A Study on Daoist's Medical Scripture Yi-dao Huan-yuan in the Qing: The Relationship Between Daoism and Traditional Chinese Medicine from Theories of Healing to Neidan Practice (2017)
Luk, Crystal Tsing-Tsing (Author)
Lai, Chi-Tim (Advisor)
Chinese University of Hong Kong
Lai, Chi-Tim
Physical Details: 412 pp.
Language: English
This thesis aims to conduct a comprehensive study on the theoretical and historical connection between Neidan and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) based on a detailed study of the Nedian scripture Yi-dao Huan-yuan 醫道還元, compiled in the Qing Dynasty.First of all, based on a variety of editions found in different libraries in China, one can see that the publication of the scripture was connected to the Lǚ zǔ 呂祖 spirit-writing movement during the Qing period. Signs of the movement can be found in the main text, prefaces, and the religion background of its editors and fundraisers. In additions to its formation, the Lǚ zǔ spirit-writing cults and their disciples' religious believes also played an important role in the circulation and re-publication of the scriptures in the 19th century.Secondly, based on previous Neidan studies, one could not bypass the fact that most Neidan scholars usually omit the connection between Neidan and TCM. Especially in regard to the definition of Xìng-mìng 性命 in Neidan texts, the application of TCM theories in this concept was usually dismissed. The discourse of Zhēn yào 真藥 in Neidan, based on theories of Chinese Materia Medica, Medicine Formulae and Etiology developed in Song and the theoretical evolution in the Meridian System during Song and Yuan period played an important role in neidan texts. In addition to the above, the Diagnostic Approaches by applying a theory called Xīn cáng shén wèi jūnzhǔ zhī guān lùn 心藏神為君主之官論, a theory that emphasis the Heart 心 as a residence where Shén 神, the Monarchy 君主 resides, played a major role in the discourse of practice of Xìng-mìng in Neidan texts. Just as Neidan texts emphasized, Xìng and Mìng are interconnect and inter-related. This discourse was the main concept of the Xīn cáng shén wèi jūnzhǔ zhī guān lùn, according to which one's body is related to one's mind so that mind and body should be diagnosed and healed as one. Through an in-depth study of the application of TCM theories in Yi-dao Huan-yuan and its Neidan practice, and carefully explained the history of each medical concepts, one can understand that the principle of Xìng-mìng in Neidan was built upon the Chinese medical context.Based on the theories mentioned above, Yi-dao Huan-yuan demonstrates that the interconnection and inter-relations of Xìng-mìng was built upon the influence of the heart to Ming mén 命門, or vice versa. Mìng mén is one of the concepts applied in TCM. Under the Xīn cáng shén wèi jūnzhǔ zhī guān lùn and related concepts, the phrase Xìng-mìng in Neidan does not only carry common meanings, but medical understanding based on the medical identity and medical knowledge of their authors and editors. From this study, one could see how the medical development in Song and Yuan period impacted the terms and phrases used in Neidan texts and the theories applied in such texts.Finally, after going through the medical details of the Neidan practice presented in Yi-dao Huan-yuan, it is hard to omit that most medical theories and concepts applied in Neidan practice were found or influenced by Daoists who also happen to be some of the most famous practitioners in Chinese Medical history.In conclusion, we will review the fact that the theories and concepts these Daoists built became the core of TCM practice. They not only shaped the development of TCM, but also originated the meaning of terms applied in Neidan regarding to organs, meridians, Yào 藥 and Xìng-mìng etc. Their contributions have long been understood as religious healing instead of professional medicine in Daoist Studies. This point of view has underestimated the influence of Daoism in TCM development, and the interaction of the two. Vice versa, this has also limited the understanding, in Neidan studies, regarding to the applications of medical terms, concepts and theories.
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