Song Dynasty, from Kaifeng, Henan, initially practiced medicine, specializing in acupuncture and moxibustion. Later, he was appointed to the Hanlin Medical Academy. In the first year of Jingyou (1034), Emperor Renzong of Song fell ill, and the court physicians repeatedly administered medicine without success. Princess Jinguo, having heard of Xu Xi's reputation, recommended him for treatment. Xu believed that acupuncture should be applied to the area around the pericardium, and after three sessions of acupuncture, the emperor recovered. Consequently, Xu Xi was appointed as a Hanlin medical officer and was awarded a crimson robe, silver fish, and gold coins. With the rewards he received, Xu built the "Bian Que Temple" in the western corner of Kaifeng and engaged in medical education there, attracting many students. Later, the Imperial Medical Bureau was established next to the temple. Xu Xi eventually rose to the position of Shangyao Fengyu in the Palace Administration. He authored the Divine Acupuncture and Moxibustion Essentials, a one-volume work that circulated widely but is now lost.