8 Reasons Why People Love Si Jin Bao

Here’s why health conscious people are trying and sticking with Si Jin Bao Herbal formulas.

1. They're Designed By a Physician

Si Jin Bao herbaceuticals are designed and crafted by a Physician and Herbaceutical Engineer with 26+ years of clinical experience. In fact, he is widely known for developing many proprietary products in the herbaceutical industry. Specializing in Traditional Chinese Medicine, ‘Dr. Kamal’ has been educating physicians, individuals, families, and whole communities on how to create a sustainable, healthy, and pain-free lifestyle for themselves for decades.

2. They're Delicious

It’s no secret that when people hear “Chinese Herbs”, they instantly imagine a bitter and unpleasant taste. With Si Jin Bao there is no need to choke down pills and bitter herbs! We believe that creating an all-natural product that works is only half the job. It has to be an enjoyable, delicious, and part of your daily routine. That’s why our Chief Herbaceutical Engineer spent over 5 years perfecting and refining our formula until even a small child would benefit from and enjoy the taste.

“The girls both drink the teas without any fuss and once they do, their symptoms do not progress any further and they soon recover. They keep forever too!”

- JAGDW

3. They Couldn't Be More Simple

When people hear “Chinese Herbs”, many instantly imagine “too much work”. They are not wrong. Traditional methods used to produce Chinese herbal formulas are intricate and complex. The process takes hours, with a variety of instructions for the desired effect. In China, over 80% of all herbal prescriptions are prepared by an herbalist and then processed at home by patients into decoctions.

Our founder quickly discovered that from an American perspective, becoming a lay-herbalist is not convenient and takes too much time. So, he set out to create a line of products that could bring the effectiveness of Chinese Medicine to the fast paced Western lifestyle.

And so all you need to take any SJB Herbacetical is just Hot Water! They are delivered in drops and added to one ounce of hot water – nothing else needed! Cover for 5 minutes and take twice daily. Easily consumed on the go, or, if you have time, we suggest taking a moment to yourself, away from the craziness of life and JUST BREATHE. Step outside, or sit by an open window with your hot drink and listen to the quiet of the world around you.

"The convenience of the drops as well as the effectiveness are really unsurpassed. Thank you so much."

– Cornelia Franz, M.D.

4. They Have Plant-based Herbs and No Fillers

Each proprietary blend contains all natural plant-based herbs that are tested in two independent laboratories to ensure purity of the raw materials before they are processed in our own facility.

“I have trusted Si Jin Bao Air Tea for myself and my children for nearly a decade.”

–M. Trottier

5. They're Safe For All Ages

They are completely safe for pregnant women, infants & children – in fact they are safe for all ages. That’s the beauty of our products, it’s designed for ANYONE. Check dosage requirements and consult your health care provider before use.

6. They're Vegan, All Natural & Cruelty-Free

We only use the highest-quality of plant-based herbs to create our formulas. Free from preservatives, food additives, artificial ingredients, and fillers. They are also Vegan and Cruelty-Free while being sourced from ethical producers from around the world.

7. They're Alcohol Free

Concentrated Decoctions are a potent and powerful way to deliver the healing and balancing benefits of herbs to your body. Traditionally decoctions are made using alcohol, however, our internal herbs are 100% Alcohol Free thanks to a proprietary process developed by our founder!

8. They're Backed by Science

Our herbs have been trusted by Eastern & Western Physicians for 26+ years, plus backed by research and studies proven clinically by scientists, and herbalists. Experience the wonders of ancient wisdom fused with modern technology.

Back to School with Si Jin Bao

It's That Time Again, & Si Jin Bao is Here to Help!

In many parts of the Western Hemisphere it’s “Back to School” time. If you follow the Ancient Chinese calendar you will also know that the solar term 立秋 Lì Qiū, translated as “autumn begins” has just commenced and is a transitional period of the year marking the change from summer to fall This is the PERFECT TIME to boost your Zheng Qi. “What is Zheng Qi?” you may be asking yourself. It literally translates as “upright” qi in Chinese, and is the body’s ability to resist disease and exogenous pathogens. Consider Zheng Qi to be your personal body guard protecting your internal life force from any outside intruders around the clock. You also might be wondering how that differs from the Western “immune system”. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zheng Qi goes much deeper than just the immune system. It is the ability to recover after damaging influences, and to maintain balance in order to return to a normal state. It is adaptive, has a will to live, and survivability. Some call it a protective power. It is the body’s strength and resistance. Why not do it effortlessly and with ease by using prevention?

Shields Up with Immun-A-Tea™

Back in early 2019 Si Jin Bao released Immun-A-TEA™, an all-natural, alcohol free, kid-friendly, and vegan internal decoction which has been helping families stay happy and healthy across the world. Immun-A-Tea™ is the perfect product to use to build Zheng Qi before heading back to school. Known for its tagline, ‘Boost your Zheng Qi,’ Immun-A-Tea™ promotes oxygen absorption, regulates respiration, promotes digestive function, regulates the immune system, regulates bowels and eliminates toxins. Just like all of our products, Immun-A-Tea™ is kid tested and mom-approved. At Si Jin Bao we believe that giving your body the tools necessary to function efficiently and flawlessly will lead to balance and harmony within the body.

“We have been using IMMUN-A-TEA for over a year now to boost our immunity. It has worked great for our family. I have IBS and try to stay away from supplements due to how sensitive my system is and I find what works for most, does not work for me. None of us including my children had any side effects. It is great fo children who can’t swallow capsules, sensory aversions to textures, and sensitive to tastes. You cannot taste this at all when mixed with liquid. It is also simple and convenient, only once per month for 3 days. We have not been sick in over a year now. Elderberry is great to boost immunity and kids respond to taking it in the gummy form. However, why take gummy junk every day when you only have to take the IMMUN-A-TEA once a month for 3 days? You cannot go wrong with the cost either as it is inexpensive!”

