Store TCM ShangHanLun Preface

The most important clinical book in Chinese Medicine is the Shang Han Lun. But what is the most important part of the book? The Preface!

Overlooked by readers and often omitted by publishers, the preface contains the keys to understanding the rest of the Shang Han Lun. In this fascinating discussion, Andrew Nugent-Head awakens the hidden meanings line by line, explaining references Zhang Zhongjing makes that are often missed by Chinese and western scholars alike.

“The Discussions Over Tea Series is how I learned the classics here in China: in a teacher’s home, the ancient books coming alive over tea. Teaching this way, the passions of ancient authors fill the room as if they were speaking their words to you. Zhang Zhongjing’s Preface is the most exciting and important part of his Shang Han Lun. Understanding what he is really saying is the key to understanding his entire book. In this lecture, I share the Preface just as my teacher, Dr. Li Hongxiang, shared it with me. It was only possible through Dr. Li Hongxiang’s teaching, and a special acknowledgement and thanks must be given to him.”

Born in 1967, ATS director Andrew Nugent-Head has lived in China since the age of 18. In 1989, he began formally studying Chinese medicine in mentor-disciple relationships outside of the official university system. In 1997, Andrew met and befriended Dr. Li Hongxiang (born 1924), one of the last great doctors of Chinese medicine born and educated before the arrival of Communism in 1949. In 2004, Andrew was recognized as Dr. Li’s final student, working with him in the clinic and home to learn his knowledge. Andrew continues to live in Beijing documenting Dr. Li Hongxiang and other last traditional practitioners there.

This seminar was filmed in Colorado in 2006.

Discussions Over Tea: The Shang Han Lun Preface featuring Andrew Nugent-Head