Sun Simiao (541–682 AD) was a remarkable figure of the Tang Dynasty—an exceptional physician, Taoist scholar, and medical ethicist. Born in what is now Yaoxian, Shaanxi Province, he dedicated his life to the study of medicine, refusing high-ranking positions at court to focus on healing and writing. His legendary contributions earned him the title “King of Medicine” (药王), and his influence extends far beyond ancient China, shaping traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and health practices even today.

The Healer Who Refused the Throne

Sun Simiao’s journey into medicine began with personal hardship. As a child, he suffered from chronic illness and, after witnessing his family’s struggle to afford treatment, he resolved to master the healing arts. By his teenage years, he was already known for his deep understanding of medicine and philosophy, drawing insights from Confucian, Daoist, and Buddhist teachings.

He spent years living as a recluse in the Taibai and Zhongnan Mountains, refining his knowledge and treating patients. Despite repeated invitations from emperors—including Sui Wendi, Tang Taizong, and Tang Gaozong—he declined offers of high office, choosing instead to dedicate himself to medical practice and writing.

Sun Simiao’s Medical Legacy: “Prescriptions Worth a Thousand Gold”

Sun Simiao’s most enduring contributions to medicine are his two massive medical compendiums:

  • Beiji Qianjin Yaofang (Essential Prescriptions Worth a Thousand Gold for Emergencies)
  • Qianjin Yifang (Supplement to the Essential Prescriptions Worth a Thousand Gold)

These texts, each containing 30 volumes, catalog over 800 medicinal substances and 5,300 prescriptions. They remain foundational texts in traditional Chinese medicine, covering everything from herbal remedies to acupuncture, surgery, and disease prevention.

One of Sun Simiao’s groundbreaking insights was his emphasis on preventative care. He stressed the importance of a balanced diet, mental well-being, and sexual moderation for long-term health—ideas that align closely with modern holistic medicine.

A Champion of Women’s and Pediatric Medicine

At a time when women’s and children’s health was largely overlooked, Sun Simiao emphasized their unique medical needs. He advocated for the establishment of dedicated medical specialties for women and children, a revolutionary concept in ancient Chinese healthcare. His discussions on pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care provided guidelines that shaped obstetrics in TCM.

The Dao of Sexual Health: A Controversial Perspective

One of Sun Simiao’s more intriguing and controversial writings deals with “Fangzhong Shu” (房中术)—Taoist sexual health practices. He warned against excessive indulgence, arguing that unrestrained sexual activity after the age of 40 could lead to rapid decline in health. He even recounted a cautionary tale of a 70-year-old man who experienced a sudden surge in libido, only to pass away shortly after—a metaphor comparing sexual overindulgence to burning out a lamp’s remaining oil.

Though some of his recommendations, such as Taoist techniques for semen retention and energy cultivation, might seem esoteric, they reflect broader themes in ancient Chinese medicine: balance, moderation, and harmony between mind and body.

Sun Simiao’s Influence on Modern Medicine

Sun Simiao’s work extends far beyond ancient China. His emphasis on medical ethics—particularly the idea that a physician should treat all patients equally, regardless of wealth or status—parallels the modern Hippocratic Oath. His holistic approach to medicine, recognizing the interconnection between diet, lifestyle, and mental well-being, finds echoes in today’s integrative and functional medicine movements.

From herbal medicine to sexual health, from ethics to emergency treatments, Sun Simiao’s legacy continues to shape both traditional and modern medical practices. In an age where holistic wellness is gaining renewed attention, his teachings remain as relevant as ever.