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Self-styled as Tongxuan Chushi, also known by the alias Shouzhenzi, he was a native of Hejian (present-day Hejian, Hebei) during the Jin Dynasty, born in 1120 (the fourth year of Tianfu in the Jin Dynasty) and passed away around 1200 (the fifth year of Cheng'an in the Jin Dynasty), living to the age of 80. It is also said that his ancestral home was in Gansu Ning Yangbian Village (now Shisu Village), Hebei. Because he lived in Hejian (present-day Hejian County, Hebei) for many years, he was known as Hejian Xiansheng or Liu Hejian.

From a young age, he was intelligent and deeply engrossed in medical books. Due to his mother's illness, he sought medical help three times without success, and she unfortunately passed away, which motivated him to dedicate himself to the study of medicine. He initially studied under Mr. Chen (Chen Shiyi?), and after completing his studies, he practiced medicine independently, gradually gaining a reputation. In his medical practice, he particularly favored Suwen, studying it day and night, never letting the book out of his hands, and eventually grasped its essence. Based on its principles, combined with the environmental and climatic characteristics of the north, and the robust physique and rich diet of the people, he focused on the nineteen disease mechanisms of Neijing, advocating the theory of cold-damage disease and fire Rebing mechanism. He was adept at using cold and cool methods to attack pathogens, often employing prescriptions like Saposhnikovia Sage-Inspired Powder and Shuangjie Powder, gaining fame during the Dading and Mingchang periods (1161-1195). Emperor Jin Yanzong invited him three times, but he steadfastly declined. Emperor Zhang admired his simplicity and bestowed upon him the title "Noble Sir." As his innovative theories spread widely, many followed him, including Mu Zizhao, Ma Zongsu, Liu Hong, Chang De, Dong Xi, Liu Rongfu, and Jingshan Futu, among others. There were also many private students, such as Zhang Congzheng, Cheng Hui, Liu Jifu, and Pan Tianpo, ultimately forming a distinct medical style focused on cold and cool methods to attack pathogens. He pioneered a new phase in the development of Jin-Yuan medicine, forming an important academic school known as the "Hejian School."

Liu left behind many works, mainly including Huangdi Suwen Xuanming Lunfang (1172) in 15 volumes, Suwen Xuanji Yuanbingshi (1186), Neijing Yunqi Yaozhi Lun (also known as Suwen Yaozhi Lun), Cold-Damage Disease Zhige (1186) in 3 volumes, Cold-Damage Disease Branch and Root Xinfa Leicui (2 volumes), Sanxiao Lun with Rumen Shiqin attached), Suwen Yaozhu (lost), Yifang Jingyao (lost), and other works attributed to Liu Wansu, such as Xiyi Yaoyong Zhige Bing Yaofang, Hejian Liu Xiansheng Shibaji, Baotong Miyao, Zhibing Xinyin, Liu Hejian Yi'an, etc. Later generations compiled his main works into collections like "Hejian Liushu" and "Hejian Shishu," which may include works by other Jin-Yuan medical practitioners.