the Classic of Difficulties (Nànjīng)

1. Title:
   • Chinese: 《难经》 (Nànjīng)， Difficult Classics” also known as Yellow Emperor eighty-one difficult classics
   • English: Classic of Difficulties or Canon of Medical Problems
2. Authorship & Era:
   • Traditionally attributed to Bian Que (扁鹊, c. 5th century BCE), but likely compiled by multiple scholars during the Han Dynasty (206 BCE–220 CE).
3. Content Structure:
   • Comprises 81 short chapters, each addressing a specific “difficulty” (theoretical or practical) in Huangdi Neijing (Yellow Emperor’s Inner Canon).
   • Organized as Q&A dialogues, systematically discussing medical theories, diagnostics, and treatments.
4. Key Themes:
   • Pulse Diagnosis: Refines methods for pulse interpretation.
   • Meridian System: Expands on acupuncture channels and collaterals.
   • Pathology: Explores disease mechanisms (e.g., Five Viscera dysfunctions).
   • Therapeutic Techniques: Details needling methods and moxibustion.
5. Significance:
   • One of the Four Great Classics of TCM (with Neijing, Shanghan Lun, Shennong Bencao).
   • Bridges theoretical foundations (Neijing) and clinical practice, influencing East Asian medicine for millennia.
6. Legacy:
   • Remains a core text in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) education and research.
   • Commentaries by later scholars (e.g., Wang Shuhe, 3rd century CE) further enriched its interpretations.

Note: The text’s concise style and problem-solving approach make it a pivotal reference for TCM practitioners.