Course Overview

Dr. Heiner Fruehauf's master class on Chinese herbal medicine deepens the lifelong learner’s mastery of herbal prescribing by rooting their understanding in classical principles and practices. It accommodates the needs and interests of all levels, from students of Chinese medicine and newer practitioners to seasoned practitioners who are ever-refining their capacity to successfully treat any condition presenting in the clinic.

For each of eight major herb families, Heiner describes the energetic properties of the lead herb, common herb pairs, and the major herbal formulas. Case examples are presented to provide a clinical context for learning the indications for particular formulas within each family. With this base of knowledge, practitioners can stand on firm ground while being flexible in their ability to design herbal treatments that effectively treat the complex patterns manifesting in our increasingly out-of-balance world.

In the third session, Heiner continues to explore representative formulas in the Dihuang family. He discusses their historical context, dosages, formula architecture, therapeutic actions, indications, and clinical applications. The focus is on Dahuang Zhechong Wan, Biejia Jian Wan and Shenxian Dushi Dan. Case studies and a discussion of Spirit Pearls are used to explain how to modify/combine formulas to address specific presenting patterns.

Course Objectives

• Discuss Dahuang Zhechong Wan, Biejia Jian Wan, Shenxian Dushi Dan, and Suanzaoren Tang, addressing historical context, structure, dosages, indications, typical applications and case examples, and in some cases sourcing and processing of ingredients.
• Explain the hallmark symptoms or features that allow you to choose the most appropriate remedy for common presenting patterns, given the Dihuang and Suanzaoren based formulas presented.
• Describe how to craft modifications of the given Dihuang formulas and/or suggest formula combinations that will achieve a desired therapeutic effect for unique presenting patterns.

Course Outline

0 hrs - 30 minHeiner continues the exploration of the Dihuang family of formulas. The focus is Dahuang Zhechong Wan, addressing historical context, structure, dosages, indications, typical applications and case examples.

30 min - 1 hrsHeiner continues to explore the Dihuang family of formulas, specifically Biejia Jian Wan & Shenxian Dushi Dan, addressing sourcing & processing, historical context, structure, dosages, indications, typical applications and case examples.

1 hrs - 1.5 hrsHeiner continues with the discussion of the Dihuang family of formulas. He explores more of the unique historical context of Dahuang Zhechong Wan, Biejia Jian Wan, and Shenxian Dushi Dan and offers case examples to understand differentiation.

1.5 hrs - 2 hrsHeiner explains how to modify Dihuang formulas or formulas based on yin tonics such as Suanzaoren to achieve a desired effect for individual presenting patterns. He uses Spirit Pearls as an example.

2 hrs - 2.5 hrsThe final 30 minutes will be devoted to a question and answer period. Questions will be selected from those posted in the Zoom chat based on relevance for the whole group.