In the Jin Dynasty, scholar Zhang Zhan once shared his perspective on the challenges of mastering classical medical prescriptions, a viewpoint that has endured over time. While diseases may share similar internal causes, their external symptoms can vary greatly. Conversely, different internal causes can manifest similar external symptoms. Therefore, understanding the state of the organs, the flow of vital energy and blood vessels, and the balance of the body's systems cannot be solely achieved through human senses. Instead, it requires careful pulse diagnosis.
Different pulse conditions, such as floating, sinking, wiry, and tight, as well as variations in the circulation and infusion of energy and blood in acupuncture points, indicate different conditions. Understanding the thickness of muscles and skin, the strength and weakness of tendons and bones, requires keen observation and attention to detail. Only those who possess these abilities can truly understand these principles. Attempting to explore intricate medical principles with a superficial mindset can be highly dangerous.
Using incorrect treatment methods, such as tonifying methods for excess patterns or purging methods for deficiency patterns, only exacerbates the condition. Treating smooth flow as an obstruction or using cold medications for cold patterns and warm medications for heat patterns will only worsen the patient's health. Therefore, mastering medical prescriptions and divination is a challenging skill. Without divine teachings, it is difficult to comprehend the profound principles underlying medical art.
There have been cases where individuals, after studying medical prescriptions for merely three years, claimed that there were no diseases left to be treated. However, it is only after three years of treating diseases that they realized the scarcity of effective remedies. Therefore, those who study medicine must engage in extensive and deep exploration of medical principles. They should not assume they have understood medical principles based on hearsay or superficial knowledge, as it can be detrimental to themselves.
Sincere Healing: The Essence of a Great Physician
A physician who possesses both moral character and medical expertise must maintain a stable state of mind, devoid of desires and expectations. They should demonstrate compassion and sympathy, with a firm commitment to alleviating human suffering. Regardless of a patient's status, wealth, age, appearance, or relationship with the physician, they should be treated equally. The physician should not focus on personal gains or losses but instead cherish every individual's life.
When faced with a patient's pain, the physician should empathize as if it were their own suffering. They should wholeheartedly dedicate themselves to the task of saving the patient, fearlessly enduring hardships and providing comprehensive care. A physician should not harbor excuses or arrogance but instead prioritize the patient's well-being. Such physicians are regarded as the epitome of medical excellence, while those who cause harm to patients are considered adversaries.
Throughout history, renowned physicians have often used living creatures to save critically ill patients. Although livestock may be considered inferior to humans, when it comes to cherishing life, humans and animals are equal. Causing harm to others for personal gain is abhorred by all living beings, let alone when it involves fellow humans. Sacrificing the lives of animals to preserve human lives goes against the moral principles of valuing life. This is why I choose not to use living creatures as medicine.
While deceased insects like flies and leeches can be acquired for medicinal purposes, this does not apply to other living creatures. In dire circumstances, one may reluctantly use unhatched eggs, enduring the pain it brings. Those who can avoid using living creatures possess extraordinary insight, surpassing ordinary individuals like myself.
Ethics in Medicine: The Virtues of a True Healer
A physician should possess a pure mind and introspective ability. They should be focused, dignified, and self-assured, without arrogance. When examining illnesses, physicians should be attentive and meticulous, leaving no room for error. Prescribing medications and administering treatments should be done without mistakes. While prompt treatment is essential, physicians should maintain clarity and avoid confusion. They should contemplate carefully and deeply, not rashly pursuing personal abilities and fame while neglecting matters of life and death. Such behavior is unethical.
When entering a patient's home, physicians should remain undistracted by luxurious surroundings. They should not be swayed by distractions or indulge in pleasures. Even if presented with sumptuous feasts and various wines, physicians should remain unaffected. The reason for this is that as long as one person suffers, no one in the room can be truly happy. Physicians should not indulge in entertainment and conceit; such behavior is shameful and not befitting of noble individuals.
A Physician's Code of Conduct: Honoring the Profession
A physician's code of conduct should involve caution in speech and action. They should refrain from casual jokes, noise, discussing others' shortcomings, or boasting about their reputation. When successfully treating a patient, they should avoid becoming self-congratulatory or arrogant. It is important to remember Laozi's words: positive deeds yield positive consequences, while negative deeds yield negative consequences. Physicians should not solely pursue wealth based on their expertise but instead prioritize the desire to alleviate the suffering of others. By doing so, they will experience blessings in the realm of the underworld.
Physicians should not prescribe expensive medications to showcase their skills. Instead, they should focus on the principles of loyalty and benevolence. My goal is to save and assist humanity, which is why I have discussed these matters in detail. Aspiring medical professionals should not feel ashamed due to the straightforwardness of my words.