15.Wisdom of our ancestors

<The Inner Canon of the Yellow Emperor> also known as the <Huangdi Neijing>, is a comprehensive clinical medical text. Legend attributes it to Hua Tuo, although this is not conclusively proven.

The first half of the book covers basic theoretical concepts, while the second half delves into clinical diagnosis and treatment (with a focus on internal medicine and miscellaneous diseases). The medical theories discussed analyze pathological conditions and pulse diagnosis based on the generation of organs, as well as the concepts of deficiency/excess, cold/heat, and the principles of life and death. The range of diseases discussed includes conditions such as Yin deficiency, overexertion, stroke, paralysis, weakness in the legs, edema, rheumatism, abdominal masses, and accumulation. Additionally, common surgical conditions like carbuncles and abscesses are addressed. The book also provides insightful critiques of prevalent therapeutic practices. The clinical section introduces various treatment methods and their indications for specific diseases. The prescriptions are meticulously formulated, with clear instructions on administration. Many of the formulas resemble classical prescriptions, and their discussions contain valuable insights, highly regarded by later clinicians.

Setting aside his distractions, Ye Xiu immersed himself completely in the vast ocean of knowledge that is traditional Chinese medicine. Absorbed in the profound discussions and insights, he entered a state of complete absorption, forgetting both time and his surroundings in the office. Meanwhile, the other doctors in the office, seeing Ye Xiu engrossed in an old Chinese medical book, dismissed him with disdain, busying themselves with their own tasks and paying no attention to him.

Especially when one of the department's vice directors entered the office, saw Ye Xiu without greeting him, and didn't assign him any tasks, the doctors were even less inclined to acknowledge him.

After what seemed like an eternity, Ye Xiu finally snapped out of his trance upon finishing the last page of the book. He stretched lazily, feeling satisfied.

The wisdom of our ancestors is truly remarkable. While some of the discussions may have their limitations, their dialectical reasoning and ideas are refreshing and enlightening. If viewed from a historical perspective, this wisdom would have been even more astounding in its time.

The more Ye Xiu learned, the more he admired the medical pioneers of ancient China. In such circumstances and environments, their innovative approaches to diagnosis and treatment were no less impressive than those of Western physicians.

What? It's almost four o'clock?

Satisfied with his day's study, Ye Xiu suddenly realized the time and was shocked. He needed to find Director Wang as soon as possible!

Without delay, Ye Xiu hurriedly left the office.

But as he reached Director Wang's office, he ran into Su Dongmei, who was also looking for Director Wang. Seeing Ye Xiu's urgency, she couldn't help but ask what was wrong.

"I have something important to discuss with Director Wang. Is he in?" Ye Xiu asked anxiously.

"Ah, you're looking for Director Wang? It's unfortunate, he's not here. I need to speak with him too," Su Dongmei replied.

"What? He's not here?" Ye Xiu was taken aback.

"Dr. Ye, what's the matter? Are you in a hurry? If so, you can try calling his cellphone," Su Dongmei suggested.

"Oh, right, I can call him. Thank you for reminding me," Ye Xiu said gratefully, pulling out his phone to dial Director Wang's number.

But after a moment, Ye Xiu's hopeful expression faded. Director Wang's phone was turned off.

What now?

Director Wang wasn't here, and his phone was off?

Anxious, Ye Xiu's expression betrayed his worry.

"Dr. Ye, what's wrong?" Su Dongmei asked, noticing Ye Xiu's distress.

"Director Wang's phone is off. Ah, what should I do?" Ye Xiu pointed at his phone, visibly worried.

"Dr. Ye, what exactly do you need to discuss with Director Wang? Perhaps I can help," Su Dongmei asked curiously, intrigued by Ye Xiu's earlier urgency.

"No, thank you, but I'll handle it myself. Still, I appreciate your offer," Ye Xiu said gratefully before hurrying off towards the wards.

In that moment, determination flashed in his eyes. Saving lives was urgent. Ye Xiu had decided to deal with the patient's situation first, even if it meant facing Director Wang's reprimand later for acting without permission.