Resolution times in the Nei Jing and Shang Han Za Bing Lun: microcosm, macrocosm and time in ancient Chinese medicine.
In-person seminar in Oxford UK, 5 CPD
Live stream via Zoom available
(with recording available for replay)
Live stream via Zoom available
(with recording available for replay)
Sunday, June 25th
10:00 ~ 16:00 BST (London time)
10:00 ~ 16:00 BST (London time)
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Teacher: Geneviève Le Goff, L.Ac.
Location: Russell Room Balliol College Oxford University Oxford UK Price: Oxford University student or staff: £50 All others: £90 Limited to 15 participants in person. |
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Class description:
In keeping with the natural philosophies and celestial observations developed from the Shang dynasty onward, Han dynasty medical texts reveal a view of the human body and physiology as synchronous to and in relationship with the greater cosmos. The Nei Jing 黃帝內經 (circa 2nd c. BCE), and the Shang Han Za Bing Lun 傷寒雜病論 (2nd c. AD), famous examples among other medical texts of the same era, both make central use of a system of correspondences between bodily processes and the passing of time, as experienced by the apparent rotation of the Heavens around the Earth.
In particular, the prognostic duration of certain stages of disease and the resolution times (times at which disease tends to get better) relies entirely on this relationship, and how it affects the bodily humors and the body’s ability - or lack thereof - to restore homeostasis. This understanding is logically paralleled in treatment methods. Herbs, in this view, are agents of movement which are called upon to place the human body back into proper relationship with time and elements.
This class will be an exploration of this relationship; its ultimate aim is to offer an understanding of classical formula architecture as a coherent and canonical therapeutic system, which is the flower and pinnacle of centuries of natural science and philosophy. First we will take a detailed look at pre-Han and Han dynasty astronomical knowledge through the study of artifacts and select texts from the Shang Shu 尚書, Sima Qian’s astronomical treatise in the Shi Ji 史記, and other sources, and show how this translated to medical theory in the classical period. Turning our attention to the Nei Jing and Shang Han Za Bing Lun, we will explore and demystify the sometimes sibylline mentions of prognostic and resolution times, transmutations and passage along the 6 Conformations, and emerge with an understanding of Shang Han Za Bing Lun formulae as holographic mirrors of these pathophysiological principles. How do we understand and use resolution times and transmutation times to accurately diagnose our patients? How do we apply this to writing effective herbal prescriptions?
A side note:
Among the many fascinating fields of study of ancient history, classical Chinese medicine is
unique in that it is still practiced, transmitted through the centuries, and the Nei Jing and Shang Han Za Bing Lun are still referred to as the pillars of modern clinical practice. While one could argue this enormous lifespan has engendered inevitable textual transmission issues, and numerous deviations in clinical practice, the texts have survived, relatively unaffected, and the theories they carry stand the daily and ultimate test of clinical efficacy in today’s patients. Therefore the historical study of Chinese medicine is unique in that obscure points can be elucidated by what we observe in our patients in modern clinical practice. Reciprocally, and this is very much the spirit of this class, clinical practice can be greatly improved with careful study and clear understanding of the concepts and history of classical Chinese medicine.
In keeping with the natural philosophies and celestial observations developed from the Shang dynasty onward, Han dynasty medical texts reveal a view of the human body and physiology as synchronous to and in relationship with the greater cosmos. The Nei Jing 黃帝內經 (circa 2nd c. BCE), and the Shang Han Za Bing Lun 傷寒雜病論 (2nd c. AD), famous examples among other medical texts of the same era, both make central use of a system of correspondences between bodily processes and the passing of time, as experienced by the apparent rotation of the Heavens around the Earth.
In particular, the prognostic duration of certain stages of disease and the resolution times (times at which disease tends to get better) relies entirely on this relationship, and how it affects the bodily humors and the body’s ability - or lack thereof - to restore homeostasis. This understanding is logically paralleled in treatment methods. Herbs, in this view, are agents of movement which are called upon to place the human body back into proper relationship with time and elements.
This class will be an exploration of this relationship; its ultimate aim is to offer an understanding of classical formula architecture as a coherent and canonical therapeutic system, which is the flower and pinnacle of centuries of natural science and philosophy. First we will take a detailed look at pre-Han and Han dynasty astronomical knowledge through the study of artifacts and select texts from the Shang Shu 尚書, Sima Qian’s astronomical treatise in the Shi Ji 史記, and other sources, and show how this translated to medical theory in the classical period. Turning our attention to the Nei Jing and Shang Han Za Bing Lun, we will explore and demystify the sometimes sibylline mentions of prognostic and resolution times, transmutations and passage along the 6 Conformations, and emerge with an understanding of Shang Han Za Bing Lun formulae as holographic mirrors of these pathophysiological principles. How do we understand and use resolution times and transmutation times to accurately diagnose our patients? How do we apply this to writing effective herbal prescriptions?
A side note:
Among the many fascinating fields of study of ancient history, classical Chinese medicine is
unique in that it is still practiced, transmitted through the centuries, and the Nei Jing and Shang Han Za Bing Lun are still referred to as the pillars of modern clinical practice. While one could argue this enormous lifespan has engendered inevitable textual transmission issues, and numerous deviations in clinical practice, the texts have survived, relatively unaffected, and the theories they carry stand the daily and ultimate test of clinical efficacy in today’s patients. Therefore the historical study of Chinese medicine is unique in that obscure points can be elucidated by what we observe in our patients in modern clinical practice. Reciprocally, and this is very much the spirit of this class, clinical practice can be greatly improved with careful study and clear understanding of the concepts and history of classical Chinese medicine.
Schedule:
10:00 - 12:00
Introduction to ancient Chinese astronomy
System of Correspondences, 5 Movements and 6 Conformations
Flavors of medicinal plants and resolution times in the Nei Jing
12:00 -13:00
Lunch... with an opportunity to eat lunch in the beautiful Balliol Hall, which looks just like Hogwarts! (add on at registration)
13:00 - 14:30
Resolution times in the Shang Han Za Bing Lun
Use of time reckoning as a metaphor for stages of pathology in the Shang Han Za Bing Lun
Case studies and line analysis from the Shang Han Lun and Jin Gui Yao Lue
14:30 - 14:45
Short break, stroll in the gardens
14:45 - 16:00
Passage and transmutation of disease among the 6 Conformations, in and out of order
Case studies on passage
Questions and answers
10:00 - 12:00
Introduction to ancient Chinese astronomy
System of Correspondences, 5 Movements and 6 Conformations
Flavors of medicinal plants and resolution times in the Nei Jing
12:00 -13:00
Lunch... with an opportunity to eat lunch in the beautiful Balliol Hall, which looks just like Hogwarts! (add on at registration)
13:00 - 14:30
Resolution times in the Shang Han Za Bing Lun
Use of time reckoning as a metaphor for stages of pathology in the Shang Han Za Bing Lun
Case studies and line analysis from the Shang Han Lun and Jin Gui Yao Lue
14:30 - 14:45
Short break, stroll in the gardens
14:45 - 16:00
Passage and transmutation of disease among the 6 Conformations, in and out of order
Case studies on passage
Questions and answers
For questions, please email us!