- L.L.

What Ways Can I Boost My Zheng Qi?

There are many simple and effective ways! Get started now to ensure you are ready for the school year. Here are 5 just to get you going:

SLEEP Sleep allows the body to rest, recharge, and repair. Did you know that it also reduces stress and increases mood?
EXERCISE In Chinese Medicine exercise of the internal and external body is important. In the West most people are not aware of the benefits of exercise for your internal organs. Try Qigong or Dao Yin (like The Morning Workout Class from our friends over at OHO Seminars).
SUNLIGHT & FRESH AIR Time spent outside helps to reduce stress, mental fatigue, and dis-ease. It cleans our lungs, increases oxygen absorption, balances our hormones, and the list goes on. Not to mention it increases our Hormone D levels and decreases cortisol in the blood. Be sure to take nice long deep breaths while you are outside.
DRINK WATER Water is vital for the everyday function of your body. It is a solvent for chemical reactions, a transport material for nutrients and waste, allows for proper circulation, and regulates the body’s temperature amongst a whole host of things. Carry water with you so that you do not become dehydrated.
IMMUN-A-TEA™ Take the first 3 days of every month to boost your Zheng Qi, it’s that EASY.

Dr. Kamal's Corner

As we transition into 立秋 Lì Qiū, the days will still get hotter and hotter. It is very important to protect yourself from the increasing heat and make sure that you hydrate with water.

These cycles have been ebbing and flowing for the last 6,000 years, so this being the hottest point of the year is nothing new.

May you continue to balance and harmonize yourself as we transition from late summer to autumn.

-Dr. Kamal

Don’t Suffer in Silence, GET Relief!

The PAIN Pandemic

Most people suffer in silence. Pain can turn your life upside down all the while leaving you incredibly isolated, even from those you love. Sometimes all you can think about is your pain.

Every step, every move.

It can be insufferable, unrelenting, and overwhelming.

58.9% of adults in the U.S. aged 18 and over experience some sort of pain according to the National Health Interview Survey. That’s nearly 3 in 5 adults experiencing pain, so chances are if it’s not you – it’s someone you know and love.

Pain specialists say that Western Treatments are decades behind the science, leaving millions of people without the support they need to manage their pain.

But, YOU ARE MORE THAN YOUR PAIN.

And so our Founder and Chief Herbaceutical Engineer ‘Dr. Kamal’ saw that it was necessary to craft a formula that would help people with this PAIN PANDEMIC.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 80% of the world’s population uses herbal medicine for their primary healthcare. There is a way to help manage your pain without the use of opioids and prescription pain killers, which merely mask pain and do not address the root cause of it.

It’s time start living again, and you can do that with the newest addition to the Si Jin Bao family of products.

Introducing Relief Concentrated Decoction

EXTRA STRENGTH STOP PAIN DECOCTION

Meet the newest member of the Si Jin Bao product line, RELIEF! It has all of the amazing qualities you know and love from Si Jin Bao products while only being made with 6 plant based herbs. It is safe for ALL ages and as always is alcohol free.

Relief targets pain at the source by eliminating blockages. Whether you have acute pain or life-long chronic pain – Relief alleviates all pain so that you are able to live your life.

This isn’t another pain pill that will stop your pain signals. Relief opens blockages within the body so that your pain receptors no longer need to be engaged. As soon as the blockage is removed, the body turns the signal off.

Tong zhi bu tong; Bu tong zhi tong.

“Where there is free flow, there is no pain; where there is pain, there is no free flow.”

The Ancient Doctrine of 痹证 Bì Zhèng (Bi Syndrome) Tweet

No More Suffering In Silence

No matter what your pain is, Relief can help!

We only use the highest-quality of herbs to create our formulas. Free from preservatives, food additives, artificial ingredients, and fillers.

Relief is backed by research and studies proven clinically by physicians, scientists, and herbalists. It supports benefits such as:

Try Relief for 30 days and experience the wonders of ancient wisdom fused with modern technology. Open the door to a pain free life, and spread the word! Remember, Relief works for ANY pain, so next time you go to use that over-the-counter pain reliever – choose all natural Relief instead.

Because your body is telling you something, are you listening?

We’ve got you covered with Relief!

pain relief

Li Dong Yuan: The Earth School

李东垣 Li Dong Yuan: The Earth School

李东垣 Lǐ Dōng Yuán (1180-1251) is revered as one of the Four Great Masters of Traditional Chinese Medicine during the Jin (1115-1234) & Yuan (1271–1368 ) Dynasties, and founder of the great 补土派 Earth School of thought.

His name has been memorialized alongside legendary physicians such as 劉完素 Liu Wan Su (Cold and Cooling School), 張志和 Zhang Zi He (School of Attacking and Purging), and 朱丹溪 Zhu Dan Xi (Yin Nourishing School).

These Four Great Masters of Chinese Medicine shaped unique approaches to the causation, prevention and elimination of disease. All four were not afraid to challenge the existing medical framework. In doing so they innovated and brought forth revolutionary ideas and schools of thought, ushering in a renaissance of Chinese Medicine.

李东垣 Lǐ Dōng Yuán is considered the greatest of the four masters and his book 脾胃论 Pí Wèi Lùn, or Treatise on Spleen & Stomach, is one of the most important medical written masterpieces in the history of Chinese medicine.

