Shang Han Lun theory. He is considered one of the most outstanding herbalists in the development of TCM, and his theories and experiences continue to guide and inform modern practices.
Major works and books: Xu Shuwei compiled many works during his lifetime. His known works include Ben Shi Fang (Lei Zheng Pu Ji Ben Shi Fang) in ten volumes, Shang Han Bai Zheng Ge in five volumes, Shang Han Fa Wei Lun in two volumes, Shang Han Jiu Shi Lun, Zhi Fa, Bian Lei, Yi Shang Han Lun, Zhong Jing Mai Fa San Shi Liu Tu, and Xu Ben Shi Fang in ten volumes, and so on. The book Shang Han Bai Zheng Ge is in written in rhyming style to present Zhang Zhongjing's theory of 100 syndromes. For convenience in studying, in case of "syndrome without prescriptions", other prescriptions are supplemented by classics such as Qian Jin Yi Fang. In cases where the discussion is insufficient, theory and discussions from Chao Shi Bing Yuan are supplemented, as well as quotations from other herbalists such as Zhu Gong (朱肱 Zhū Gōng), Sun Shang (孫尚Sūn Shang), Sun Yonghe (孫用和Sūn Yònghé). The classic Shang Han Fa Wei Lun recorded a total of 22 discourses on prescriptions. The first discourse listed 72 syndromes of exogenous febrile diseases and provided detailed interpretations. The second discourse and subsequent ones recorded the author's viewpoints. The content of the book Shang Han Jiu Shi Lun starts with syndromes, symptoms, treatment procedure, and comments, similar to later medical records. The Lei Zheng Pu Ji Ben Shi Fang is an academic work that records the clinical experience of herbalist Xu. It classifies diseases into 23 categories and collects over 300 prescriptions. The prescriptions are listed by main indications, name, and dose, followed by the treatment method and instructions. One to two cases are attached, along with comments. Many of his specific viewpoints are insightful. For example, it is believed that Qi syncope should not be treated as a symptom of apoplexia and that nourishing herbs should be used to invigorate the kidneys. He also differentiated between hemorrhoidal hemorrhage, bloody stool, and blood hemorrhoids. Later, wise herbalists commented very highly on his achievement. For example, Ye Gui (叶桂 Yè Guì) commented on Xu: "He was a scholar and a professional in treatment. He strives for universal relief and interprets the secrets of ancient herbalists to benefit future generations—a great achievement." His theory and prescriptions greatly influenced herbalists of the Song Dynasty and beyond.
Xu Shuwei compiled the 10-volumes herbal classics Lei Zheng Pu Ji Ben Shi Fang (The Effective Prescriptions for Universal Relief), which was published in his late years. It was briefly known as Pu Ji Ben Shi Fang. The herbal classics Pu Ji Ben Shi Fang recorded more than 390 herbal prescriptions and provided a reliable method for identifying and differentiating many similar syndromes. Specifically, Xu proposed his unique perspective on the relationship between the spleen and kidney. This theory had an important influence on the visceral manifestation theory of later generations. He emphasized the relationship between the spleen and kidney, which provided a foundation for later generations to further study the spleen-kidney relationship and its clinical applications.
His several works survived till today; they are: Shang Han Bai Zheng Ge (the one hundred syndromes poem of the Treatise on Cold-induced Diseases) in five volumes, Shang Han Fa Wei Lun (the Elaborations on the Treatise on Cold-induced Diseases) in two volumes, Shang Han Jiu Shi Lun (the ninety treatises on the Treatise on Cold-induced Diseases), Lei Zheng Pu Ji Ben Shi Fang (the Effective Prescriptions for Universal Relief). His other works were lost in ancient times. Those books are known as Zhong Jing Mai Fa San Shi Liu Tu (The Thirty-Six Graphs on the Pulse Formula of Zhonging), Yi Shang Han Lun (The Supplement Wings of the Treatise on Cold-Induced Diseases), and Shang Han Lei Lun (The Categorized Treatise on Cold-Induced Diseases), Zhi Fa Ba Shi Yi Pian (Zhi Fa, or The Eighty-One Articles on Treatment Methods), Bian Lei in five volumes, etc. These books were identified by Xu Shuwei. There is an ancient book, Xu Ben Shi Fang (Supplement of Effective Prescriptions for Universal Relief), in ten volumes. It attributes authorship to Xu Shuwei, yet the contents and academic viewpoints of some applications differ from those presented in his book, Lei Zheng Pu Ji Ben Shi Fang (The Effective Prescriptions for Universal Relief). Therefore, Xu Ben Shi Fang is suspected to be a forged ancient book attributed to Xu Shuwei.
