[The meaning of 'Rong Xing Zhi Shu' in Tianhui Medical Slips].

Abstract

'Rong Xing Zhi Shu', seen in the unearthed medical literature Ba Li-Tianhui Medical Slips, was believed to be a medical theory on body knowledge in the Pre-Qin and Han Dynasties. It was not well and fully studied based on the relevant records in the literature and the lacquermeridian portraits found in the same tomb. This paper examines the relevant terminology on body knowledge and analyses the meaning of 'Rong Xing Zhi Shu'. It was found that 'Rong Xing Zhi Shu' implied ancient views of bodyclassification and treatment. Such an understanding of body parts and the understanding of treatment in accordance with physiological characteristics was reflected in the following theories of traditional Chinese medicine, represented by the Huang Di Nei Jing (Huang Di Inner Canon), although ancient language might have been lost.