李东垣 Lǐ Dōng Yuán 's Origin Story

李东垣 Lǐ Dōng Yuán, also known as Li Gao, came from a wealthy family. He is believed to have been a talented child, calm and quiet and someone who loved to study. Regardless of his high societal status, 李东垣 Lǐ Dōng Yuán was a young man of elevated morality who aspired to always maintain honesty and decency.

When 李东垣 Lǐ Dōng Yuán was 20 years old, his mother passed away from an illness due to her physician’s malpractice. Heartbroken from losing his mother and not being able to save her, 李东垣Lǐ Dōng Yuán set his mind on studying medicine and becoming a physician.

His teacher, the famous physician 张亓素 Zhang Yuansu agreed to teach Li Gao medicine after the young man traveled 400 miles and paid Dr Zhang a handsome sum of money to be his disciple. His strong educational background helped him in his apprenticeship and several years later 李东垣 Lǐ Dōng Yuán became a skilled physician.

It took 李东垣 Lǐ Dōng Yuán no time to build his impeccable reputation which soon surpassed that of other physicians’ including his teacher. Dr Yuán was considered an expert diagnostician and treatment strategist, who excelled in moxa therapy, herbology and food therapy.

War & Pestilence

Medical professionals during this time approached each one of their patients individually. It was also widely known that various factors far beyond the physical symptoms contributed to illness and had to be considered and evaluated on both the individual and collective levels. 

Master 李东垣 Lǐ Dōng Yuán, also noted that a patients’ emotions, such as anger, joy, sadness and grief, triggered by lifestyle and outside factors such as famine, epidemics and poverty had a huge impact on the way illnesses manifested in the body.

During the Jin & Yuan Dynasties China was conquered by northern tribes as well as the Mongolian Empire. The land became plagued with epidemics of influenza as well as respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases.

It was during this time that Dr. Yuán became known for being noble. He dedicated himself to treating whole communities of people that were badly affected by the upheavals of being a conquered nation.

李东垣 Lǐ Dōng Yuán insisted that extreme stress from grief, loss of life, impure water, malnutrition and lack of shelter were the cause and this resulted in an imbalance of Qi in the Stomach and Spleen organs, both Earth Elements in Traditional Chinese Medicine.

The Earth School

As a result of all of 李东垣 Lǐ Dōng Yuán’s findings and conclusions, Dr Lǐ developed his own school of thought called “Invigorating the Earth” and founded the theory of spleen and stomach. He believed that the spleen and stomach were the center from which all diseases originate, arguing that food, emotions and lifestyle affect the body’s internal Qi.

According to 李东垣 Lǐ Dōng Yuán, weak digestion leads to exhaustion. Dr Lǐ emphasized that a distressed stomach and spleen affect one’s ability to problem solve and use intellect. He explained how such disharmony could lead to a tendency to over-ruminate and even failure to act on decisions.

In his monumental medical work 脾胃论 Pí Wèi Lùn, translated as Treatise on Spleen & Stomach, 李东垣 Lǐ Dōng Yuán wrote:

“Dietary irregularity and excessive consumption of cold or warm foods damage the Spleen and Stomach. Joy, anger, worry and fright weaken the Yuan Qi. If the Spleen and Stomach are depleted and the Yuan Qi is weakened, Fire of the Heart becomes excessive on its own. This Fire of the Heart is a Yin Fire. It starts from the Lower Burner and links with the Heart above. The Heart does not rule personally, rather the Minister Fire is its deputy. The Minister Fire is the Fire of the Pericardium (Bao Luo) developing from the Lower Burner. It is a “thief” of the Yuan Qi. This Yin Fire and the Yuan Qi are mutually opposed [cannot occupy the same place]: when one is victorious, the other is the loser. When the Spleen and Stomach Qi becomes empty, their Qi flows down to the Kidneys and Yin Fire has a chance to overwhelm the Earth. Because of this, with a Spleen pathology, there is raised Qi with breathlessness, fever, an overflowing pulse, headache, thirst. There is a feeling of cold and of heat. As Yin Fire surges upwards, there is raised Qi with breathlessness, fever, headache, thirst and an overflowing pulse. As Qi of the Stomach and Spleen sinks, Gu Qi cannot rise and float. Therefore, there is no Yang to sustain Ying and Wei Qi. As these are unable to withstand Wind and Cold, there is a feeling of heat and of cold. All this is due to a deficiency of the Stomach and Spleen. The treatment of this condition is to use pungent, sweet and warm herbs to strengthen the Centre and lift Yang, together with sweet and cold herbs to drain Fire. The use of bitter and cold herbs is absolutely counterproductive.”

Author: 李东垣 Lǐ Dōng Yuán, Work: 脾胃论 Pí Wèi Lùn, or Treatise on Spleen & Stomach Tweet

Herbal Formulas & Legacy

Many still regard李东垣 Lǐ Dōng Yuán as one of the greatest herbalists of all time. Dr. Lǐ was a master at knowing how to direct an herb’s function either upward or downward and even how to target a specific organ with it once the herb was inside the body.

The foreword to 李东垣 Lǐ Dōng Yuán’s 脾胃论 Pí Wèi Lùn, or Treatise on Spleen & Stomach was written by his friend 元好問 Yuán Hào Wèn. In the foreword Mr. Wèn recalled a tragedy that happened several years earlier. During one of the long Mongolian sieges, citizens of one city ran out of food and began eating dead human flesh. That summer, a winter-like weather descended upon their city and an epidemic which followed killed almost a million people in just two months. Mr. Wèn believed that many lives could have been saved had the local physicians did not treated people for “cold damage”. Wèn emphasized that Dr Yuán’s theory of spleen and stomach should be embraced to avoid future tragic mistakes.

