Shi's Traumatology Therapy

Traditional Chinese medicine bone-setting therapy, also known as "traumatology" or "orthopedics," was particularly prevalent in ancient agricultural societies, where bone injuries were common due to the physical demands of rural life. At that time, medical resources were scarce, and transportation in rural areas was limited, making it difficult for individuals to seek treatment for fractures. This challenging environment led to the development of local expertise; as the saying goes, "practice makes perfect, and necessity breeds talent." As a result, most larger villages and towns had one or two local doctors with specialized methods for treating bone injuries. Over time, bone-setting therapy became a widely practiced and diverse form of traditional Chinese medicine, deeply rooted in communities across China.

Chinese medicine bone-setting therapy is characterized by three main aspects: a unique understanding of bone physiology and injury pathology according to Chinese medicine theory, the skilled application of techniques, and the distinctive use of medicinal treatments. These elements often combine to create a unique therapeutic approach and establish renowned schools of practice. Although societal development and extensive academic exchanges have led to some convergence in Chinese medicine bone injury therapies, the regional, technical, and medicinal distinctions of certain famous trauma experts and schools remain. Compared to Western orthopedic medicine, Chinese bone-setting therapy continues to offer unique advantages.

Shi's trauma therapy, founded by Shi Lanting in 1880, blends traditional martial arts bone-setting techniques with Chinese medicine's internal treatment and conditioning methods. This distinctive diagnostic and treatment approach has been passed down through five generations and stands as a hallmark of Chinese orthopedic medicine.

Shi's traumatology employs the Chinese medicine concept of "13 disciplines unified by one principle" in orthopedic practice, which is highly valued in traditional Chinese medicine culture. Theoretically, it emphasizes the holistic concept of treatment, integrating qi and blood, and combining internal and external approaches, culminating in the creation of the "32-character treatment philosophy." In diagnosis and treatment, the focus is on addressing muscle and bone injuries through a three-stage treatment process; for internal injuries, it involves distinguishing the qi and blood of the internal organs; for chronic injuries and strains, the cause and condition are carefully assessed. In terms of manipulation, the therapy adheres to the principle of being "steady and strong, soft and flexible, precise and accurate," summarized in twelve key techniques: pulling, stretching, pressing, straightening, lifting, twisting, compressing, rubbing, shaking, and more. In medication, Shi's traumatology emphasizes tailoring prescriptions to symptoms and adapting treatments to specific diseases. Through long-term practice, a series of renowned prescriptions has been developed, including the three-color compress, dissipating pastes, Qilin powder, and new injury Xuduan soup.

However, due to the influence of Western surgical practices, Chinese medicine traumatology—especially its most distinctive non-drug therapies like manipulation—is in decline. The shift towards developing Chinese patent medicines using Western research methodologies has also led to the loss of many traditional preparation methods and therapies. As a result, Shi's traumatology faces the challenge of a lack of successors, creating an urgent need for revitalization and preservation.