NEIJING Meaning and
Definition
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Neijing (also known as Huangdi Neijing or Huangdi’s Inner Canon) is a classical Chinese medical text that serves as a foundational work of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). The term "neijing" can be translated to mean "inner classics" or "inner canon."
Comprising of two main parts, namely the Suwen (Basic Questions) and the Lingshu (Miraculous Pivot), Neijing was believed to be written around the 2nd century BCE during the Han dynasty. The text is traditionally attributed to Huangdi (the Yellow Emperor), a legendary figure in Chinese history who is revered as one of the earliest medical practitioners.
The Suwen offers comprehensive theoretical discussions on topics such as Yin and Yang, the Five Elements, meridians, and the balance of Qi (energy) in the human body. It explores the concept of health from a holistic perspective, emphasizing the dynamic interplay between nature, the human body, and the spiritual realm.
The Lingshu focuses more on practical aspects, such as acupuncture and moxibustion techniques. It provides detailed descriptions of various acupuncture points and their therapeutic applications, highlighting the importance of stimulating these points to restore balance and treat diseases.
Neijing draws upon the principles of Daoism and ancient Chinese philosophy, promoting the idea of maintaining harmony within oneself and with the natural world. It has greatly influenced the development of TCM, providing the theoretical basis for diagnosis, treatment, and preventive care.
Even today, Neijing remains an essential reference for practitioners and scholars in the field of TCM, serving as a timeless guide for understanding the fundamental principles of health and well-being in traditional Chinese medicine.
Etymology of NEIJING
The word "Neijing" has its origins in the Chinese language. It consists of two Chinese characters: "Nei" (內) and "Jing" (經).
- "Nei" (內) means "inner" or "internal".
- "Jing" (經) can have multiple meanings, but in this context, it refers to a classic text or a scripture.
Therefore, "Neijing" (內經) literally translates to "Internal Classic" or "Inner Scripture". It is used as the title for several ancient Chinese medical texts, most notably the "Huangdi Neijing" (黃帝內經) or "Yellow Emperor's Inner Classic", which is one of the foundational texts of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
