In this introductory module we focus on the importance of having a clear method in the study of Chinese herbs. We approach medicine as applied philosophy. Module 1 dives deep into the core cosmological and metaphysical concepts that form the underpinning of all that we study.
At the same time, we focus our approach on being rooted in our senses, combining our sensory experience of the herbs- their taste, smell, texture, shape, how they grow- with our philosophical world view to create the epistemological framework of future study.
Different Types of Classification of Herbs & Formulas
Taste and Thermal Nature
Part of Plants and their affinities and correspondences
Understanding texture & shape in discerning herb functions
Exploration of smell in discerning herb functions
Study of the manner in which herbs grow in discerning herb functions
A method for studying the emotional and psychological aspects of herbs
Introduction to paozhi/processing medicinals
The structure of classical formulas
Introduction to duiyao/herbal pairing
Introduction to the Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing
Alchemical roots of herbalism
Tao Hong-Jing and the Shang Qing School of Daoism
Herbs, spiritual cultivation and Yang Sheng/nourishing life
Module 2: Study of Qi and Its Dynamics: Integrity & Resilience
This module focuses on the physiology and patho-mechanisms of Qi. We will explore how scent, taste, and shapes of different herbs affect the movement of Qi in different parts of the body. Multiple treatment strategies, from classical to contemporary sources will be presented.
The difference between prenatal and postnatal tonification in treatment will be clarified.
Tongue diagnosis is highlighted as a window into the Qi dynamics.
Modes of Qi stagnation & their correlation to different herbs
Levels of Tonification of Qi: Wei/Ying/Yuan
Types of Qi and their corresponding assessments & treatment strategies
Key Formulas that teach us the patho-mechanisms & clinical requirements of successful treatment of Qi disorders
Clinical Integration: Tongue and Pulse and Facial Diagnosis (linking specific herbs to pulse & tongue images)
Paozhi: processing herbs to effect the Qi and it’s vectors of movement
Module 3: Shang Hun Lun- Treating Exogenous Conditions
This module focuses on the treatment of exogenous conditions through the lens of the Shang Han Lun. This seminal text provides us with the foundational concepts of Chinese herbal medicine. We will explore treatment strategies for resolution of Cold Damage while also discerning the subtleties of the essential methods used by Zhang Zhong-Jing.
With each formula we will also examine creative and flexible usage of these foundational formulas by contemporary clinicians
Strategies for the treatment of colds, flu and other infectious diseases
The classical model for transmission of disease and its universal applications
The art of modification of formulas
Clinical applications of classical formulas to contemporary diseases
Module 4: Wen Bing Tradition - Clearing Heat and Toxicity
This module focuses on strategies for clearing heat and toxicity. Herbs and formulas that clear different types and different levels of heat will be differentiated. We will explore treatment strategies for the resolution of diseases caused by heat and the concepts of seasonal and environmental conditions as causes of disease.
The concepts of lurking heat and incubation will be examined in light of contemporary understanding of chronic degenerative and infectious disease.
Strategies for the treatment of toxic heat, blood heat, damp heat, phlegm heat, summer heat
Miasmic disorders
Antibiotic, antiviral and anti fungal herbs
Treatment strategies for antibiotic resistant conditions
Module 5: Xue and the Dynamics of Blood
This module focuses on the physiology and patho-mechanisms of Xue/Blood and its dynamics. Multiple treatment strategies, from classical to contemporary sources, for the tonification and invigoration of blood will be presented.
A presentation of herbs in the treatment of the Luo Vessels is included.
Sheng Hua/Generating and Transforming blood as a Gynecological Strategy
The dynamics of Invigorating Blood: the physiological perquisites of moving vs. invigorating vs. breaking blood
Blood Stasis vs. Blood Stagnation in the clinic
Treating the Luo Vessels with herbs
The Blood Model of Xue Ji as a paradigm for blood tonification
Wang Qing-Ren’s models of Blood Stasis and his influence in contemporary practice
Paozhi: processing herbs to enhance blood dynamics
Module 6: Jin-Ye and the Dynamic of Fluids
This module focuses on the physiology and patho-mechanisms of jinye/fluids. Understanding how to assess the physiological prerequisites for successful treatment of pathological fluids will be emphasized. Distinctions in the transformations of phlegm and the transformation of dampness will also be clearly explained. Multiple treatment strategies, from classical to contemporary sources will be presented.
The dynamics of the treatment of phlegm: discerning the physiological prerequisites of transforming vs. expelling vs. dissipating vs. vaporizing phlegm
Distinctions between turbidity and dampness and phlegm in the clinic
Treatment Strategies from the Imperial Academy tradition: formulas as teachers
Paozhi: processing herbs to treat dampness & phlegm
Clinical Integration: tracking prognosis and treatment with Tongue and Pulse diagnosis
Module 7: Securing the Root- Kidney Yin, Yang and Jing
This module focuses on treating the Root and Foundation. Strategies for the tonification of yin/yang and jing-essence will be presented. Treatment principles for KI disease will be explored. Key clinical distinctions between prenatal and post-natal deficiencies and how to detect this on the pulse will be examined. Treatment strategies from classical traditions, Zhu Dan-Xi and the Nourishing Yin Current, Zhang Jing-Yue and the Warm Supplementation Current will be explored.
A module for understanding the, "vectors of aging," will be elaborated.
Nan Jing Source theory: San Jiao, Ming Men & Yuan Qi
Strategies for treating KI disorders
Tracking the of the loss of latency
Principles in the assessment of resources to maintain latency and management of chronic degenerative disease
Herbs for the Divergent Channels and the Eight Extraordinary Vessels
Clinical Integration: Tongue and Pulse Images related to specific herbs & formulas
Module 8: Engaging the Shen
This module focuses on the treatment of Shen. Strategies for nourishing the heart to calm the Shen will be presented. Subtle distinctions between anchoring, settling, sedating, and tranquilizing shen will be explored. Strategies for the treatment of psychiatric, psychological and emotional disorders will be examined. This weekend will also present the alchemical distinctions between the “Big shen” and the “Little shen" in relation to the brain and HT.
A classical model for understanding the psychic faculties will be explored.
Working with the dynamics of Shen and it’s relation to consciousness and awareness
Aspects of the HT(PC): Xin, Xinzhu, Xinbao, Xinbaoluo, Xinxi
Anxiety and depression in the clinic
Treatment strategies for insomnia and sleep disorders
Working with the brain: understanding the “Big Shen” and its relation to the Nei Dan/Internal Alchemy
Module 9: Wind - Internal and External
This module presents substances that ‘Extinguish Wind and Stops Spasms’ as well as those that ‘Expel Wind Dampness.’ Wind, the “spearhead of 100 diseases,” has both interior as well as exterior manifestations. This module looks different causes and manifestations of the stirring of Liver Wind. The module also looks at how exterior wind-dampness impacts the muscles, joints and bones causing bi-obstruction.
Strategies for Arresting Internal Wind
Treating Neurological conditions
Facial paralysis
Painful Obstruction of the limbs
Plus Interactive Sessions in an Online Cohort Online Question and Answer Sessions Monthly 2 hours Sunday evenings once per month If you are unable to attend these sessions: they are recorded and there is opportunity to submit questions ahead of the meetings