李东垣 Lǐ Dōng Yuán had several disciples who continued his work after his death. Many famous doctors of later generations also learned from 李东垣 Lǐ Dōng Yuán school of thought and further developed his theory “Invigorating the Earth”.

李东垣 Lǐ Dōng Yuán’s herbal formula 生脈散 Sheng Mai San, or Pulse Generating Powder, is still widely used in Chinese hospitals in cardiovascular cases even today! As for his other famous formula 當歸補血湯 Dang Gui Bu Xue Tang, it is still used to quickly and deeply nourish the Qi and blood in cases of extreme blood loss.

李东垣 Lǐ Dōng Yuán was an avid proponent of self cultivation and nourishment of health in order to maintain well-being. He inspired people to live a proactively healthy life.

"Knowing how to treat the center brings all networks into balance."

– Chinese Proverb from the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) Tweet

Famous Physicians Li Dong Yuan

Bao Gu: The Immortal Lady Bao

Bao Gu lived during the 晉朝 Jin Dynasty (266 – 420 A.D.) and is celebrated as one of the four most influential female physicians of ancient China. Bao Gu’s name is among giants such as Yi Shuo, who was the first female Imperial Physician for the Empress of the 漢朝 Han Dynasty (202 B.C. – 220 A.D.), Zhang Xiao Niang Zi of the宋朝 Song Dynasty (960–1279 A.D.) and Tan Yunxian of the大明 Ming Dynasty (1368 – 1644 A.D.).

At a time when women learned embroidery and painting, and child bearing was their primary role, these extraordinary females rose above the societal norms and expectations, insisting on building names for themselves which still echo globally today. They served their communities with expertise, talent and unique vision.

Bao Gu gained popularity quickly amongst locals and became known by the people in her community as: Mugwort Lady Bao, Immortal Lady Bao and even Goddess of Acupuncture. Sometimes, however, she was just Aunt Bao.

She was married to the legendary physician Ge Hong, who was himself along with her father, a high-ranking Daoist magistrate and senior court official.

Bao Gu's Origin Story

Lady Bao grew up in a Daoist monastery where she learned alchemy and Traditional Chinese Medicine. Bao Gu hiked mountains with her father in search of medicinal herbs. Her father taught her everything he knew about alchemy, astronomy, geography and medicine while also infusing in her the art of healing, which she devoted her entire life to.

As a result of rigorous and devoted studies, Bao Gu became a highly skilled moxibustion practitioner. In fact, she is one of the first recorded female moxibustion practitioners in Chinese history. This allowed her to successfully treat severe cases of tumors and warts.

Bao Gu & The Crying Girl

One day Bao Gu was returning home after a routine foraging trip in the mountains to collect medicinal herbs. On her path, she noticed a young girl studying her face reflection in the river and quietly crying. Upon approaching the young girl, Bao Gu observed numerous black and brown spots on her face.

After a quick chat with the her, Bao Gu learned how the pigmentation on the girl’s face were making her feel insecure about her appearance. Hurtful remarks were often made by people in the community. The young girl feared that no one would want to marry her. She had even sought medical help, however, nothing worked. Without hesitation Lady Bao decided to help, and used the red-root mugwort herb for moxibustion treatments which were successful in clearing the girl’s face. The young girl was overjoyed and grateful.

Having grown up in the mountains, Bao Gu was a highly knowledgeable and experienced medicinal herb forager. People believe that she discovered Mugwort Floss from the Red-rooted Mugwort family on the Yuexiou Mountain and successfully used it in her moxibustion treatments. Bao Gu’s moxibustion therapy has been titled “Bao Gu Moxibustion”or “Highly Skillful Moxibustion”, expressing people’s love and respect for her work.

After scores of locals experienced miraculous cures, they started calling their physician Mugwort Lady Bao, Goddess of Acupuncture and even Immortal Lady Bao. Since it was highly unusual for a female of the time to treat patients, her name was known far and wide and even recorded in local county annals and on herbal formulations.

Together with her husband, the legendary physician Ge Hong, they traveled the local mountains healing the sick and continuously studying and perfecting the art of medicine, alchemy, and Daoism.

The Legend of Bao Gu

On a routine hike up the sacred 罗浮山 Mount Luofu in search of medicinal herbs, Bao Gu came across a village where all the people appeared weak and their skin was a dark yellow color. She inquired from the villagers on the details of their ailment but did not get her questions answered the way she would have liked. In her diagnostics of the condition which was expressing itself in the villagers, she turned to 伤寒杂病论Shang Han Za Bing Lun (Treatise on Cold Damage and Miscellaneous Diseases) by 張仲景 Zhang Zhongjing. Without hesitation Lady Bao stayed in the village to look for a cure.

Being a master of acupuncture and moxibustion, she used the two modalities to treat the villagers alongside a traditional herbal formula, which consisted of such ingredients as peach kernels, mulberry tree leaves and hawthorns to name a few. It took her a couple of weeks to cure the villagers. Before going on her way, Lady Bao shared the medicinal herbal formula she used to heal the villagers with them.

Bao Gu’s mastery of alchemy was so sophisticated that according to the Chinese folklore she never died. Instead she transformed into an Immortal. After Lady Bao transitioned, the locals constructed an Ancestral Hall at the base of the Yuexiou Mountains out of love and in tribute to her medical contributions.

For many centuries now Bao Gu has been a role model to all physicians aspiring to reach for the stars and become the best versions of themselves while in humble service to others.

