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Huangdi Neijing · The Yellow Emperor’s Inner Canon
Lingshu 53 · Pain
Read in English. Switch to Original for word notes, or select text to ask a question.
The Yellow Emperor asked Shao Yu: “Strength and weakness of sinews and bones, firmness and brittleness of flesh, thickness of skin and looseness or density of interstices differ. How do these bear the pain of needles, stone and burning fire? The intestines and Stomach likewise differ in thickness and firmness. How do they bear potent medicines? I wish to hear it all.”
The source’s burning term has an anomalous graph. “Potent medicines” renders duyao as a historical medicinal category, not an assurance of safety.
Shao Yu said: “Strong bones, weak sinews, relaxed flesh and thick skin bear pain. This applies alike to the pain of needles, stone and burning fire.”
The Yellow Emperor said: “How can one know who bears burning fire?”
Shao Yu replied: “With black color and well-formed bones in addition, the person bears burning fire.”
The Yellow Emperor said: “How can one know who does not bear the pain of needles and stone?”
Shao Yu said: “Firm flesh and thin skin do not bear the pain of needles and stone; burning fire is likewise.”
The Yellow Emperor said: “People are injured at the same time, but some recover easily and some with difficulty. Why?”
Shao Yu said: “Among those injured together, one with more bodily heat recovers easily; one with more cold recovers with difficulty.”
The Yellow Emperor said: “How can one know a person’s capacity to bear potent medicines?”
Shao Yu said: “A thick Stomach, black color, large bones and stoutness all bear potent medicines. A thin person with a thin Stomach cannot bear them.”
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