The five-volume book Shang Han Bai Zheng Ge (The Hundred Syndromes Poem of the Treatise on Cold-Induced Diseases) is mainly about the outline of syndrome differentiation of the cold-induced diseases, symptoms and prescriptions. Volumes one and two contain formulas in verse about the general principles of the syndrome differentiation for cold-induced diseases. Volumes three through five contain formulas in verse about the syndromes of cold-induced diseases. The book collects over 100 verses written in simple, easy-to-understand language. Based on the author's in-depth study of the ancient work Shang Han Lun, the main subjects are exterior and interior, Yin and Yang, pain in the throat, Huo luan, vomiting and throwing up, fullness in the abdomen, spontaneous sweating, pulse manifestations, diseases involving two or more channels, diseases involving one channel and another, therapy, and so on. The text included annotations and quotes of ancient work Zhu Bing Yuan Hou Lun, as well as theories from herbalists Zhu Gong, Sun Yonghe, Pang Anshi, Song Di, and Wang Shi, supplement and elaboration, Xu's experience and theories from many years of study of the work Shang Han Lun is added, which will benefit later generations. The author set exterior-interior and deficiency-excess as an outline for the syndrome differentiation of the cold-induced diseases and boosted the spread and popularization of the work Shang Han Lun and its syndrome differentiation methods. The author stated the essential meanings of the work Shang Han Lun.
The two-volume book Shang Han Fa Wei Lun (Elaborations on the Treatise on Cold-Induced Diseases) collected 22 of his academic articles. The first article listed 72 syndromes of the cold-induced diseases and explains and interprets their pathogenesis, the experiences of syndrome differentiation, and prescriptions. The second and subsequent articles are short pieces in which the author shares his views and insights on various topics, such as the differences between white peony root and red peony root in the Gui Zhi decoction, the differences between the Gui Zhi and Rou Gui, and the importance of primordial Qi in cold-induced diseases. The book's content mainly comes from the author's experiences studying cold-induced diseases and includes syndromes, symptoms, pulse methods, treatments, and prescriptions in great detail.
The book Shang Han Jiu Shi Lun (The Ninety Treatises on the Treatise on Cold-Induced Diseases) collected 90 cases from the author's practice. Among them, 61 cases are about classical cases originating from the work Shang Han Lun, related to 36 types of classical prescriptions. Each case records the syndromes and treatment procedures and includes pathogenesis interpretations according to the ancient works Nei Jing (The Inner Canon), Nan Jing (The Difficult Classic), Shang Han Lun (The Treatise on Cold-Induced Diseases), and other relevant works. Combined with the author's viewpoint, it is an early consilia and an important reference book for studying Shang Han Lun.
There is a legendary story about Xu Shuwei. When he was young, he studied very hard and developed the habit of drinking wine before going to sleep. Years later, he often experienced sounding in the stomach and pain in his hypochondriac area. He reduced his diet and vomited some gastric juice every ten days or half a month. In the summer, only the right side of his body perspired; the left side did not sweat. After carefully analyzing his own case, he concluded that the disease was due to dampness obstructing the stomach; the spleen and stomach were hurt, the spleen is deficient, respectively, resulting in the inability to transform water, which caused dampness obstruction in the stomach. Thus, he had internal dampness syndrome, which has symptoms including a gurgling sound in the stomach, sweating only on the right side of the body, and vomiting gastric juice. Xu Shuwei tried to treat himself by following his academic theory, "medication in essence." He prepared a special pill and took 50 pills daily, gradually increasing to 100 to 200 pills daily. Months later, his strange disease was relieved, and he finally recovered. Xu Shuwei correctly identified the syndrome, selected the right herbs, and achieved remarkable results. He understood the damp pathogens are sticky and stagnant and difficult to expel quickly. It is important to take the herbs consistently and gradually increase the dosage so that the recipe's power can accumulate in the body and finally expel the dampness pathogen.
References:
1.Xu Shuwei: Biographical introduction and legendary stories, major works and academic contributions
✵Xu Shuwei: a leading physician of the Song dynasty and a follower of Zhang Zhongjing's theory. Based on Zhang Zhongjing's work, he created graphic illustrations of 36 varieties of pulses and propounded the theory of using medicine according to the severity of the disease. Xu was the author of several medical works, the most widely read of which is the Lei Zheng Pu Ji Ben Shi Fang (the Classified Effective Prescriptions for Universal Relief), a medical work in 10 volumes. Xu Shu-Wei was the representative herbalist of the Meng-He School during the Song Dynasty period.
