A Study in the Daqi- Theories by Yu Chang and Zhang Xi Chun

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In the Far-Eastern traditional medicine, Oi[Energy] implies a wide range of meaning and is emphasized. There is nothing that is not related to this Qi, as seen in physiology, pathology, the relationship between human body and nature, the movements of intestines and gyeongnak[energy networks], the process of outbreak and change of illness, remedial laws, the features and effects of drugs, and so on. Accordingly, Nei Jing also says, 'every sickness arises from OL' The Qi has multi-meanings, and each of lots Of past physicians researched and analyzed it in different perspective, thus making the Qi-theories much richer. Still. there were not so many physicians who discussed the theme of Daqi. The denomination of Daqi is seen in Nei Jing and Jin Gui Yao Lue, and the physicians like Yu Chang in Ming dynasty and Zhang Xi Chun in Cheng dynasty, etc. applied and utilized Daqi by exploring its functional actions for human life and associating it with clinical practices. Yu Chang said that Daqi is Xiong Zong Yangqi[Positive Energy in Breast] governing every Qi, and that if this Qi is full, it spreads through body and protects the body from sickness, and vice versa. Summarizing his researches on the Daqi in Jin Gui Yao Lue and on the opinions of Yu Chang as well as his experiences, Chang Xi Chun maintained that the Qi accumulated in breast must be named Daqi, which constitutes the contents of Zongqi[Chief Energy] mentioned in Nei Jing. Once the Qi is vacant, breathing is not smooth, whole body is enervated, spirit becomes dim, thinking ability falls drastically. Furthermore, if the Qi is extremely vacant or more worsens, breathing stops. And he prescribed the medicines including Sheng Xian Tang as remedies against the symptom of Daqi XiaXian[Fall in Great Energy]. The recognitions of Daqi by Yu Chang and Zhang Xi Chun are consistent with each other. At any rate, their theories and prescriptions may be high in practical value in contemporary clinics.