Abstract
Objectives : The verse, "冬不藏精, 春必病溫", which had much influence, has been falsely referenced as contents of "Neijing". This study aims to examine this process, while looking at its theoretical meaning within clinical practice. Methods : The origins of the concept "冬不藏精, 春必病溫" are explained through annotations of "Neijing" and Li Dong Yuan(李東垣)'s interpretation of Shanghan(傷寒), while its clinical meaning is examined through theories of doctors's who applied the concept in their practices. Results : The beginning of "冬不藏精, 春必病溫" could be traced back to Li's annotation of the verse "冬傷于寒, 春必病溫" from the "Neijing", where he based his understanding on the concept "少陰不藏." Since then, the discourse on "冬傷于寒, 春必病溫" has been replaced by "冬不藏精, 春必病溫" as a new concept to explain the pathology of Wenbing(溫病). These discussions followed the line of thought that by failure to store Jing(精) during the winter, Cold pathogen would infiltrate, hiding itself in Shaoyin(少陰). Various arguments on how the Cold pathogen would develop into Wenbing and its treatment followed. Conclusions : "冬不藏精, 春必病溫" can be understood as the result of a new interpretation of "冬傷于寒, 春必病溫" through the perspective of Cold pathogen infiltration based on "少陰不藏".