OCM 537E - Pre-Han Classical Texts III: Yi Jing, Dao De Jing, Huang Di Nei Jing

Credit(s): 2

This course introduces students to the foundational texts of Chinese culture and medicine: the Yi Jing (“The Book of Changes”), the Dao De Jing (“Classic of the Way and It’s Virtue”), and the Huang Di Nei Jing (“The Yellow
Emperor’s Internal Classic”), which has two component parts: the Su Wen (“Basic Questions”) and the Ling Shu (“Spiritual Pivot”). By studying these pre-Han classical texts, students will both broaden and deepen their understanding of the theoretical foundations of Chinese medicine and gain an appreciation of their usefulness in the modern clinic. Attention will be paid both to how these classic texts infuse and inform Chinese medical theory and clinical practice throughout the history of Chinese medicine and the ways in which Chinese medical theory, clinical practice and terminology has evolved since the time these texts were written.

This elective is a third course in a series and will emphasize the Ling Shu (Spiritual Pivot) and the role of SHEN in Chinese medicine and especially in the practice of Acupuncture. We will discuss how the perspective presented in the classics provides a fully integrated worldview which has practical applications for the practice of Chinese medicine in the modern clinic. Prerequisite(s): CM504, CM505, CM506, CM532