The Book: 黄帝内经 The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine

The 黄帝内经 (Huangdi Neijing), known in English as The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine, is a foundational text in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), dating back over two millennia.

It is attributed to 黄帝 (Huangdi), the legendary Yellow Emperor, who is a mythical figure considered to be one of the ancient Five Emperors and a cultural hero in Chinese mythology.

The Yellow Emperor is often revered as a forefather of Chinese civilization and a symbol of wisdom and insight, particularly in relation to health, medicine, and natural philosophy.

The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine is generally divided into two main sections: the 素问 (Suwen or Basic Questions) and the 灵枢 (Lingshu or Spiritual Pivot).

The Suwen covers general theories of health, diagnosis, and treatment, while the Lingshu focuses more on acupuncture techniques and the principles of qi (energy) flow within the body.

The Suwen (Basic Questions):

This section deals with the fundamental concepts of health, disease, diagnosis, and treatment.

It explains the concept of yin and yang, the five elements (wood, fire, earth, metal, water), and how these elements influence the human body and the cosmos.

It also emphasizes preventive medicine, suggesting that the best way to maintain health is to live in harmony with nature and balance one’s lifestyle.

The Lingshu (Spiritual Pivot):

The Lingshu is sometimes considered an accompanying volume to the Suwen and delves deeply into acupuncture and its role in the body’s energy system.

It describes channels and meridians, points for treatment, and methods to stimulate or balance qi to restore health.