Cao Cao, a prominent warlord of the Three Kingdoms period, is renowned for his ambitious rise to power and contributions to the Cao Wei state. His chronic headaches and their treatment by Hua Tuo, a skilled physician of the time, play a crucial role in understanding their historical dynamics. The unexpected outcome of Hua Tuo’s avoidance of Cao Cao had far-reaching consequences that impacted both their lives and the realm of traditional Chinese medicine.

The Physician and the Patient

Cao Cao’s debilitating ailment, characterized as migraine headaches accompanied by mental disturbance and dizziness, led him to seek relief from Hua Tuo. Hua Tuo’s acupuncture treatment, especially targeting the diaphragmatic transport insertion point and the Yongquan (bubbling fountain) acupuncture point on the sole, brought him temporary relief from the excruciating pain. His ability to alleviate Cao Cao’s suffering led to his appointment as the warlord’s personal physician.

Avoidance and Resentment

Despite the acclaim and trust bestowed upon him, Hua Tuo harbored a resentment for his role as a physician due to…read more