Zhang Zhongjing
He is regarded as one of the most eminent Chinese physicians of the later Han period and is often called the sage of Chinese medicine for establishing medication principles and compiling earlier medicinal experience.
- field
- Pharmacology, medicine
- nationality
- Chinese (Eastern Han dynasty)
- known_for
- Authoring the Shanghan Zabing Lun; founding the Cold Damage school of Chinese medicine
Lore & Background
Very little is known about Zhang Zhongjing's life. It is also speculated that he created jiaozi (dumplings) to help people with frostbitten ears. During his time, warlords fought for territory, and many people fell victim to infectious diseases; Zhang's family was no exception.
Reader's Guide
Zhang Zhongjing's significance lies in his foundational role in Traditional Chinese Medicine. These texts have been heavily reconstructed over time. Zhang is considered to have founded the Cold Damage school of Chinese medicine and is widely regarded as the seminal expert in that field. His medication principles emphasize precision, conciseness, and directness to the condition, and he is viewed as a role model for later generations of Chinese medicine.
Did You Know?
- Zhang Zhongjing is often regarded as the sage of Chinese medicine.
- He is speculated to have created jiaozi (dumplings) to help people with frostbitten ears.
- His masterpiece, the Shanghan Zabing Lun, was lost shortly after publication during the wars of the Three Kingdoms period.
- The Medical Sage Temple in Nanyang was built to commemorate Zhang Zhongjing.
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