The Ambiguity of Taoism and Techniques: Emperor Huizong's Reverence for Taoism and Medical Development in the Song Dynasty

Emperor Huizong's reverence for Taoism exerted far-reaching influences on society, politics, economy, and culture, with medicine being deeply influenced as well. His medical views were deeply rooted in Taoism. He regarded medicine as a form of Taoist practice and the Yellow Emperor's Inner Canon as a vessel of the "Great Tao". Therefore, in advancing state healthcare, he integrated medical promotion with Taoist reverence, implementing many medical initiatives with Taoist characteristics. These initiatives had complex effects on the development of medicine. On one hand, they elevated medicine from the level of mere "technique" to the realm of "Tao". This elevation enhanced the social status of medicine, expanded the community of "superior physicians", stimulated theoretical discussions and promoted the development of Yunqi theory. As a result, medicine during this era demonstrated a new style that emphasized Tao, valued rational thinking and advocated the study of Yunqi theory. On the other hand, they revived mystical therapies like elixir ingestion and talismanic rituals, endangering public health and medical progress.