Bao Gu Famous Chinese Physician Famous Physicians Immortal Lady Bao Si Jin Bao

Chao Yuanfang & The Zhubing Yuanhou Lun

巢元方 Chao Yuanfang

巢元方 Chao Yuanfang was a highly influential physician and author in China whose impact in his own community as well as neighboring Japan influenced medical sciences that are still referenced today.

There are not many records about Dr. Yuanfang’s birth and life. He lived during two great Chinese dynasties: the Sui Dynasty (581-618 A.D.) through the Tang Dynasty (618 – 907).

The Sui Dynasty is known for great advancements in medical studies and research. During this time the first Ministry of Imperial Physicians was established. One of the roles of this institution was medical education. The size of the organization surpassed all others in the world at the time.

Some of the tasks that the scholars had to focus on were collecting, organizing and cataloging data on Chinese Medicine from antiquity, such as herbal prescriptions and other modalities.

巢元方 Chao Yuanfang’s skill and experience promoted him to Court Physician and later Minister of Imperial Medical Affairs as well as Academician of the Imperial Medical Academy. He was considered a medical scholar and erudite.

諸病源候論 Zhubing Yuanhou Lun: General Treatise on Causes and Manifestations of All Diseases

Dr. Yuanfang is best known for a medical text entitled 諸病源候論 Zhubing Yuanhou Lun, translated as General Treatise on Causes and Manifestations of All Diseases. It is often considered to be a medical encyclopedia and is used as a theoretical basis in medical research and discussion.

After it was published in the early 600’s, it strongly influenced further development of medical sciences. The book reviews pathology, surgery, obstetrics, gynecology, and pediatrics. The Treatise consists of fifty scrolls and covers more than one thousand seven hundred medical conditions, both internal and external.

One of the exclusive features that this medical compendium offers is more than one hundred sets of therapeutic Dao Yin breathing and stretching exercises, each one prescribed for specific medical conditions. As a matter of fact, the 諸病源候論 Zhubing Yuanhou Lun is one of the earliest Chinese medical texts that includes therapeutic Dao Yin exercises and food therapy as a way of treatment.

A Japanese physician named 丹波康赖 Tamba Yasuyori was so inspired by Dr Yuanfang’s General Treatise on Causes and Manifestations of All Diseases that he wrote 醫心方 Ishinpo. Now considered a national treasure in Japan, this work is the oldest surviving Japanese medical text and was completed in 984.

Ancient Science & Modern Applications

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) reported that what certain medical communities today call autism was recorded in China as early as in the seventh century by 巢元方Chao Yuanfang. They further clarified that Dr. Yuanfang wrote about hun se (muddle-headed) and yu chi (language delay) manifestations, expressed in a child’s lack of speech and neurodevelopmental delays in his monumental work 諸病源候論 Zhubing Yuanhou Lun, translated as General Treatise on Causes and Manifestations of All Diseases.

The ancient wisdom and legacy of 巢元方 Chao Yuanfang echoes through practitioners of Asian Medicine and the medical community to this very day.

Here at Si Jin Bao we honor Dr. 巢元方Chao Yuanfang by continuing his devotion to the study and practice of Chinese Medicine.

Grandmaster Wong Fei-hung

黄飞鸿 Wong Fei-hung's Origin Story

Today we will be discussing the incredible life of 黄飞鸿 Wong Fei-hung. He is considered one of the forefathers of modern day martial arts, a master bone setter and a folk hero.

黄飞鸿 Wong Fei-hung was born near Foshan (Bruce Lee’s ancestral home) in 1847 and was given the name 锡祥 Sek-cheung by his parents. He lived during late Qing Dynasty (1636-1912).

His father, 黃麒英 Wong Kei-ying, was a master martial artist and a famed herbalist. He taught his son everything he knew. It was not hard as 黄飞鸿 Wong Fei-hung was a quick learner and an amiable kid, who quickly made many friends in both the martial and medical worlds which exposed him to vast amounts of information and ancient wisdom.

黄飞鸿 Wong Fei-hung began practicing martial arts as early as 5 years old under his father’s supervision who was one of the Ten Tigers of Canton.

广东十虎 The Ten Tigers of Canton

广东十虎 The Ten Tigers of Canton were ten Chinese martial artists known as the best fighters in southern China during late Qing Dynasty. Only the best of the best had this famed title bestowed upon them. To this day the Ten Tigers of Canton are considered to be folk legends and stories about their lives and accomplishments are passed down from generation to generation. Many believe that the Ten Tigers traced their lineage all the way back to the Buddhist fighters of the Southern Shaolin monastery.

When growing up 黄飞鸿 Wong Fei-hung together with his father traveled around and participated in martial performances held on the streets. As was customary then, and still is today, many master martial artists are also highly skilled and experienced physicians. Both 黄飞鸿 Wong Fei-hung and his father were no exception. They sold herbs after the performances and practiced bone setting.

跌打 Dit Da

跌打Dit Da is a bone setting procedure practiced by martial artists. It is an ancient practice dating back at least 4,000 years and the expertise is usually transferred from master to disciple within the walls of martial temples in China.

跌打Dit Da is more than just traditional bone setting to treat physical injuries, it also deals with bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, arteries and Qi meridians by stimulating the body’s natural healing processes for a quicker and more complete recovery. 跌打 Dit Da also incorporates several modalities ranging from massage, acupressure, Qigong to herbal applications such as compresses and infusions.

After years of selling herbs and practicing bone setting on the road, 黃麒英 Wong Kei-ying and 黄飞鸿 Wong Fei-hung had gained popularity and saved enough to establish a successful martial arts school and clinic they called 寶芝林Po Chi Lam. Both father and son were talented and highly skilled acupuncturists, bone setters, and herbalists.