Xu Shuwei (1079–1154 CE): a prominent physician of the Song Dynasty. Based on Zhang Zhongjing's work, he created graphic illustrations of 36 types of pulses and developed the theory of using herbs based on the severity of the disease. He was the author of several medical books, one of which, Lei Zheng Pu Ji Ben Shi Fang (the Classified Effective Prescriptions for Universal Relief), has been one of his most widely read books. He was a leading herbalist of the Meng-He School during the Song dynasty. The Meng-He School can be traced back to the Dong Han dynasty and the Three Kingdoms period. It originated with the herbalist and Taoist Ge Hong.
Xu Shuwei was born into a poor family. In the fifth year of the Yuanyou reign (1090 A.D., Yuanyou was the reign title of Emperor Song Zhezong), his parents passed away due to a plague. He was 11 years old at the time. He studied hard, learning both the traditional Confucian classics and medicine.He received a Jinshi title in the imperial examination in the second year of the Shaoxing reign (1132 A.D., Shao Xing was the reign title of the Emperor Zhao Gou). Then, he was assigned as a drillmaster in Huizhou and Hangzhou. He was also a scholar of the National Sages Academy (Hanlin Ji Xian Yuan), so he was later also called "Xu Xueshi." From a young age, he studied all the available medical books and learned the ancient medical classics in great detail. He was very good at medicine and was famous in his hometown until middle age. In the first year of the Jian Yuan era of the Southern Song dynasty (1127 A.D., Jian Yuan was the first reign title of Emperor Gaozong), an epidemic spread throughout the Zhen Zhou area.Xu Shuwei diagnosed patients in their homes and saved eight to nine out of ten. His reputation rose soon after, and he became well-known because he saved so many patients.
Xu Shuwei was recognized as a scholar in the field of Shang Han Lun during the Song dynasty. He wrote books that proposed many detailed interpretations and supplemented them with syndrome differentiation and treatment theory.: "The treatment of cold-induced diseases should clarify interior and exterior, as well as excess or deficiency. As long as we understand these concepts, the 397 methods of Zhang Zhongjing can be easily applied." Xu Shuwei often helped treat strange diseases and difficult cases. He ever made an excellent study with the theory of exogenous febrile disease and emphasized the importance of identifying deficiency, excessive cold, and heat in the treatment of exogenous febrile disease. Later, he compiled related works, including Shang Han Bai Zheng Ge, Shang Han Fa Wei Lun, and Shang Han Jiu Shi Lun, devoted to developing the study of exogenous febrile diseases. These works not only inherit the thoughts of the ancient herbalist Zhang Zhongjing but also provide further interpretations. His main interpretations of the Shang Han Lun and the treatment of cold-induced diseases are introduced below:
Except for his interpretations of the Shang Han Lun and his treatment of cold-induced diseases, herbalist Xu has made academic contributions to the treatment of miscellaneous diseases. He emphasizes aspects of life activities and the pathological functions of the spleen and stomach. He is proficient in ancient prescriptions and has created new ones. These interpretations are briefly introduced below:
There is a legendary story about Xu Shuwei. When he was young, he studied very hard and developed the habit of drinking wine before going to sleep. Years later, he often experienced sounding in the stomach and pain in his hypochondriac area. He reduced his diet and vomited some gastric juice every ten days or half a month. In the summer, only the right side of his body perspired; the left side did not sweat. After carefully analyzing his own case, he concluded that the disease was due to dampness obstructing the stomach; the spleen and stomach were hurt, the spleen is deficient, respectively, resulting in the inability to transform water, which caused dampness obstruction in the stomach. Thus, he had internal dampness syndrome, which has symptoms including a gurgling sound in the stomach, sweating only on the right side of the body, and vomiting gastric juice. Xu Shuwei tried to treat himself by following his academic theory, "medication in essence." He prepared a special pill and took 50 pills daily, gradually increasing to 100 to 200 pills daily. Months later, his strange disease was relieved, and he finally recovered. Xu Shuwei correctly identified the syndrome, selected the right herbs, and achieved remarkable results. He understood the damp pathogens are sticky and stagnant and difficult to expel quickly. It is important to take the herbs consistently and gradually increase the dosage so that the recipe's power can accumulate in the body and finally expel the dampness pathogen.
