Huangdi Neijing (Yellow Emperor’s Inner Canon)
The Huangdi Neijing (Yellow Emperor’s Inner Canon) is divided into two sections: the Ling Shu (Spiritual Pivot) and the Su Wen (Simple Questions). It is one of the earliest and most significant classical texts in China, summarizing the experiences of the Chinese people in their long-standing battle against diseases. The creation of this text was not a sudden event, and its authorship is not attributed to one person alone. Its origin is linked to the legendary Yellow Emperor, Huangdi, and over generations, the teachings were passed down orally, expanded, and supplemented by Taoists, medical practitioners, and theorists, evolving into the “Huang-Lao” tradition. The text is generally believed to have been completed during the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods.
The Huangdi Neijing explains the principles of disease pathogenesis and pathology through dialogues between the Yellow Emperor, Qi Bo, and Lei Gong. It advocates not only for treating existing illnesses but also for preventing diseases before they occur. The text emphasizes principles such as maintaining health, nourishing life, and prolonging longevity. It is one of the four major classic works of traditional Chinese medicine, alongside the Nan Jing (Classic of Difficulties), Shang Han Za Bing Lun (Treatise on Cold Damage and Miscellaneous Diseases), and Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing (Shen Nong’s Classic of Materia Medica). It is the earliest known medical text in China and serves as a cornerstone in the study of human physiology, pathology, diagnostic methods, treatment principles, and pharmacology.
The Huangdi Neijing established several key theories in Chinese medicine, including the concepts of Yin-Yang and the Five Elements, pulse diagnosis, and the theory of the Zang-Fu organs. The table of contents is extensive, covering a wide range of topics from disease prevention to treatment methods using acupuncture and herbal medicine.
Table of Contents
Lower Volume: Spiritual Pivot – The Discussion on Nine Needles
Upper Volume: Plain Questions – The Discussion on the Truth of Ancient Times
Upper Volume: Plain Questions – The Great Discussion on Four Qi Regulation
Upper Volume: Plain Questions – The Discussion on the Communication of Vital Energy with Heaven
Upper Volume: Plain Questions – The True Words from the Golden Cabinet
Upper Volume: Plain Questions – The Great Discussion on Yin and Yang Responses
Upper Volume: Plain Questions – The Secret Canon of Linglan
Upper Volume: Plain Questions – The Formation of the Five Viscera
Upper Volume: Plain Questions – The Separate Discussion on the Five Viscera
Upper Volume: Plain Questions – The Subtle Discussion on the Essentials of Pulse Diagnosis
Upper Volume: Plain Questions – The Discussion on the Phenomena of Healthy Individuals
Upper Volume: Plain Questions – The True Discussion on the Viscera of Jade Machine
Upper Volume: Plain Questions – The Discussion on the Timing of Viscera Qi
Upper Volume: Plain Questions – The Discussion on Blood, Qi, Shape, and Intent
Upper Volume: Plain Questions – The Comprehensive Discussion on Deficiency and Excess
Upper Volume: Plain Questions – The Discussion on Heat
Upper Volume: Plain Questions – The Discussion on Heat Diseases
Upper Volume: Plain Questions – The Discussion on Qi Reversal
Upper Volume: Plain Questions – The Discussion on Cough
Upper Volume: Plain Questions – The Discussion on Pain Inducement
Upper Volume: Plain Questions – The Discussion on Abdominal Conditions
Upper Volume: Plain Questions – The Discussion on Wind
Upper Volume: Plain Questions – The Discussion on Bi Syndrome
Upper Volume: Plain Questions – The Discussion on Wei Syndrome
Upper Volume: Plain Questions – The Discussion on Jue Syndrome
Upper Volume: Plain Questions – The Discussion on Extraordinary Diseases
Upper Volume: Plain Questions – The Explanation on Pulse
Upper Volume: Plain Questions – The Discussion on Acupuncture Essentials
Upper Volume: Plain Questions – The Discussion on Acupuncture Prohibitions
Upper Volume: Plain Questions – The Explanation on Needling
Upper Volume: Plain Questions – The Great Discussion on the Chronology of Heavenly Origin
Upper Volume: Plain Questions – The Great Discussion on the Interaction of Qi
Upper Volume: Plain Questions – The Great Discussion on Absolute Truths
Upper Volume: Plain Questions – The Discussion on Gentle Guidance
Upper Volume: Plain Questions – The Discussion on Yin and Yang Classes
Upper Volume: Plain Questions – The Discussion on the Rise and Decline of Methods
Lower Volume: Spiritual Pivot – Nine Needles and Twelve Sources
Lower Volume: Spiritual Pivot – The Origins of Points
Lower Volume: Spiritual Pivot – Pathogenic Qi and Viscera Diseases
Lower Volume: Spiritual Pivot – Roots and Knots
Lower Volume: Spiritual Pivot – Longevity and Fragility
Lower Volume: Spiritual Pivot – Official Acupuncture
Lower Volume: Spiritual Pivot – Original Spirit
Lower Volume: Spiritual Pivot – Beginning and End
Lower Volume: Spiritual Pivot – Bone Dimensions
Lower Volume: Spiritual Pivot – Nutrient Qi
Lower Volume: Spiritual Pivot – The Meeting of Nutrient and Defense Qi
Lower Volume: Spiritual Pivot – Qi of Four Seasons
Lower Volume: Spiritual Pivot – Five Pathogenic Factors
Lower Volume: Spiritual Pivot – Cold and Heat Diseases
Lower Volume: Spiritual Pivot – The Roots of Diseases
Lower Volume: Spiritual Pivot – General Bi Syndrome
Lower Volume: Spiritual Pivot – Masters and Mentors
Lower Volume: Spiritual Pivot – The Discussion on Seas
Lower Volume: Spiritual Pivot – The Five Disorders
Lower Volume: Spiritual Pivot – The Discussion on Distension
Lower Volume: Spiritual Pivot – Five Examinations and Five Emissaries
Lower Volume: Spiritual Pivot – The Discussion on Blood Collaterals
Lower Volume: Spiritual Pivot – The Purity and Turbidity of Yin and Yang
Lower Volume: Spiritual Pivot – Disease Transmission
Lower Volume: Spiritual Pivot – Smooth Qi Divided into Four Seasons in One Day
Lower Volume: Spiritual Pivot – External Examination
Lower Volume: Spiritual Pivot – Five Changes
Lower Volume: Spiritual Pivot – Original Viscera
Lower Volume: Spiritual Pivot – Back Shu Points
Lower Volume: Spiritual Pivot – Defense Qi
Lower Volume: Spiritual Pivot – The Discussion on Pain
Lower Volume: Spiritual Pivot – Heavenly Years
Lower Volume: Spiritual Pivot – Water Distension
Lower Volume: Spiritual Pivot – Disorders of Defense Qi
Lower Volume: Spiritual Pivot – Jade Tablet
Lower Volume: Spiritual Pivot – The Twenty-Five People of Yin and Yang
Lower Volume: Spiritual Pivot – The Origin of Hundred Diseases
Lower Volume: Spiritual Pivot – The Practice of Needling
Lower Volume: Spiritual Pivot – Cold and Heat
Lower Volume: Spiritual Pivot – Evil Guests
Lower Volume: Spiritual Pivot – Communication with Heaven
Lower Volume: Spiritual Pivot – Official Functions
Lower Volume: Spiritual Pivot – The Discussion on Disease and Diagnosis