There was no C.T., ultrasound, X-ray, or Nuclear Magnetic Resonance in ancient China. Instead, ancient doctors like Hua Tuo could rely on the body’s senses to gather diagnostic information.
In modern times, after years of trying, a new theoretical system has been established — Chinese medical science. Its theories rely on collecting external pathological manifestations to reveal the nature of the pathology. But in ancient Chinese medicine, Hua Tuo was a doctor whose genius was second to none.
Hua Tuo
He was born during the Eastern Han Dynasty’s later years. He had comprehensive training in traditional Chinese medicine and was often operated on patients. Later generations called him “Master of Surgery” and “Surgical Originator.”
His use of mafeisan (an anesthetic made from wine and cannabis) to anesthetize patients during the implementation of laparotomy is the earliest application of general anesthesia for surgery in recorded history.
He developed Wuqinxi (exercise of the five animals), which imitated the movements of the tiger, deer, bear, ape, and crane. These exercises provided an excellent way for people to maintain fitness. Later, Cao Cao, the prime minister of the Eastern Han Dynasty, conscripted him into his palace as his attendant doctor. But unfortunately, he died in prison, and his writing Green Capsule Book (Qingnang Shu) never reached the world.
The loss of his father makes life harsh
Historical legends portray Hua Tuo as clever and intelligent. When he was seven years old, his father died, leaving his family destitute. However, his mother allowed him to learn medicine with Dr. Cai, a close friend of his father. Dr, Cai wondered whether Hua Tuo had any talent for medical studies and decided to test him first.
There was a mulberry tree in Dr. Cai’s courtyard. But, unfortunately, the highest branches were out of reach and too far to climb. So Dr. Cai asked Hua Tuo:
“Can you manage to pick the mulberry leaves off the highest branches and bring them down?” Hua Tuo retorted: “It’s easy!”
So he got a piece of rope and tied a rock to it. Then he threw the rope over the branches and pulled the rope till he was able to pull down the branches. He then picked the mulberry leaves with his free hand.
The blowing wind helps with a diagnosis
Hua Tuo once saw a cart driver with a yellow face while breathing fast. His illness seemed severe. After examining the cart driver’s situation, he immediately concluded the person was suffering from appendicitis.
Hua Tuo let the patient drink mafeisan and then used a knife to cut open the patient’s abdomen. He cut off the festering part of the intestines, washed it inside then sewed the patient up. Finally, he smeared an antiphlogistic ointment on the wound. Several days later, the wound healed enough for the patient to again pull his cart.
Different treatments for the same symptoms
Two government officials named Ni Xun and Li Yan came to Hua Tuo to have their diseases healed. Both had headaches and fever — their symptoms were identical. He said: “Ni Xun should release the pathogenic factors via diarrhea; Li Yan should dispel illness via diaphoresis.”
When questioned about the two treatments, Hua Tuo replied: “Ni Xun was getting a real disease from outside, but Li Yan was getting a disorder from inside, so they should have different treatments.” After taking his advice, they both returned to health the next day.
Death in prison
Hua Tuo’s magnificent medical skills were superb and were known far and wide. His fellow townsman Cao Cao often suffered from chronic headaches, and many medical treatments were ineffective. Cao Cao heard that Hua Tuo was skillful, so he asked him to administer treatment.
As soon as he treated him, Cao Cao’s headaches immediately stopped. However, Cao Cao was afraid of a recurrence of the disease, so he forced Hua Tuo to remain in Xuchang as his attendant doctor. Later, Cao Cao’s headache did recur, so he asked Hua Tuo to diagnose the cause; he replied: “The prime minister’s disease can only be eliminated at its root by opening the head and undertaking surgery.”
Cao Cao was shocked upon hearing this and thought Hua Tuo meant to harm him. He ordered that Hua Tuo be detained in prison. He later died while in prison.
Before dying, he finished his medical writing Green Capsule Book and handed it to the prison’s warden. But the warden didn’t dare to accept it for fear of offending Cao Cao. So eventually, Hua Tuo burned the book, which was a tragic loss to medicine.
Translated by Xianghai
