The Influence of Neo-Confucianism on The Concept of Shen in Chinese Medicine
Item
Title
The Influence of Neo-Confucianism on The Concept of Shen in Chinese Medicine
Description
EJOM (2010-11), Maciocia, Giovanni.
Abstract
In this article, the author explores first the nature and teachings of Confucianism and Neo-Confucianism and then how these influenced Chinese medicine and especially the concept of shenand the emotions. He refers primarily to theNei Jingsince this text had a profound influence on all subsequent doctors of Chinese medicine and especially on the concept ofshen. However, if theNei Jingwas written around 100 BC, how could it be influenced so much by Confucianism which did not become the dominant ideology until the Song dynasty (960-1279)? The reason is that the edition of theNei Jingwe have was actually written by Wang Bing in 762 AD (Tang dynasty); furthermore, according to Unschuld, theNei Jingwas revised three times during the Song dynasty (in 1057) by imperial committees. It is important to note that the Song dynasty represented the triumph of Neo-Confucianism when this philosophy became established as the official state philosophy. The author suggests that it is quite ironic that we in the West often criticise the ‘systematization’ of Chinese medicine by the modern Communist regime while, in fact, it was during the Song dynasty under the Neo-Confucian influence that theNei Jingwas edited by imperial committees! Confucianism is discussed at length because, in the opinion of the author, this philosophy has the strongest influence on Chinese medicine, particularly with regard to its view of theshenand the emotions.
Alternative Title
EJOM
Creator
Date
Date Created
2/28/2015
Language
English
Subject
Type
Journal Article
issn
1351-6647
issue
5
volume
6