The Shang Han Lun and 36 stratagems of war
Item
Title
The Shang Han Lun and 36 stratagems of war
Description
Lantern (2019), Ming, Chen.
Source
Abstract
Thirty-six Stratagems is a book of military stratagems that have been collected since ancient times. The term “36 stratagems” first appeared in the Nan Qi Shu (Book of Southern Qi), in the biography of Wang Jing: “Of the 36 stratagems the best is: Run!” There have been many different versions of the Thirty-six Stratagems over the centuries, and its influence has been immense, as these stratagems have not only been used in warfare, but also in politics, commerce, diplomacy, and technology. The Chinese medicine management of illness also places great emphasis on strategy. An ancient saying has it: Treating disease is like facing an enemy, using herbs is like employing troops. A treasure-trove of therapeutic strategy is crystallized in the vase and rich literature of Chinese medicine, and this is especially true of the Shang Han Lun (Discussion of Cold Damage) which discusses diagnostic technique, therapeutic strategy, formula design, the use of herbs and special techniques of decocting. This is very much like a general would discuss battleground analysis, strategic approach, troop deployment, the use of trained specialists and order of battle. We will examine the 36 stratagems as if Zhang Zhongjing were considering each one for its use in the fight against pathogenic attack, and discuss a formula for each. Thirty-Six Stratagems consists of six chapters, and each chapter explores six stratagems. This article covers chapter one.
Creator
Language
English
Date
Subject
volume
16
issue
1
page start
26
page end
34
Alternative Title
Lantern
Date Created
10/14/2019
Type
Journal Article
issn
1449-2717