What was the most interesting thing you learned about ancient Chinese medicine?

What was the most interesting thing you learned about ancient Chinese medicine?

As a physician I was particularly interested in this. Some of the things used seemed to be helpful and are still used today. Much like the medicines employed by Native Americans some of the things used were at least somewhat effective. I think it is also important to remember that the placebo effect would have been as significant then as it can be today.

I agree with Vicki above, especially with regard to the placebo effect. Sometimes it simply felt that if the doctor believed the remedy to be effective, indeed it was. I also enjoyed the term “child palace” a great deal. The womb is definitely a treasured part of a woman’s body and this term just feels right. I don’t know how truly effective the herbal remedies were but I certainly enjoyed learning about them.

The most interesting thing to me about their ancient medicine is how they used the senses (“look, listen, and smell”) plus “asking and pulse taking” to diagnose an illness, and from there they were able to provide a good treatment.

Like Conniehg I was intrigued by the look, listen and smell technique. The fact it was not always hands on (behind a curtain!)really surprised me. The foot binding process and the lifetime care of those feet really amazed/horrified me.

I’m always fascinated by herb knowledge and how they affect the body and health.

I loved learning about the different roles of midwives and physicians in this world. Some of the same biases still exist today, but for completely different reasons.

I found the evaluative techniques of the female doctors quite interesting. The different senses they used and the various pulses they felt for, the emphasis on actually listening to their female patient.

I find the knowledge of using herbs to heal very interesting. I take a few pills for various medical issues but always wonder if the more “natural” way would be better. Many cultures rely on this method so I’m sure various herbal treatments must be effective.

The most interesting was the techniques women doctors and their support staff used in treating their patients plus the use of herbs as part of the cures.

I thought the topic was amazing. I enjoyed learning about the difference between a female doctor and a midwife, and the concept of touching blood. It was clear that the value of listening, observing and asking a patient detailed questions was often the key to successfully assisting the patient. I was not surprised with how little the male doctors knew about the female patients.

I found the rules that applied to male doctors regarding not seeing or touching the actual female patient fascinating. The idea around a doctor not touching blood was most interesting and makes one wonder how anyone ever survived a doctor’s care. The practice of touch, smell and pulse was very interesting and sounded more practical than some of the other beliefs. The use of herbs has been throughout history and not uncommon even in today’s times by many most likely from what we have learned from history.

I found the term child palace as very endearing. Since child bearing was considered a woman’s primary job, it was fitting to understand the significance of “child palace”.
The 3 principles of doctoring listening to patient, looking at patient were telling! It was and is basis for being able to diagnose a problem!!

If only all doctors looked at the whole person! We are physical, emotional, spiritual beings and the female physicians and midwives were (and are) more in tune with the whole person. The natural remedies were very interesting to read about - certainly a healthier approach than today’s pharmaceuticals that have so many toxic side effects. Dr. Wong was arrogant and prideful, wanting to elevate himself by who he treated. Yunxian was caring and compassionate, wanting to help those who needed help and were not getting the care they needed from the male doctors, if they were even seen by them.

That male doctors were unable to touch women. Even Yun was unable to touch the blood of women, leaving the act of birthing to the midwives.

Examining women by taking there pulse intrigued me. In fact it is still used by Chinese doctors. When I visited China our group when to a medical school. Each of us had our pulses taken and were diagnosed with conditions that were actually real. As someone who was in good health all I was told was that I was fat. This made for lots of laughter the rest of the trip.

IT was fascinating that the root causes of illnesses were first defined as emotional or psychological, and then an herbal remedy was used. I had known of the use of herbs in Eastern medicine, but the initial review of the inner turmoil was a surprise. I also found the attitude of blood as being tainted very interesting, as the healing and life giving properties of blood were overlooked at that time.

I was fascinated and appalled by the practice of foot binding and its negative consequences. In addition to the pain and chances of infection, the practice was crippling in every sense to girls and women. The women literally lost their ability to balance their lives.

I found the 7 emotions and 5 fatigues very interesting and on point for women. If more doctors followed the 4 examinations (looking, asking & listening, smelling, and pulse taking) they might come to an accurate diagnosis more easily. I am thankful for all the female physicians who are better listeners.

The difference between doctors and midwives and how Yunxian couldn't touch blood.

I am a great believer in natural remedies whenever possible. I found the discussion of the mind/body connection particularly fascinating. The grandmother knew so much about Yunxian’s physical illnesses because of her understanding of each patient’s mental state. A few years ago I had a very bad case of sciatica. Nothing helped—medicines, physical therapy— until I did acupuncture.

The most interesting thing was that women were doctors in a seriously male-dominated society. These women took risks to help others. In my opinion, they were quite brave, because if caught they would have been punished severely. I think eventually, even though women doctors weren't recognized, they were allowed to treat patients and provide healing.

"A doctor who understands her own nature - and the sufferings of her own body - can better treat another woman, for their natures and bodies are in sympathy".

Well stated, Lisa See! Isn't this true today!

I was fascinated by the birthing process described in the book. I was privileged to witness my eldest daughter's birthing of our grandson Aiden with a modern midwife. I connect with the quiet, competent, low commotion experience of the book with my experience of my grandson's birth. I am a mother of four beautiful babies (all over forty now); my birthing experiences were all in an overly lit, overly medical environment.

I found this to be very eye-opening about the role of women and medicine in ancient Chinese culture. When considering that the book is set in the late 1400s, it's rather mindblowing that medicine was as advanced as it appeared to be. From the horrors of foot binding to the superstitious practice of not touching blood, to the archaic attitude of male doctors not personally examining patients, to the interesting practice of touch, smell, and pulse, it's a true testament to Yun's skill, knowledge, and use of natural remedies that allowed her to so successfully care for women. I would love to have her as my doctor in our time!

I was fascinated by all the medical ritual surrounding childbirth. My eldest daughter code to use a midwife for the birth of our grandson, and she gave me the gift of experiencing his coming into the world. I was amazed at the stark differences between her birthing and my four "traditional" doctor assisted births. My doctors were all male. Atmosphere and methods were amazingly different.

It is so interesting that practicing medicine is such an ancient art. Some things have evolved, but not everything for the best. I don't know how much observing today's doctors have time to do. They seem to just order tests!

I found it fascinating to learn about different pulses and how the child-birthing process was handled. I also didn't know about the aversion to coming in contact with blood.

It was also interesting how much mental health was prioritized in this time with these doctors.

This was my favorite part about the book. I love the history and knowledge that went into each mixture. I was impressed that Ms. See was able to take in the study of Chinese medicine and make it readable and interesting for us. It left me with even more respect for the ancient practices.

I thought it was interesting that while most of the medical practices were concerned with the balance of yin and yang, there were also ideas that were surprisingly modern. I have read other novels that feature medieval healing, and noticed that some of the herbal medicines were very similar.

I am loving this book! So full of fascinating information and insights into 15th century China. I am a pediatrician and really resonate with See’s detailed descriptions of illnesses and “treatments.” It is especially interesting to appreciate how much of medicine back then depended upon careful and meticulous examination of the patient!! A skill many currentday physicians have forgotten!