The Development of Medical Knowledge in Ancient China during the Era of the First Centralized Empires

This article investigates the development of Chinese medicine during the Qin and Han dynasties. It focuses on the formation of theoretical foundations such as the Yin-Yang theory and the Five Elements, as well as the development of practical treatment methods including acupuncture, herbal medicine, and pulse diagnosis. The author highlights the contributions of prominent figures in Chinese medicine during this period, such as Zhang Zhongjing and Li Shizhen, whose works have become foundational to the field. The article also examines various medical treatises that have survived to this day and contain valuable information on treatment methods, medicinal substances, and the philosophical underpinnings of Chinese medicine. The significance of the Qin and Han dynasties in shaping traditional Chinese medicine as a comprehensive system of knowledge and practices that continues to influence medicine today is emphasized. Methodology of the research. The research methodology is grounded in the principles of historicism, objectivity, systematicity, and interdisciplinarity. The study employs general scientific, specialized historical, and interdisciplinary methods. Each of these methods has proven effective in its specific context, allowing for an objective investigation into the genesis and evolution of the foundational theoretical concepts of Chinese medicine during the Qin and Han dynasties, as well as an assessment of their impact on the subsequent development of the field. Conclusions. The era of the first centralized empires in ancient China marked a flourishing of culture and science. The empire achieved significant power, and Chinese scholars actively developed knowledge about the world around them. This period laid the groundwork for the development of Chinese medicine. Chinese physicians of that time made significant achievements: they first applied the method of clinical disease description, performed complex surgical operations, and developed various treatment methods such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, and pulse diagnosis. The first medical treatises were created, forming the foundation for the subsequent development of Chinese medicine. The theories of Yin and Yang and the Five Elements became the theoretical basis of Chinese medicine. Chinese physicians viewed a person as a unified system interacting with the environment, and treatment was aimed at restoring harmony in the body. The widespread use of medicinal plants was an important aspect of Chinese medicine. Pulse diagnosis became one of the most characteristic diagnostic methods. Chinese medicine of that time actively interacted with the medical systems of other peoples, contributing to its development. Thus, the Qin and Han dynasties marked the golden age of the formation of the foundations of traditional Chinese medicine. It was during this period that the theoretical foundations were laid and practical treatment methods were developed, which determined the development of this medical system for millennia to come