Introduction of Nan Jing: The Difficult Classic
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✵Nan Jing—also known as the Difficult Classic, the Classic of Questioning, or the Classic of Difficult Issues—is a foundational medical text that likely originated during the late Warring States period or early Han dynasty (circa 3rd–2nd century BCE). Its authorship remains uncertain, though it has traditionally been attributed to Qin Yueren (Bian Que). It is one of the most revered ancient Chinese medical classics, and its origins are surrounded by multiple legendary accounts. The text systematically addresses fundamental theoretical concepts and elaborates key doctrines of the Huangdi Neijing (The Yellow Emperor’s Internal Classic) through a question-and-answer format. It discusses acupuncture and moxibustion points, needling techniques, and physiological and pathological conditions related to the meridians and collaterals. It also covers pulse diagnosis in depth.
- Nan Jing (The Difficult Classic)
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Brief Introduction Chinese Name: 《難經》Nan Jing English Name: The Difficult Classic (or The Classic of Questioning, or The Classic of Difficult Issues) Author(s): ☯Qin Yueren (秦越人, Qín Yuèrén) Edition Age: Prior to the Han dynasty (206 BCE–220 CE) Introduction of Nan Jing
Nan Jing—also known as the Difficult Classic, the Classic of Questioning, or the Classic of Difficult Issues—is a foundational medical text that likely originated during the late Warring States period or early Han dynasty (circa 3rd–2nd century BCE). Its authorship remains uncertain, though it has traditionally been attributed to Qin Yueren (Bian Que). It is one of the most revered ancient Chinese medical classics, and its origins are surrounded by multiple legendary accounts. The text systematically addresses fundamental theoretical concepts and elaborates key doctrines of the Huangdi Neijing (the Yellow Emperor’s Internal Classic) through a question-and-answer format. It discusses acupuncture and moxibustion points, needling techniques, and physiological and pathological conditions related to the meridians and collaterals. It also covers pulse diagnosis in depth.
The Nan Jing (The Difficult Classic) proposes using the Cunkou pulse (radial artery at the wrist) to diagnose internal syndromes—a method distinct from those emphasized in the Huangdi Neijing. The earliest extant edition of the Nan Jing was likely preserved and annotated by the Han-dynasty physician Wang Shuhe.
The Nan Jing (The Difficult Classic) comprises 81 chapters, conventionally grouped into six thematic sections: (1) Meridians (Chapters 1–22); (2) Meridians and Collaterals (Chapters 23–29); (3) Zang-Fu viscera (Chapters 30–47); (4) Diseases (Chapters 48–61); (5) Acupuncture Points (Chapters 62–68); (6) Acupuncture Theory and Practice (Chapters 69–81).
The theoretical framework of the Nan Jing (The Difficult Classic) diverges from that of the Huangdi Neijing (The Yellow Emperor’s Internal Classic) in several significant respects. For example:
— Chapter 22 presents a distinct theory of Qi and blood based on different principles;
— Chapter 25 introduces the concept that the Heart governs the Triple Energizer—a functional entity with name but incorporeal (no physical form);
— Chapters 36 and 39 elaborate the doctrine of the left kidney and right "Life Gate" (Mingmen);
— Chapter 58 classifies cold-induced disorders into five types;
— Chapter 64 details the five-shu point (five transport points) and accumulation of meridians and their role in differentiating Yin-Yang and the Five Elements (Five Phases);
— Chapter 75 outlines the directional regulation principle: “draining the East (Liver), supplementing the West (Lung), draining the South (Heart), and supplementing the North (Kidney)”;
— Chapter 81 discusses the syndrome pattern of Liver excess and Lung deficiency.
These innovations demonstrate that the Nan Jing draws upon diverse pre-Han medical traditions—not merely summarizing the Huangdi Neijing, but actively engaging with, refining, and expanding earlier theoretical frameworks. It stands as an independent and highly influential classic in its own right.
References:
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- 1. Introduction of Nan Jing: The Difficult Classic
- 2. Huangdi Bashiyi Nanjing: The Eighty-One Difficult Classics of the Yellow Emperor, attributed to Qin Yueren
- 3. Nanjing Jizhu: A Variorum Edition of the Difficult Classic, annotated by Wang Weiyi and Wang Jiusi
- 4. WuTing ZiSu Jie Bashiyi Nanjing: Don't Read Annotated Commentary on the Eighty-One Difficult Classics by a Lay Scholar, by Xiong Zonglì.
