The Thirteen Branches of Zhuyou in Plain Language

The Thirteen Branches of Zhuyou are a highly mysterious branch of traditional Chinese medicine. They were once part of China’s official medical system. Using talismans, incantations, prayers, and other methods alongside the theories of Chinese medicine, they were used to regulate the body and mind and treat illness, especially difficult conditions and mental disorders.

Their origins can be traced back to ancient times, and they had begun to take shape by the Shang and Zhou dynasties. Over generations, they incorporated the wisdom of shamanic and Daoist medicine, forming a unique system. Their scope included internal medicine, surgery, psychology, and more. Practitioners believed in “guiding qi with the mind” and “communicating with the divine through incantations,” holding that focused intent and symbols could harness natural energy and harmonize the body’s qi.

Though the practice gradually faded from view as the times changed and is often dismissed as superstition, its ideas about psychological suggestion and emotional guidance have parallels in modern psychology. It remains a distinctive and intriguing part of ancient Chinese medical culture.