The Martial Artist

黃麒英Wong Kei-ying and 黄飞鸿 Wong Fei-hung were known for always standing up for the weak and extending a helping hand to the poor. They never turned a patient away, even those who couldn’t afford a treatment. Certain criminal gangs and corrupt government elements who dared to oppress the weak and poor had to face the wrath and exceptional martial skill of the Wong family.

Chinese folklore praises 黄飞鸿 Wong Fei-hung for his heroic efforts to encourage pride and dignity in the community at a time when national morale was affected by strong foreign oppression.

黄飞鸿 Wong Fei-hung’s exceptional martial and medical skills got him a position in the army and local militia fighting colonialism both as a physician and martial arts teacher.

In fact, according to legend 黄飞鸿 Wong Fei-hung was so accomplished with the Chinese Staff and Southern Tiger Fork that he once single-handedly defeated a group of 30 gangsters with just a staff.

黄飞鸿 Wong Fei-hung is also greatly famed for his “no shadow” kick technique and Lion Dancing mastery. Many still call him the King of Lions. His “no shadow” kick was so fast and flawless that it literally did not leave a shadow. And if that is not enough, 黄飞鸿 Wong Fei-hung is presumed not to have lost a single battle in his life.

The Man & The Legend

No photographs of 黄飞鸿Wong Fei-hung that can be found in the world as he believed that taking one’s photograph shortens his or her life span.

黄飞鸿Wong Fei-hung had many students, many of whom became revolutionaries and spread his teachings across China and later the entire world. His wife 莫桂兰 Mok Kwai-lan, and their two sons moved to Hong Kong and established successful martial arts schools and clinics there after 黄飞鸿 Wong Fei-hung’s death in 1925.

When his famed 寶芝林 Po Chi Lam clinic and martial arts school was destroyed by the government during an attempt to suppress a local uprising in 1924, 黄飞鸿 Wong Fei-hung was deeply saddened. Heartbroken he fell into depression as a result and became ill eventually unable to recover.

黄飞鸿 Wong Fei-hung has been immortalized in more than 100 films and television series. His character is even featured in a video game and a theme song. He remains the most prolific hero of Kung Fu movies and the Wong Fei-hung series holds the Guinness Book of World Records for the longest running movie series.

In memory of his greatness and colossal contribution to the world, the Wong Fei-hung Lion Dance Martial Arts Museum was established in黄飞鸿 Wong Fei-hung’s hometown of Foshan in 1966. In 2000 a Wong Fei-hung Memorial Hall was built in his honor in the same town.

Liu Wan Su: The Cold & Cooling School

The Four Great Masters of Chinese Medicine

劉完素 Liu Wan Su lived from 1110–1200 and is revered as one of the Four Great Masters of Chinese Medicine during the 金朝 Jin Dynasty (1115 – 1234). His name has been memorialized alongside 張志和 Zhang Zi He (School of Attacking and Purging), 李东垣 Li Dong Yuan (Earth School), and 朱丹溪 Zhu Dan Xi (Yin Nourishing School).

These Four Great Masters of Chinese Medicine shaped unique approaches to the causation, prevention and elimination of disease. All four were not afraid to challenge the existing medical framework. In doing so they innovated and brought forth revolutionary ideas and schools of thought, ushering in a renaissance of Chinese Medicine.

劉完素 Liu Wan Su was born into a poor family. As a young boy his mother tragically died after numerous attempts to provide medical treatment for her failed. In fact, there was not one local physician who would agree to visit the woman when she desperately required medical assistance. This influenced 劉完素 Liu Wan Su to immerse himself in the medical arts and sciences.

Deeply moved by his grief, 劉完素 Liu Wan Su undertook a detailed and rigorous study of the 黄帝内经 Huangdi Neijing, translated as the Inner Canon of the Yellow Emperor. After managing to acquire specialized medical knowledge and experience, 劉完素 Liu Wan Su’s attention fell primarily on febrile diseases.

“Witness and observe to become a sage”

劉完素 Liu Wan Su Tweet

劉完素 Liu Wan Su: The Master Herbalist

At that time the medical community, lead by the Song Imperial Bureau of  Medicine, focused on using herbs of warm nature. Instead 劉完素 Liu Wan Su promoted the use of medicinal herbs of a cool nature. He argued that because the body’s internal Qi is warm in nature, a pathogen entering the body would adjust to the internal Qi and acquire the same warmth as a result. Therefore, medicinal herbs of a cooling nature were preferential according to 劉完素 Liu Wan Su.

Doctor Liu Wan Su quickly became a master herbalist and even found his own school of thought known as the Cold and Cooling School. Some of the most popular herbal formulations that came from 劉完素 Liu Wan Su are Six to One Powder (Liu Yi San) and Powder to Benefit Vitality (Yi Yuan San). His Siler and Platycodon herbal formula (Fang Feng Tong Sheng San) is still highly popular in the medical community of both China and Japan.

When I was twenty-five I directed my aspirations to the Neijing. Day and night I  never put the book aside. When I was nearly sixty I chanced to meet a celestial man, who gave me a beautiful wine to drink. I had only about a chestnut-hull’s  full, but my face turned red as though I were drunk. After I awoke my eyes were  perceptive and my mind keen; I had been greatly illuminated.

劉完素 Liu Wan Su Tweet

Though doctor Liu Wan Su believed and practiced the Cold and Cooling approach, he examined each case on an individual basis and modified his prescriptions in accordance with each case’s uniqueness, taking in consideration environmental influences, patients’ constitutions and symptoms.

