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XuetangX

Introduction to the Bencao Gangmu

Chengdu University of TCM via XuetangX

Overview

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) embodies the accumulated wisdom of the Chinese nation in disease prevention, treatment, and health preservation over thousands of years. Among its representative works is the monumental Bencao Gangmu, written by the renowned Ming Dynasty physician Li Shizhen over a span of 27 years. Widely regarded as the "Encyclopedia of 16th Century China," this masterpiece has been inscribed in the Memory of the World Register by UNESCO. Rich in theoretical knowledge and practical experience of Chinese materia medica, Bencao Gangmu is a timeless classic well worth reading.

This course invites you to follow Li Shizhen’s Bencao Gangmu as a gateway into the profound realm of Traditional Chinese Medicine, embarking on a journey through the cultural heritage of TCM. Designed to progress from introductory to advanced levels, and from specific points to a comprehensive understanding, the course presents the remarkable achievements of Li Shizhen and the Bencao Gangmu, while showcasing the enduring allure of Traditional Chinese Medicine from multiple perspectives.

In interpreting this classic, the course seamlessly integrates Li Shizhen’s treatment methods for common clinical conditions and his approaches to health preservation. The concise and practical video lectures are engaging and highly applicable, providing a relaxed and enjoyable learning experience. These videos will not only enhance your understanding of TCM but also teach you effective methods for preventing and treating common ailments through its principles.

Through this course, you will discover that Traditional Chinese Medicine is both useful and fascinating. Let us begin exploring Bencao Gangmu together!

Syllabus

  • Chapter 1 Introduction to this course
    • Introduction to this course
  • Chapter 2 Introduction to Li Shizhen
    • Life of Li Shizhen and his book
  • Chapter 3 The compilation of the Bencao Gangmu
    • Li Shizhen's general principles of compiling the Bencao Gangmu one
    • Li Shizhen's general principles of compiling the Bencao Gangmu two
  • Chapter 4 The achievements of traditional Chinese medicine and materia medica in Bencao Gangmu
    • Achievements of Chinese materia medica in the Bencao Gangmu
    • The achievements of traditional Chinese medicine in the Bencao Gangmu
  • Chapter 5 The kingdom of natural history in Li Shizhen's Bencao Gangmu
    • Li Shizhen’s contributions to botany in Bencao Gangmu
    • Li Shizhen's contributions to zoology in Bencao Gangmu
    • Li Shizhen's contribution to mineralogy in Bencao Gangmu
  • Chapter 6 The spirit of exploration in Li Shizhen's Bencao Gangmu
    • Li Shizhen verifies the spirit of seeking truth and knowledge with observation
    • Li Shizhen through historical verification and pursuit of accurate interpretations
  • Chapter 7 Li Shizhen's gynecological achievements in Bencao Gangmu
    • Li Shizhen's understanding and contribution to traditional Chinese medicine gynecology theory
  • Chapter 8 Study the Bencao Gangmu for health preservation
    • The wisdom of health preservation found in the Bencao Gangmu
  • Chapter 9 Study the Bencao Gangmu - Becoming Your Own Doctor
    • Huang Qi is the premier herb for fortonifying qi
    • Ren Shen greatly replenishes the primordial qi
    • Shan Yao nourishes the lung, spleen, and kidney
    • Ju Hua serves three functions: as a decorative flower, a food ingredient, and a medicinal herb.
  • Final exam

    Taught by

    Yang Min, Min Zhiqiang, Jiang Miao, Wang Jing, and Huang Lihua

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