His later name was Yingningsheng. His ancestral home was in Xiangcheng (now Xiangcheng County, Henan), and later he moved to Yizhen (now Yizheng County, Jiangsu), and then to Yuyao now Yuyao County, Zhejiang. Hua Shou was intelligent and studious from a young age, excelling in poetry and literature, and well-versed in the classics and various historical texts. He first studied medicine under the renowned physician Wang Juzhong in Jingkou (now Zhenjiang City, Jiangsu). He delved into the Suwen and Nan Jing, gaining significant insights, and subsequently authored two books: Du Suwen Chao and Nanjing Benyi. He then meticulously studied the theories of Zhang Zhong-jing, Liu Shou-zhen, and Li Dong-yuan, integrating and mastering them, achieving profound expertise. Later, he studied acupuncture techniques under Gao Dongyang in Dongping (now Dongping County, Shandong), and devoted himself to the study of meridians and collaterals. Drawing from the theories on meridians and collaterals in texts such as the Neijing, he compiled the Shisijing Fahui in three volumes.

In addition to the three aforementioned medical works, Hua Shou also authored Du Shanghan Lun Chao, Zhenjia Shuyao, Zhilou Pian, and Yiyun, among others. The latter two books have been lost.