Discussion on the composition background of Baihe Washing Formula in Synopsis of Golden Chamber from exorcising evil through bathing to the therapeutic use of washing methods
Baihe disease,first published in Synopsis of Golden Chamber,is characterized by a series of mental abnormalities.Baihe Washing Formula used to'wash the body'is the only external treatment for Baihe disease.Compared with other external washing prescriptions of ZHANG Zhongjing,Baihe washing prescription has the following characteristics:the external washing part has nothing to do with the symptoms,uses less water,does not need to be decocted,and does not explain the frequency of use.The above-mentioned particularities need to be explained.This paper starts with its formation background.The investigation of the source of the washing method found that ritual purification derived from the cleaning effect of water,that is,the ritual of exorcism through bathing,was very common in the pre Qin period.Washing method entered medical activities to treat mental disorders may lie in the cognition in the era of witch doctor integration:water can drive out evil spirits,and abnormal consciousness is often attributed to the evil spirits.This is reflected in the unearthed and received medical books such as Prescriptions for Fifty-Two Disease.Baihe Washing Formula may be the transition and integration from exorcism to medical activities,and it is the representative formula of the ritual purification effect of washing method left over in medical activities.
Baihe Washing FormulaWashing methodMental disorderSynopsis of Golden Chamber
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