On the Naming of the Classic“難経(Nangyo, Nanjing)”

Abstract

It has been recognized that meaning of “難経(Nangyo, Nanjing)” is a scripture of difficult issues, or of the questionnaire for the term “難(nan)”. The author would like to propose that the real meaning of “難(nan)” in this scripture is not difficulty but immutability. “The Classic of Changes (易経)” deals with changes in the uni­verse, on the other hand Nangyo describe definitive and/or immutable evidences in the field of acupuncture. The author proposed that this epoch making scripture described in the purpose of make clear the concrete evi­dences of pulse diagnosis or manipulation of acupuncture, and relationship between the meridian routes with the five viscera and six entrails.