Work

Tracing the Origins of Li Shizhen’s Theory “The Brain Is the Abode of the Original Spirit”—Focusing on Daoist Inner Alchemy Practices in the Tang and Song Dynasties

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Li Shizhen’s theory “The brain is the abode of the original spirit” has exerted a profound influence on traditional Chinese medicine. However, there has been a long-standing academic debate regarding whether this concept originates from traditional medicine, Daoism, or Western medicine. In fact, this issue transcends the medical field and is closely linked to profound questions within Daoist culture. By examining Daoist Inner Alchemy Practices, particularly the theories of brain–spirit storage and brain physiology in Daoist Inner Alchemy Practices since the Tang and Song dynasties, as well as their impacts on traditional medical theories, this paper further demonstrates that Li Shizhen’s theory derives from Daoism.

Source: Religions

DOI: 10.3390/rel16121476

Authors: Yongming Liu, Kaiheng Sun

Institution: Lanzhou University

Language: English

Topic: Traditional Chinese Medicine Studies

Subfield: Complementary and alternative medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,172

Funder: National Social Science Fund of China