A Flourishing Yin

This insightful examination of gender in Chinese medicine reveals the vital role of women in medical practices and knowledge, particularly through the lens of A Flourishing Yin.

In A Flourishing Yin, the author delves into the intricate relationship between gender and the history of Chinese medicine, particularly focusing on the tradition of 'fuke' or medicine for women. This exploration spans over seven centuries, from the Song dynasty to the end of the Ming dynasty, shedding light on how societal perceptions of fertility, menstruation, gestation, childbirth, and sexuality evolved during this period. The author utilizes a variety of sources, including medical classics, popular handbooks, case histories, and literary works, to paint a comprehensive picture of women's roles in the medical landscape of ancient China.

The book emphasizes the significance of women's contributions to medical knowledge and practice, illustrating how they navigated the complexities of a male-dominated field. It reveals that medical expertise was not solely the domain of learned physicians; rather, women played crucial roles as both healers and patients. The author highlights how women's understanding of health and medicine was often rooted in domestic spaces, where they created a unique sphere of expertise that encompassed, but was not limited to, childbirth and gynecological issues.

Ultimately, A Flourishing Yin goes beyond the historical narrative to engage with broader theoretical questions about the nature of knowledge regarding the body and its historical context. The analysis of language, text, and practice opens up discussions about the epistemological foundations that shape our understanding of gender and medicine, making this work a vital contribution to the fields of gender studies and medical history.