Now, if those in the Confucian profession practice medicine and can indeed use the Way of Medicine original: "yī dào"; the fundamental spiritual and practical principles of healing to assist and benefit one another, it truly proves that the Confucian Way original: "rú dào" is inherently connected to medicine. Once this compilation is published, the Way of Medicine will have its guiding compass. With divine insight restored to the people, everyone may reach the realm of longevity original: "shòu yù"; a state of health and long life associated with a well-ordered society. The benevolence of these gentlemen is vast and far-reaching indeed. This serves as the preface.

Preface to the Engraved Great Compendium of Acupuncture and Moxibustion

Medicine elucidates the Mandate of Heaven original: "tiān mìng"; the natural order and divine will regarding human life; its Way is truly lofty. The famous physicians of great antiquity original: "shuò gǔ" primarily used acupuncture and stone needles original: "zhēn biān"; the earliest medical tools used to pierce the skin or apply pressure before the development of metal needles. The dialogues between the Yellow Emperor and Qi Bo original: "Huáng Qí"; referring to the Huangdi Neijing, the foundational text of Chinese medicine are exceptionally detailed regarding this specific branch of medicine. Those who master its techniques can immediately cure chronic, deep-seated ailments original: "chén kē"; stubborn diseases that have resisted other treatments, achieving results more swiftly than herbal medicines. In recent times, however, the methods of acupuncture have ceased to be transmitted, which is truly a great pity. While I was serving in San-Jin original: "Sān Jìn"; a classical literary name for Shanxi Province, I encountered a period of many troubles. Local rebels held to their mountain strongholds original: "fù yú"; literally 'relying on the corner of the hills', a metaphor for those resisting government authority and the common people were in a state of dire suffering original: "dǎo xuán"; literally 'hanging upside down', a common idiom for extreme distress. Witnessing the hardships of the people and being unable to offer them relief, I was filled with indignation and frustration.