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[The characteristics of the insidious pathogen doctrine of Wu You-xing]

Liu qing Wang1

  • 1China Institute for History of Medicine and Medical Literature, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China.

Zhonghua Yi Shi Za Zhi (Beijing, China : 1980)
|October 15, 2009
PubMed

Insights

The concept of insidious pathogens, originating in the Yellow Emperors Inner Classic, was redefined by Wu You-xing in the late Ming dynasty. He described epidemic noxious factors as tangible, concrete entities hidden in Mo yuan, treatable with Da yuan yin.

Area of Science:

  • Traditional Chinese Medicine
  • History of Medicine
  • Pathology

Context:

  • The concept of insidious pathogens traces back to the Nei jing (Yellow Emperors Inner Classic).
  • Wu You-xing expanded upon these ideas in the late Ming dynasty, introducing the concept of epidemic noxious factors.
  • This work builds upon foundational principles of ancient Chinese medical texts.

Purpose:

  • To explore the historical evolution and conceptualization of insidious pathogens in traditional Chinese medicine.
  • To analyze Wu You-xing's specific contributions to understanding epidemic noxious factors.
  • To highlight the theoretical framework and proposed treatments for epidemic diseases in historical Chinese medical literature.

Summary:

  • Wu You-xing proposed that epidemic noxious factors are tangible and concrete, contrasting with invisible cold pathogens.
  • He identified Mo yuan as the hidden location of these pathogens, representing the initial stage of disease.
  • The text suggests that Da yuan yin is an effective treatment for conditions involving pathogens concealed in Mo yuan.

Impact:

  • Provides historical context for understanding epidemic disease concepts in Traditional Chinese Medicine.
  • Highlights the theoretical underpinnings of ancient Chinese medical pathology and treatment strategies.
  • Offers insights into the development of medical thought during the late Ming dynasty.

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