19/02/2025
"Daily Stories of Master: Exploring Traditional Chinese Medicine"
Yang Jizhou, the "Sage of Acupuncture"
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Who Was Yang Jizhou?
Yang Jizhou (1522–1620), also known as Yang Jishi, was a legendary physician from China’s Ming Dynasty. Born in Quzhou, Zhejiang, he came from a family of renowned doctors—his grandfather served as a royal physician in the Imperial Hospital. Despite initially pursuing a career in civil service through imperial exams, he turned to medicine after repeated failures. Combining his family’s medical heritage with his own innovations, he became one of history’s greatest masters of acupuncture.
Fun Fact: Known as the “Sage of Acupuncture,” Yang once cured a highranking official’s paralysis with just three needles! This story became a cornerstone of his fame and led to the publication of his life’s work.
His Legacy: Bridging Ancient Wisdom and Modern Healing
1. The Great Compendium of Acupuncture and Moxibustion
Yang’s masterpiece, Zhenjiu Dacheng (The Great Compendium), is considered the “encyclopedia of acupuncture.” Compiled from over 20 classical medical texts and his family’s unpublished work Xuanji Miyao, it standardized acupuncture points, introduced techniques like “mild vs. strong tonification,” and documented clinical cases. Translated into 7+ languages, it remains a global reference today.
2. Holistic Healing Philosophy
Yang emphasized combining acupuncture, moxibustion, and herbal medicine for balanced care. He famously stated: “Acupuncture excels at regulating energy, herbs heal internal imbalances”—a principle reflecting traditional Chinese medicine’s holistic approach.
3. Innovative Techniques
He developed 24 advanced needling methods, such as “Mountain Burning” (for cold related ailments) and “Sky Cooling” (for heat syndromes). His “Twelve Songs” and “Eight Techniques” simplified complex procedures, making acupuncture more accessible.
A Story That Inspires
In 1601, Yang treated Zhao Wenbing, a high official who had suffered from paralysis for years. After countless failed treatments, Yang used three precise needles to restore Zhao’s mobility. Grateful, Zhao funded the publication of Yang’s The Great Compendium, ensuring its global reach.
Yang’s Spirit Lives On!
Global Impact: His hometown, Quzhou, now hosts the World Acupuncture Wellness Conference, and his work is celebrated worldwide. His book has over 46 editions and is studied in 140+ countries.
For You: Acupuncture isn’t just history—it’s a living practice that harmonizes body and mind.
Try TCM Today! Whether for pain relief, stress, or fatigue, acupuncture offers natural healing.
