Abstract
In this case Xu Shuwei, after using a standard formula, applied exceptional therapies: an ancient steaming technique, and needling to achieve bloodletting. Only the latter produced the desired effect. Again, Xu did not perform the needling himself but ordered it done, which suggests that educated doctors did not perform these manual procedures. Why would Xu discuss ineffective treatments? He is showing that correct diagnosis and therapy are sometimes a matter of trial and error. He is not afraid to admit that he is sometimes wrong.
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Notes
- 1.
Xu does not specify that he performed bloodletting on the patient, but one of the quotations in the discussion suggest that he may have.
- 2.
See Scheid et al. 2009, pp. 7–9.
- 3.
In treating Cold Damage disorders, sweating is often the sign that the pathogen is being expelled.
- 4.
Zhang Miao 張苗 lived some time between 265 and 420 (He Shixi 1991, vol. 2, p. 647; Li Jingwei et al., eds. 1988, p. 338; and Li Yun, ed. 2016, p. 541). He used peach tree leaves for his steaming technique, causing sweating. In later generations this method was called ‘the Kang Qiu Steaming Method (康丘蒸法),’ but according to surviving records, Zhang was the first to apply it.
- 5.
See also Zhongyi cihai, vol. 2, p. 295.
- 6.
- 7.
- 8.
Xu is referring to the relative cun or ‘inch’ based on the patient’s own body dimensions.
- 9.
Treatise (傷寒例, line 30); see Yu 1997, pp. 34.
- 10.
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Goldschmidt, A. (2019). Case Number 55. 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_56
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