2.2 Traditional Chinese Medicine 2 中医2. mp4

Summary

In this episode of China Overview, John Fenway continues to delve into traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), focusing on its ancient doctors. Shennong, the legendary figure credited with inventing Chinese herbal medicine and tea, is highlighted. His story includes testing hundreds of herbs and distinguishing between edible and poisonous plants. Shennong's Herbal Classic, one of the earliest Chinese pharmacopoeias, is mentioned. The lecture also introduces Zhang Zhongjing, known as the 'King of Medicine,' and his influential works, including the 'Thousand Gold Pieces Emergency Formulary' and its commentary, 'Wings of the Thousand Gold Pieces.'

Takeaways

• 🌿 The lecture continues to explore traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), focusing on ancient doctors and their contributions.
• 👨‍🌾 Shen Nong is introduced as a legendary figure in TCM, known as the 'good of Agriculture' and credited with inventing Chinese herbal medicine tea.
• 🌿 Shen Nong is said to have tested hundreds of herbs, classifying them into edible and inedible categories, with a crystal belly that allowed him to see the effects of herbs.
• 📚 Shen Nong's Herbal Classic is highlighted as a foundational text in TCM, listing 365 medicines derived from minerals, plants, and animals.
• 🍃 The story of tea's invention is attributed to Shen Nong, who discovered its curative properties after accidentally ingesting a poisonous plant.
• 👨‍⚕️ Sun Simiao is mentioned as another significant figure in TCM, known as the 'king of medicine' and a medical master during the Tang Dynasty.
• 📖 Sun Simiao is known for his works 'Qian Jin Yao Fang' (Emergency Formulary) and 'Qian Jin Yi Fang' (Prescriptions Worth a Thousand Gold), which are essential texts in TCM.
• 📚 'Juan Yin' is another important book in TCM, though not written by Sun Simiao, it expands on his ideas and emphasizes the importance of 'Jing' and the mind in TCM.
• 🔍 The lecture promises to delve deeper into these concepts in future sessions, indicating a progressive approach to teaching TCM.
• 👋 The speaker, John Fenway, invites the audience to join future lessons, emphasizing the ongoing nature of the series.

Q & A

Who is considered the legendary founder of Chinese herbal medicine according to the transcript?

Shennong is considered the legendary founder of Chinese herbal medicine.

What is the story behind Shen Nong's death mentioned in the transcript?

Shen Nong died after testing a poisonous herb called 'Jie Xian Cao'.

What is unique about Shen Nong's physical characteristics as described in the transcript?

Shen Nong was said to be born with a crystal belly which was almost transparent, allowing anyone to see his internal organs.

How many kinds of edible herbs did Shen Nong reportedly discover according to the transcript?

Shen Nong reportedly discovered 47,000 kinds of edible herbs.

How many kinds of inedible herbs is Shen Nong said to have discovered?

Shen Nong is said to have discovered 39,800 kinds of inedible herbs.

What is the significance of the number 70 in relation to Shen Nong's story?

Shen Nong encountered 70 poisonous things a day, which is considered very dangerous.

What is the story behind the invention of tea as told in the transcript?

Shen Nong invented tea after tasting a poisonous plant and then eating the small fresh leaves of another plant which cleared up his internal organs.

What is the name of the book attributed to Shen Nong that lists medicinal herbs?

The book attributed to Shen Nong is called 'Shennong's Herbal Classic'.

What types of substances are included in the medicines listed in 'Shennong's Herbal Classic'?

The medicines listed in 'Shennong's Herbal Classic' are derived from minerals, plants, and animals.

Who is referred to as the 'King of Medicine' in the transcript?

The 'King of Medicine' referred to in the transcript is Sun Simiao.

What are the two books written by Sun Simiao mentioned in the transcript?

The two books written by Sun Simiao are 'Qian Jin Yao Fang' (Emergency Formulary) and 'Qian Jin Yi Fang' (Wings of the Thousand Gold Prescriptions).

What is the importance of the book 'Juan Din' in Traditional Chinese Medicine as per the transcript?

The book 'Juan Din' is very important in Traditional Chinese Medicine because, despite having not too many words, its meanings are profound and it emphasizes the Jing and the mind.