Medicine in China: A History of Ideas

Comparative Studies of Health Systems and Medical Care

by Paul U. Unschuld

In the first comprehensive and analytical study of therapeutic concepts and practices in China, Paul Unschuld traces the history of documented health care from its earliest extant records to present developments.

Genres: China, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nonfiction, Bodies, Medicine

423 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1985

About the author

Paul Ulrich Unschuld

Reviews

[Isham Cook · Rating 5 out of 5]

Originally published in 1985, updated with a 2010 preface. Dispassionately lays out key points in the history of Chinese medical thought from the Shang Dynasty up through the Cultural Revolution, where acupuncture gets credit for its analgesic properties. See this in action in Antonioni's 1972 documentary Zhong Kuo, filmed in China and famously showing a conscious and smiling woman having her belly cut open for a Caesarian, no pain killers (we're assured) apart from acupuncture needles surrounding the incision.

[Alex · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great introduction to the evolution of medical concepts in China. Amazing translation effort and work. I might be a bit unfair with the book but Unschuld's writing is sometimes tedious, repetitive and in certain parts, a bit superficial. It's understandable as he would need a massive volume to fit it all but still, I found a bit too much fluff where I didn't need and not enough when I wanted it the most. On the bright side, the whole Appendix section is absolute gold. A must read if you're into the theme but be warned it's not a smooth reading.

[Joshua]

Fascinating study of the intellectual history/underpinnings of chinese medical theory.