During the time of the Ming Dynasty, there lived many well-known physicians who had exceptional medical abilities. In fact, some were even considered to possess supernormal skills.
In the third article of our series, let’s continue exploring some of the famous physicians of ancient China.
Liu Bangyong: The predictor of lifespans
Liu Bangyong was born during the Ming Dynasty in Conghua County, Guangdong (now part of Guangzhou City), China. He lived in the mountains and made a living by chopping firewood. From a young age, he displayed exceptional talent. One day, he encountered a hermit in the hills who recognized his extraordinary aptitude and passed on to him many ancient medical skills. Later, as he grasped the profundity of these skills, he began practicing medicine in the town.
When diagnosing patients, Liu only needed to observe their facial color and appearance to determine their ailments. He did not adhere to traditional prescriptions, but he instead employed ever-changing treatment methods, making it difficult for ordinary people to discern the secrets behind his techniques. However, every drug he prescribed resulted in a complete recovery of the patient’s disease. The residents praised his medical skills, marveling at his abilities, and a continuous stream of people sought his medical expertise.
Liu’s Tai Su Pulse technique
Liu’s diagnostic technique, known as the “Tai Su Pulse,” was also remarkable. He could predict the patient’s fortune and lifespan by placing just one finger on their pulse. He would happily prescribe medication if he encountered a patient whose illness could be cured. However, if the patient’s condition was beyond help, he would inform them of their impending death.
One day, an older woman came to him seeking medical treatment and wanted to know how long she had left to live. After examining her pulse, Liu placed bamboo pieces in a pottery jar and sealed them, telling her: “Every year, take out one piece from here until you have removed all of them. Your life will end on the month and day corresponding to the year when you remove the last piece.” True to his prediction, the older woman passed away that very day.
Another story tells of the local county magistrate who suffered from a chronic phlegm condition that showed no signs of improvement. He requested Liu’s diagnosis and treatment. After examining his pulse, Liu said: “This illness cannot be cured.” However, the magistrate disregarded his advice and insisted on traveling to seek treatment elsewhere. Liu warned him against going on a distant journey, but his words were ignored. The magistrate even imprisoned Liu and angrily declared: “I’ll deal with your punishment when I return!”
However, not long after, the magistrate died aboard a ship. Regretting not having heeded Liu’s advice, he left a dying wish for Liu’s release. Upon hearing the news of the magistrate’s death, Liu sorrowfully remarked: “I advised him not to embark on a distant journey because I was worried that he wouldn’t return!”
Later, Liu documented the medicinal formulas he had accumulated over the years. Those who used his prescriptions always experienced remarkable results.
Zhao Quan: The Divine Physician
Zhao Quan, also known as Zhongheng, was born in Gaotang County (now part of Shandong Province), China. He was a simple and honest person who excelled in medical skills, and qualified as a senior candidate for the Imperial Examination to study at the National Academy.
During the Jiajing period of the Ming Dynasty, a man named Xia Yan had just taken office as the Prime Minister and planned to go to the capital to pay his respects to the emperor. Xia traveled north by boat, passing through Wucheng. One night, his ship docked by the shore. It was late at night and quiet, but soon, voices could be heard from the sky, with the sound of attendants clearing the way on horseback mixed with the tinkling of bells and melodic music. Xia and his entourage gazed into the sky for a long time. Everyone believed it to be an ominous sign.
Suddenly, Xia heard a voice from the sky saying: “The Divine Physician has arrived.” He loudly asked: “Who is this Divine Physician?” The agent immediately replied: “His surname is Zhao.” After that, no further sound could be heard.
At that moment, a boat approached from a distance, and Xia sensed that the person on board was extraordinary. He sent someone to inquire, and the person on the ship replied: “My surname is Zhao, and I am a scholar.” Upon hearing this, Xia was overjoyed. He invited him onto his boat, and the two engaged in a lively conversation. This person was none other than Zhao Quan. Xia admired Zhao’s talent and asked him to accompany him to the capital.
Serving Emperor Jiajing
Zhao’s medical skills were exceptional, and he soon became well-known in the capital. Once, Emperor Jiajing fell ill, and the imperial physicians in the palace were at a loss. After consulting with the ministers, Xia decided to have Zhao examine and treat the emperor. Zhao prescribed a single medicine, and even before the emperor finished taking it, his health began to improve. From that point on, Emperor Jiajing held him in high regard.
Due to the emperor’s favor, Zhao became a medical officer. However, he resigned from his official position shortly after that. Zhao dedicated himself to writing medical books at home and willingly visited patients seeking help. After treating patients, he never accepted additional money or goods, and he even donated medicine to people experiencing poverty.
Exceptional skills
Zhao’s medical skills were highly advanced, and he was well-versed in the Tai Su Pulse. Once, there was a magistrate who was bedridden and appeared to be seriously ill. The magistrate requested Zhao’s treatment, and upon arriving at his home, Zhao noticed that he was dozing off, but he did not wake him up. Zhao took the magistrate’s son aside, examined his pulse, and told him: “Your pulse is steady, and your father will be fine.” Later, Zhao prescribed a single medicine, and the magistrate’s illness was cured.
One day, as Zhao was riding his horse outside the city, he saw people placing a deceased person into a coffin. He quickly dismounted, approached the dead person, and uncovered his blankets and clothes. Then, he had hot water brought and added some medicinal herbs to it, pouring the mixture into the mouth of the deceased. Before long, the dead person came back to life.
When others asked how he knew that the person in the coffin was not yet dead, Zhao replied: “I can smell the scent of death within ten steps. I didn’t smell that scent when I passed him, so I concluded he was not dead. Otherwise, why would I bother to uncover the clothes of a dead person?”
After resigning from his official position, Zhao devoted himself to cultivating the Dao. After he passed away, his room was filled with a peculiar fragrance, and a radiant light appeared on the roof. Even after several days passed, people found that he appeared as if he were still alive.
See Part 2 here.
Translated by Joseph Wu
