Huangdi Neijing (Yellow Emperor's Inner Canon)
China's earliest extant medical classic, compiled approximately from the Warring States to the Western Han period, attributed to dialogues between the Yellow Emperor and his minister Qibo. Divided into Su Wen (Plain Questions, 81 chapters) and Ling Shu (Spiritual Pivot, 81 chapters), totaling 162 chapters.
Six Sections
| Section | Description | Entry |
|---|---|---|
| Original Text | Collated text, full chapters | Enter |
| Interpretations | Commentary by renowned scholars through the ages | Enter |
| Excerpts | Related literature excerpts | Enter |
| Influence | Impact on later scholarship and culture | Enter |
| Practical | Modern applications, health cultivation practices | Enter |
| Close Reading | Entry-by-entry close reading by eight categories | Enter |
Close Reading Framework: Neijing Zhiyao Eight Categories + Yunqi · Zhenfa · Lingshu
The Ming dynasty scholar Li Zhongzi selected over a hundred entries from the 162 chapters of the Neijing, dividing them into eight categories — the recognized introductory approach for centuries. Three additional categories were later added, totaling eleven:
1
Dao Sheng
The Way of Nourishing Life
2
Yin Yang
Yin-Yang Transformations
3
Se Zhen
Color Observation Diagnosis
4
Mai Zhen
Pulse Diagnosis
5
Cang Xiang
Organ Manifestations
6
Jing Luo
Channels and Network Vessels
7
Zhi Ze
Treatment Principles
8
Bing Ji
Nineteen Pathogenic Mechanisms
9
Yun Qi
Five Movements and Six Qi
10
Zhen Ci
Nine Needle Techniques
11
Ling Shu
Ling Shu Essentials
Close Reading Entry Structure
Each close reading entry includes:
- Layer A: Original text + vernacular translation + annotations
- Layer B: Modern interpretation essay
- Layer C: Mind map (Mermaid) + key points
- Debate: Multi-perspective debate with historical figures and mythical beasts, recording the process, conclusions, disagreements, insights, and new propositions
- Related: Links to original text, interpretations, and related articles