劉完素 Liu Wan Su: The People's Physician

Ice and snow of spring are beneficial to the pine and cedar but harmful to the willow.

劉完素 Liu Wan Su Tweet

劉完素 Liu Wan Su’s fame eventually attracted the attention of the imperial court prompting three invitations to come practice medicine at the court from the emperor himself. Yet, doctor Liu Wan Su chose and managed to keep his distance and continued practicing medicine in his local community while providing medical assistance to people from all walks of life.

Doctor Liu Wan Su shared his knowledge and expertise in written texts that continue to be referenced by the medical community around the globe even today. Some of his valuable works include: Exploration of the Mechanism of Illness Based on the Suwen (Suwen Xuanji Yuanbing Shi) and Discussion of Febrile Diseases (Shanghan Zhige).

劉完素 Liu Wan Su was also proficient in both the Buddhism and Daoism and never stopped encouraging and inspiring his patients to seek self-cultivation and self-discovery as a means to enlightenment and enrichment, not just individual but also collective.

Be in a place of looking out while also looking inward.

劉完素 Liu Wan Su Tweet

The Legacy of Zhang Yuansu

张亓素 Zhang Yuansu's Origin Story

张亓素Zhang Yuansu was born in Yi Shui, Hebei Province in the 金朝 Jin Dynasty (1115–1234 A.D.). When he was just 8 years old, 张亓素Zhang Yuansu passed an imperial exam for children. However, Zhang failed to pass the imperial examination for scholars based on Confucian classics at the age of 27 and decided to give up on his intent to pursue the path of an official.

Instead he chose to explore the medical profession and without delay dove into studying medical classics. He started with the 黄帝内经 Huangdi Neijing, or Inner Canon of the Yellow Emperor, an ancient Chinese medical text that has been treated as the original source of Chinese medicine for more than two thousand years.

In time, 张亓素 Zhang Yuansu gained experience and developed skill. A well known story about Dr. Yuansu describes how he cured a fellow famed physician who failed to heal himself. Liu Wansu rejected 张亓素 Zhang Yuansu’s offers of help out of mistrust. Only after Dr. Yuansu convinced Dr. Wansu of his medical theory and a proposed treatment approach, was Dr. Yuansu able to heal Dr. Wansu. It only took one dose of medicinal herbs. This earned him respect and admiration from his colleagues and the community.

五行 Wuxing & the Effects of Herbal Medicine

张亓素 Zhang Yuansu is remembered for several great accomplishments. He integrated medicinal materials into the 五行 Wuxing, or the five element framework: 金 Jīn, or Metal, 火 Huǒ, or Fire, 土Tǔ, or Earth, 木 Mù, or Wood and 水 Shuǐ, or Water.

Traditional practices of acupuncture and herbal medicine, though already coexisted within the same medical framework at the time, were still often looked at as separate sciences. 张亓素 Zhang Yuansu found it of great importance to unify the two, adding simplicity and clarity to the medical culture.

张亓素 Dr. Yuansu devoted great attention to the effects of herbal medicine. He started by linking the effects of herbs and the physical reactions stimulated by acupuncture treatments. He then defined how flavors of medicinal herbs had effects on different internal organs. He insisted that upon entering a patient’s body, herbs had a way to enter and influence meridians or highways through which the life-energy known as Qi flows.

Dr. Yuansu’s goal was to link effects of medicinal herbs and influences that pathogens had on particular meridians.

“The method of appropriately using herbs in accordance with the symptoms and sign presentations of a patient entails determining substances with the correct Qi, taste, Yin and Yang, and thick and thin properties as well as the pathogenic factor involved and the meridian it has entered.”- 张亓素Zhang Yuansu

Dr. Yuansu insisted that if pathological conditions of the organs were clearly observed and identified, a proper diagnosis could be made and appropriate therapy chosen.

The Modernizer

张亓素 Zhang Yuansu was a modernizer. He argued that diseases of his time had to be approached in a unique way, characteristic of that specific era. He believed that social and geographical conditions had new trends and manifestations and therefore had to be factored in. He did not reject or oppose traditional herbal formulas or methods of formulation and treatment, but, he insisted on making reasonable adjustments in accordance with the current medical conditions. This somewhat revolutionary approach was birthed at the time when Chinese government heavily regulated collection, manufacturing and distribution of herbal medicine and also interpreted causation of disease and standard methods of treatment in a highly narrow and rigid manner.

“In view of different conditions between the ancient and modern times, it is impractical to treat new diseases with old methods. Therefore, the obsolete traditional formulas are to be replaced by modern prescriptions.”

张亓素 Zhang Yuansu Tweet

张亓素Zhang Yuansu left several influential written medical works he authored. 醫學啟源Yixue Qiyuan Origins of Medicine was published in 1186 and influenced medical thought for centuries and still does today.

Dr. 张亓素 Zhang Yuansu's Legacy

张亓素 Zhang Yuansu left several influential written medical works he authored. 醫學啟源Yixue Qiyuan Origins of Medicine was published in 1186 and influenced medical thought for centuries and still does today.

“Prescriptions of the past are not appropriate for the illnesses of today.”

张亓素 Zhang Yuansu Tweet

The zenith of Dr. Yuansu’s work is considered to be the text called 珍珠囊Zhenzhu Nang, or Bag of Pearls. His focus always remained on new and broader methods of understanding and using medicinal herbs in herbal formulations.

Ancient Chinese Physician Si Jin Bao Zhang Yuansu

Tao Hongjing: Grand Councilor of the Mountains

陶弘景 Tao Hongjing: Grand Councilor of the Mountains

陶弘景 Tao Hongjing was born near the southern imperial capital of Jiankang (modern day Nanjing) in the year 456 and lived during the Northern and Southern Dynasties of China (420 – 589).

