Abstract
In this case Xu Shuwei shows the reader that although he predominantly relies on the Treatise as his main canonical source, not all the answers can be found there. Although he authored this collection of case records to show how to apply the Treatise’s doctrines and practices, the Treatise records no treatment for this disorder. Here, Xu takes a decoction from a formulary of the late seventh century. Song dynasty physicians, although they respected the ancient canons, did not hesitate to point out errors and missing data in them. Because Xu was well versed in most of the available literature, he felt comfortable in filling a gap in one classic by taking a formula from a later source. This is not the only record in this collection that reads the Treatise critically.
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- 1.
It is important to note, that the chronology in the case record does not suggest that she waited long before calling a doctor but the severity of the symptom suggests otherwise.
- 2.
See case 63 below.
- 3.
- 4.
Lower counterflow and upper exhaustion (or Yang debilitation in the lower jiao and yin debilitation in the upper jiao) is a manifestation type in Cold Damage disorders. It is associated with Immature Yin disorder that was incorrectly treated by sweating. This reverses the normal flow of qi and xue, so that blood flows out through one of the orifices. The syndrome is due to weakening yang in the lower aspect of the body and overflowing blood in its upper.
- 5.
A new edition of this book (Liu 2006, p. 59, note 6) suggests that the character yun 雲 may have been a replacement for the character yan 衍. I find no support for this claim in surviving literature.
- 6.
This decoction is not listed in Scheid et al. 2009. The formula, which combines fresh ginger and fresh aconite, is recorded in a number of early sources, the earliest being Qinjin yifang (1993, juan 19:172) and Shengji zonglu (2016, vol.1, juan 7:140; vol. 1, juan 22:312; and vol. 2, juan 142:1352). For further information see Zhongyi da cidian, 2nd ed., p. 1314.
Bibliography
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Mitchell, Craig, Feng Ye, and Nigel Wiseman. 1999. Shang Han Lun (On Cold Damage); Translation and Commentaries. Brookline, MA: Paradigm Publications.
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Goldschmidt, A. (2019). Case Number 9. In: Medical Practice in Twelfth-century China – A Translation of Xu Shuwei’s Ninety Discussions [Cases] on Cold Damage Disorders. Archimedes, vol 54. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-06103-6_10
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