Wang Ji (physician)

Wang Ji (王畿; dates of birth and death unknown, likely active during the Tang dynasty) was a Chinese physician known for his expertise in pulse diagnosis and acupuncture. While relatively little biographical information survives about him, he is most recognized for his medical text, the Mingtang Tujue (明堂圖訣; often translated as Illustrated Secrets of the Bright Hall Points or Illustrated Explanation of the Bright Hall Points).

The Mingtang Tujue is a significant work in the history of acupuncture. It focuses on the “bright hall” (明堂, mingtang) acupuncture points, which are often associated with specific organ systems and are considered crucial for diagnostic and therapeutic effectiveness. The book's importance stems from its detailed illustrations of these points, providing a visual guide for practitioners. The Mingtang Tujue helped standardize acupuncture point location and application, contributing to its continued practice and development.

Although other texts existed previously describing acupuncture points, the Mingtang Tujue gained prominence and influenced later generations of physicians. It was reprinted and revised in subsequent dynasties, and sections were incorporated into later medical encyclopedias and collections. The continued study and analysis of the Mingtang Tujue provides valuable insights into Tang dynasty medical knowledge and acupuncture practices. While details about Wang Ji's personal life remain scarce, his contributions to acupuncture are preserved through his seminal work.