Yang Benlei - Representative Inheritor of Yi Traditional Medicine Project in Lucheng Town, Chuxiong

Yang Benlei (杨本雷), born in 1955 in Lucheng (鹿城), Chuxiong Yi Autonomous Prefecture (楚雄彝族自治州), Yunnan Province (云南省), is a distinguished practitioner and scholar of Yi ethnic (彝族) medicine. Combining formal education in modern medicine with traditional apprenticeship under renowned Yi physicians such as Xu Tianhe (徐天鹤), Li Jindou (李金斗), and Xian Qi (先启), he has become a leading figure in the preservation, research, and innovation of Yi medicinal knowledge.

? Professional Skills and Contributions

Yang Benlei has demonstrated remarkable expertise across clinical practice, research, and teaching:

Mastery of Yi Medicinal Herbs

• Proficient in identifying Yi medicinal herbs using traditional techniques: visual inspection, smell, taste, and touch.

• Can determine likely medicinal plant locations based on mountain topography, and understands their botanical classification, therapeutic effects, and proper usage.

• Knowledgeable of nearly 1,000 types of Yi medicines, with the ability to assess quality and authenticity.

Clinical Practice and Research

• Long-term clinical experience in treating complex conditions, particularly malignant tumors.

• Advocates the Yi medical principle of “strengthening the body and dispelling pathogens” (扶正祛邪), emphasizing the core importance of strengthening the body (扶正).

• Participated in the research and development of four nationally recognized Yi medicines.

Theoretical Development and Academic Leadership

• Authored and edited multiple works on Yi medicine, systematically documenting fundamental theories, medicinal principles, and their relation to other traditional medical systems.

• Contributed significantly to the systematization and modernization of Yi medicine.

? Honors and Recognition

• Since 2007 – Recipient of the State Council Special Government Allowance for outstanding contributions in medicine.

• 2014 – Recognized as one of the first “Yunling Famous Doctors” (云岭名医) in Yunnan Province.

• 2008 – Appointed by Yunnan Provincial Personnel and Health Departments as a mentor for Yi medicine apprentices, formally responsible for training the next generation of practitioners.

? Mentorship and Cultural Impact

Yang Benlei places great emphasis on the transmission of Yi medical knowledge. Through apprenticeship programs, he has trained numerous successors, ensuring the continuation of this unique medical tradition. His work has been widely recognized by Chuxiong Prefecture authorities and fellow experts, bridging the gap between traditional Yi medicine and modern medical science.

? Conclusion

Yang Benlei is a leading figure in Yi medicine, seamlessly integrating traditional wisdom and modern clinical practice. His contributions span research, education, and clinical innovation, making him a cornerstone in the preservation, development, and dissemination of Yi medicinal knowledge in Yunnan (云南).