Classics
難經
Classic of Difficult Issues
Compiled c. 1st century CE
A 81-question exegesis of difficult passages in the Neijing — particularly on pulse diagnosis, the meridian system, and acupuncture point depth and angles. Indispensable for serious pulse and acupuncture study.
Authorship
Anonymous, traditionally attributed to Bian Que (扁鵲)
Structure
81 questions
Each question is a focused inquiry: How is pulse taken? Why are there twelve regular meridians? What are the eight extraordinary vessels? How is needle depth determined for each point? The format made it the standard “study guide” to the Neijing for two millennia.
Modern research
The Nanjing’s pulse system underpins modern pulse-wave analysis research at universities including Hong Kong Baptist University and KAIST, where mechanical and ultrasonic sensors quantify the classical pulse phenomena.
Place in curriculum
Year 2–3, alongside acupuncture and pulse-diagnosis labs.