The Meaning of Shang Han in “Shang Han Lun”

“Shang Han Lun” (“Treatise on Febrile Diseases”) names from Shang Han, which has a broad meaning and a narrow meaning. The broad meaning of Shang Han is a broad generic term for all the exogenous diseases, while the narrow meaning of Shang Han is a disease caused by external attack of wind-cold. “Shang Han Lun” mainly discusses Shang Han in the broad meaning, considers six evils as etiology and pathogenic factors, and combines both inside and outside factors of diseases to discuss pathogenesis, differentiation and treatment principles. Therefore, “Shang Han Lun” is TCM classic professional book that talks about the differentiation and treatment to exogenous diseases and certain miscellaneous diseases.