Shi Zai's Formulas(Shi Zai Zhi Fang)
Preserved Medical Treasures from an Imperial Physician
Shi Zai's Formulas (Shi Zai Zhi Fang) is a clinical formulary compiled by the Northern Song Dynasty imperial physician Shi Kan (courtesy name Zai Zhi), dating to approximately 1100 AD. It holds distinction as the first clinical medical text in Chinese history named after an individual physician. Originally in two volumes containing over one hundred formulas, its unique value lies in:
Democratizing Imperial Medicine: Simplifying and adapting formulas from the exclusive Imperial Medical Bureau for broader use.
A Case-Based Approach: Each formula is accompanied by illustrative medical cases, pioneering a practical "formula proven by case" format.
Regional Adaptability: Modifying ingredient selection and preparation to suit the climate of Bianjing (Kaifeng) and the constitution of the Central Plains populace.
A Clinical System Based on Sanjiao (Triple Burner) Theory
1. Early Practice of Sanjiao Diagnosis
Shi Kan proposed the diagnostic principle of "disease located in the Sanjiao, treatment differentiated across its three regions":
Upper Burner diseases emphasize light diffusion and promotion.
Middle Burner diseases focus on balancing ascent and descent.
Lower Burner diseases advocate combining unblocking and tonification.
2. Quantifiable Standards for Medicinal Materials
The text records pioneering methods for quality control of herbs, featuring precise processing specifications (e.g., specific soaking, stir-frying, or steaming techniques with measured amounts of adjuvants like salt or Evodia fruit). This reflects an early standardization mindset.
3. Seasonal Formula Modification
Established the "Four Seasons Modification Method," systematically adjusting formulas based on seasonal qi:
- Spring: Add wind-dispersing herbs to follow Liver qi.
- Summer: Increase summerheat-clearing and dampness-draining herbs.
- Autumn: Incorporate moistening herbs for Lung dryness.
- Winter: Add warming herbs to support Yang energy.
The enduring value of Shi Zai's Formulas extends beyond the efficacy of its prescriptions. It captures a pivotal moment of transition in medical history—as knowledge flowed from the imperial court to common practice and moved towards greater standardization. In an era concerned with herbal quality and precise application, revisiting this Song Dynasty text, with its emphasis on "selecting based on origin and modifying according to time," offers timeless insights for refining the practice of Chinese medicine.
1.Is it an official original copy?
This is a compiled digital version of electronic materials, not a traditional physical book.
2.Publisher / ISBN?
This product is compiled electronic content and does not correspond to a single printed ISBN.
3.Is the content complete?
It is a fully compiled version, including core theories and routine explanations (no omissions).
4.Original language or translated?
The original version is in Chinese. You may order your preferred language version; we will include both the original Chinese version and your chosen language version as a bonus.
5.Is it authorized?
Based on traditional Chinese original documents: publicly circulated (no authorization required).
6.Who is it suitable for?
Beginners: suitable for getting started
Those with foundation: can deepen understanding
7.Brand new or second-hand?
E-book (not second-hand, no condition issues).
8.What format is it?
PDF electronic document.
9.Is it high-definition?
High-definition layout, suitable for reading on mobile phones and computers.
10.How many pages?
The complete collection has a total of 236 pages.
11.Why this price?
The content has been organized and summarized (saving a lot of screening time), allowing you to obtain the complete system in one purchase.
12.Are there any discounts?
Yes.
13.Are there any hidden fees?
No extra charges. One-time purchase, lifetime access.
14.How is it delivered?
How long does it take?Automatic delivery / instant download.
15.Is refund supported?
Refund available if not downloaded; not supported if already downloaded.
16.How to ensure the file is intact?
The file has been tested and is identical to the original. Unlimited re-deliveries are supported after one purchase.
17. How can I check if it is the version I want to buy?
You can refer to the product images, which provide previews of the original content. If the previews in the product images do not meet your requirements, you may contact customer service for a more comprehensive sample preview.
18. If I purchase a non-Chinese version, is the entire book translated into my desired language, or only part of it?
Our multilingual versions are full translations of the Chinese original, including translations of relevant image captions. All translated versions are localized naturally in accordance with the language customs of each country.
19. Do these e-books have copyright? Will there be any copyright disputes?
All books we offer are traditional Chinese classics with a history of hundreds or even thousands of years, so there are no copyright disputes whatsoever.
20. Why are your prices so low?
This is because we provide e-books in downloadable PDF format, which greatly reduces various costs, allowing us to offer them at such affordable prices.
