In the last decades, medical manuscripts unearthed in China dating from the Warring States to the Han unfolded new aspects of early Chinese medicine, such as the magic medical practices which appeared to be of paramount importance. However incantations, exorcisms and other medical rituals tend to disappear from the recipe texts used during the Eastern Han. Our postdoctoral research aims to follow the traces of magic medical practices in other kind of sources dated from the Six Dynasties onwards. This paper will present the results of our research concerning the transmission of magic and ritual medical practices outside of China, especially in Japanese medieval medical works.

This study explores the origins and early evolution of the Gengshen day traditions within Daoist cosmology, medicine, and ritual practices from the 4th to 9th centuries. It examines how these beliefs—rooted in esoteric rituals—established a sophisticated framework interlinking the human body, morality, and cosmic order. Central to these traditions is the regulation of the “worms” (chong, 蟲), symbolic entities that embody both physical and moral challenges. Early Daoist practitioners developed ritualized practices to harmonize these entities with the cosmic order, reflecting a holistic view of health and ethics.
By focusing on the initial construction and systematization of these ideas, this research highlights their role in shaping Daoist perspectives on bodily integrity, moral discipline, and cosmic alignment. It underscores the pivotal contribution of technic masters in safeguarding and transmitting this guarded knowledge within tightly knit communities. The study further investigates how these traditions adapted across East Asia, maintaining their foundational principles while incorporating localized elements.
Through its historical analysis, the research reveals the enduring intellectual legacy of the Gengshen day traditions, illuminating the intricate interplay of ritual, cosmology, and medicine that underpins early Daoist thought.

This article delves into the intricate world of Ren-Shen 人神 taboos, shedding light on their significance in ancient Chinese medical practices and beliefs. From their roots in acupuncture taboos shaped by supernatural forces to their ties with celestial phenomena like the phases of the moon, Ren-Shen taboos offer a fascinating glimpse into the intersection of medicine and mysticism.

Drawing from ancient texts like the Huangdi Hama Jing, the article explores how specific celestial occurrences could disrupt human Qi, leading to adverse effects during acupuncture treatments. It delves into the meticulous observation required by ancient healers, who adhered to various time circulation rules to identify and navigate different types of Ren-Shen taboos, including daily and seasonal variations.

Moreover, the article examines the potential consequences of violating Ren-Shen taboos, questioning whether such actions could genuinely lead to detrimental impacts, even loss of life. Through an analysis of historical evidence and references in texts like Sun Simiao's "Prescriptions Worth a Thousand Gold Pieces," it highlights the seriousness with which ancient practitioners approached these taboos and their significance in medical practice.

Finally, the article explores the enduring legacy of Ren-Shen taboos, noting their presence not only in classic Chinese medical texts but also in Dunhuang calendars from medieval China. By delving into these ancient practices and beliefs, the article seeks to unravel the mysteries surrounding Ren-Shen taboos and their role in shaping ancient Chinese medicine and culture.

In the 6th century in China, Jia Sixie 賈思勰 (11th century) compiled dozens of recipes for ferments and alcoholic beverages in his agricultural encyclopedia, the Qimin yaoshu 齊民要術 (Essential Techniques for the Welfare of the People). Alcohol was widely used in traditional Chinese medicine.

The very first recipe he presents is for creating a divine ferment, in which the author describes the ritual to be performed and the text to be chanted to the Earth gods before preparing the ferment. The expectations of the ceremony master, as expressed in the prayer, are beyond human control, perhaps explaining the inclusion of such a text. However, this passage is unique in this encyclopedic work. The author himself later notes in the chapter that “with or without the ritual, the result is the same.”

While unique, this text appears to have little significance. It was included in Sishi zuanyao (Essential Activities of the Four Seasons) by Han E 韓鄂 between the late 9th and early 10th centuries. However, by the 12th century, in Zhu Gong's 朱肱 Beishan jiujing 北山酒經 (Classic of Alcohol from the Northern Mountain), no trace of such a text remains.

We will provide a detailed analysis of this text to explore how medieval Chinese uncertainty toward the supernatural gave way to confidence in well-crafted techniques for ferment and alcohol production.