陶弘景 Tao Hongjing was an extraordinary human being who excelled in everything he set his mind to. He was revered by his contemporaries and is still remembered today as a prolific poet, musician, philosopher, calligrapher, alchemist, herbologist, astrologist, and Daoist.

陶弘景 Tao Hongjing was born into a family of gentry officials with a long history of service to the imperial courts since the fall of the Han dynasty (202 B.C. – 220 A.D.).

Both his father and paternal grandfather were famed scholars, calligraphers and herbologists. As for his mother and maternal grandfather, they were both devoted and well-versed Buddhists.

The Hongjing family had ties to some of the most famed Daoists in China, including the legendary scholar, physician and alchemist Ge Hong.

陶弘景 Tao Hongjing was an exceptional child. He completed several commentaries on Confucian classics at an early age. Tao studied 神仙傳 Shenxian Zhuan, or Biographies of the Immortals day and night while mastering its ideas of nourishing life when he was just 10 years old.

By his early twenties he achieved success in working as a public official, quickly earning himself a favorable reputation at the imperial court. He was soon appointed “reader in attendance” to Imperial Princes which was a highly coveted position at the time.

His exemplary intellect and scholastic accomplishments earned him deep respect and gave him freedom to enter elite social circles and gatherings dedicated to philosophy and literature.

Yet worldly matters never interested Tao much. Back when he read 神仙傳Shenxian Zhuan, or Biographies of the Immortals at 10 years old, he became inspired to become a hermit. Starting from that point in his life he always aspired to become a recluse and lead a scholarly life in seclusion.

陶弘景 Tao Hongjing & 茅山 Mount Mao Shan

After his mother’s passing in the year 484, 陶弘景 Tao Hongjing resigned all of his posts and became a disciple of a Daoist Master Sun Youyue. In the year 492 at the age of 36 years old, Tao at last fully renounced secular life and devoted himself to studying Daoism. He withdrew to the mountain 茅山 Mao Shan which is considered a portal to the Daoist world by many.

陶弘景 Tao Hongjing maintained both the respect and support offered to him by the Imperial house even after becoming a hermit. What is more, he exerted great influence on the Emperor himself who often visited mount 茅山 Mao Shan to consult 陶弘景 Tao Hongjing on important matters of state.

Utilizing the sponsorship and support provided by the Emperor, 陶弘景 Tao Hongjing was able to build the 華陽館 Huayang Guan, or Hermitage of Flourishing Yang on 茅山 Mao Shan mountain where people received spiritual guidance.

陶弘景 Tao Hongjing became quickly known as the Grand Councilor of the Mountains.

陶弘景 Tao Hongjing and his disciples did not waste any time and began reconstructing the Shang Qing, or Supreme Clarity scriptural corpus right away. They authenticated and edited manuscripts, and also wrote as well as extended the commentaries on them. Some of their major projects were the compilation of two literary compendiums: 真誥 Zhen Gao, or Declarations of the Perfected and Deng Zhen Yin Jue, or Secret Instructions for Ascent to Perfection. 真誥 Zhen Gao for example contained some details of the concealed geography of the 茅山 Mao Shan mountain and poetry which gained popularity during the Tang Dynasty (618 – 907).

The Elixir of Immortality

In the early 500’s, 梁武帝 Emperor Wu of Liang commissioned 陶弘景 Tao Hongjing to perform alchemical experiments and develop an elixir of immortality. Master Hongjing exerted a great amount of time and energy while attempting to find a viable formula. In the end, however, he was unable to reach his goal. His detailed notes taken during research and experimentation are considered to be some of the earliest records of alchemical experimentation in China in existence and are still widely referenced today.

The alchemical experiments and research into proper eating and living practices invigorated his old passion for herbology. He felt inspired to dedicate a part of his time and energy to further research, authentication, editing and rearrangement of the already existing information on herbology.

陶弘景 Tao Hongjing began with one of the original Chinese works, the 神农本草经 Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing, or Classic of the Materia Medica traditionally attributed to 神农 Shen Nong, or ‘Divine Farmer’, who is believed to have introduced ancient Chinese herbal medicine. He reorganized, expanded and annotated the material in an innovative manner.

Classic of the Materia Medica originally listed 365 herbs. 陶弘景 Tao Hongjing doubled the number of herbal entries using other medical classics. He then arranged all of the listed herbs into several categories: plants, trees, minerals, insects, animals, fruits, vegetables and grains: which are still in use today. He also categorized all of the herbs into three classes: upper class herbs promoted longevity, middle class herbs prevented illness and lower class herbs treated symptoms.

In addition to this legendary work, 陶弘景 Tao Hongjing authored other texts focused on herbology. Some of them include: 陶隱居本草 Tao Yinju Bencao, or Hermit Tao’s Herbal Medicine, 藥總訣 Yao Zongjue, or General Medicinal Formulas, and 養生延命錄 Yangsheng Yanming Lu, or Extracts on Nourishing Spiritual Nature and Prolonging Bodily Life.

陶弘景 Tao Hongjing's Legacy

陶弘景Tao Hongjing was a Daoist priest, however, thanks to his mother and maternal grandfather he was fluent in Buddhism as well. As a result, he never stopped befriending Buddhist priests throughout his lifetime and participated in the ongoing conversation about Buddhist nature and significance.

陶弘景 Tao Hongjing’s talents, skills, passions and contributions were so amazingly versatile that he is often regarded as the Chinese counterpart of Leonardo da Vinci.

ancient physician chinese physician Si Jin Bao Tao Hongjing