A Phylogenetic Study On Motion And Qi Theory Of Huang Di’s Canon Of Medicine

Objectives: The study aims to probe into motion and qi theory from a phylogenetic perspective by recognizing the theory in a specific background in which it happens and develops.It also reveals the theoretical implications and the objectivity of motion and qi theory by making a comprehensive and dynamic investigation into relative data and their roles in the construction of the theoretical system.Moreover,the study tries to correct some misunderstandings concerning the theory and provide references for further study.Methods: Literature study and theoretical study methods are employed in the thesis to obtain materials concerning ancient philosophy,astronomy and calendar based on the seven treatises on the motion and qi theory,explore the essential and necessary factors concerning the formation and development,as well as the controversies and applications of the theory by later generations.Findings: It sheds light on the factors,objectivity,philosophical and scientific basis concerning the formation of motion and qi theory,defines the astronomical background and makes clear the connotation of heaven qi,earth qi and their relation with celestial stem and terrestrial branch,summarizes its application by later generations.Conclusions: Motion and qi theory forms with the combined influence of time,philosophy,astronomy and calendar.It forms between the middle and latter period of Western Han dynasty and the early years of Eastern Han dynasty,benefiting from the emphasis on living and farming,as well as the study of thoughts of pre-Qin dynasties.It also absorbs abundant philosophical thoughts including emphasis of yang,Huang-Lao thought and advanced scientific and technological achievements at that time to construct its theoretical framework.Motion and qi theory is based on the view that rules of heaven should serve living and farming,and it is also influenced by the thought about heaven and earth at that time.The theory is the combination of Tao(rule),qi and their manifestations,with yinyang theory,five-element theory and other thoughts including divinatory trigram,normalabnormal state integrating in it.Chinese era is a holistic and dialectical view of time and space,which evolves into Chinese astronomy and calendar and then combines with the motion and qi theory to form a special Chinese calendar,aiming to infer climate change instead of indicating the era.Hence,it pays attention to changes of qi and its periodicity.Based on astronomy and calendar at that time,the philosophers make its framework of motion and qi theory by observing the physiological and pathological state of human beings.Motion and qi theory is of contemporaneity,which in turn enrich the theory.Now,studies on the theory seem to be diversified but most on its application,and the study on the theory itself should be strengthened at the same time.