Originally from Weizhou (now Jixian, Henan) in the Song Dynasty, he later resided in Heyang (now Mengxian, Henan). Sun was originally a folk Confucian physician, well-versed in the classics, especially skilled in medicine, and famous for using Zhang Zhong-jing's methods to treat cold-damage disease, renowned far and wide. Before Empress Guangxian of Emperor Renzong of the Northern Song Dynasty entered the palace, she lived in Heyang with her uncle who was an official. She often sought treatment from Sun when she was ill and was cured. After entering the palace, once when she was ill and the imperial physicians failed to cure her, she recommended Sun Yong-he, who was summoned by Emperor Renzong and successfully treated her. Sun Yong-he was appointed as Xuandelang Shangyao Fengyu, Taiyi Ling, and other positions as a physician. During Emperor Renzong's reign (1023-1063), Sun lectured on medical classics to physicians for over a decade. He authored Chuanjia Mibao Fang in 3 volumes. Additionally, Sun Shangyao Fang, Chuanjia Mibao Maizheng Koujue Bing Fang, each in 3 volumes, are suspected to be alternative names for Chuanjia Mibao Fang. Sun Yong-he's medical works were frequently cited in Zhenglei Bencao of the Song Dynasty and Guang Zhouhou Fang by Yang Yongdao of the Jin Dynasty. A Japanese manuscript copy of Chuanjia Mibao Maizheng Koujue Bing Fang in 3 volumes survives in fragments.

Sun Qi, the eldest son of Sun Yong-he, along with his brother Sun Zhao, were both Jinshi degree holders. Sun Qi served as an official in the Ministry of Personnel, and Sun Zhao held positions such as Jiangrenlang Shou Dianzhong Cheng and Shangyao Fengyu Cheng, both well-versed in medicine. In the second year of Jiayou (1057), Emperor Renzong established the "Bureau for the Correction of Medical Books," with Sun Qi and Sun Zhao as key members, participating in the correction of medical texts such as Cold-Damage Disease Treatise, Jingui Yaolue, Jinkui Yuhan Jing, Qianhui Yaofang, Qianjin Yifang, and Waitai Miyao.