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 presented 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 first session devoted to the "Yellow" formula family, Heiner compares representative formulas in this family of heat- and toxicity-clearing herbs, discussing their therapeutic actions, indications, and clinical applications. The focus is primarily on formulas in which Dahuang is the chief herb, including Xiao Chenqi Tang, Da Chengqi tang, Taohe Chengqi Tang and Maziren Wan. Case studies are used to explain how to modify/combine formulas to address specific presentating patterns.

Course Objectives

• Describe the energetic properties and actions of Dahuang as a chief herb. Include a discussion of the Yangming system and associated disorders.
• Discuss and compare Xiao Chengqi Tang, Da Chengqi Tang, Taohe Chengqi Tang and Maziren Wan, addressing historical context, structure (including any common herb pairings), dosages, indications, typical applications and case examples.
• Of the Dahuang formulas discussed, explain the distinguishing features enabling you to choose the most appropriate remedy for common presenting patterns.
• Describe how to craft modifications of Dahuang formulas and/or suggest formula combinations that will achieve a desired therapeutic effect for unique presenting patterns.

Course Outline

0 hrs - 30 minHeiner discusses the properties and actions of Dahuang as a chief herb. Included is an exploration of Yangming disorders.

30 min - 45 minHeiner introduces formulas in which Dahuang is the chief herb. The focus is on Xiao Chengqi Tang, including historical context, structure, dosages, indications, typical applications and case examples.

45 min - 1.25 hrsHeiner continues to discuss formulas in which Dahuang is the chief herb. The focus is Da Chengqi Tang, addressing historical context, structure (including the pairing with Mangxiao), dosages, indications, typical applications and case examples.

1.25 hrs - 1.75 hrsHeiner focuses on Taohe Chengqi Tang and Maziren Wan. He addresses historical context, structure (including pairings with Guizhi and Huomaren), dosages, indications, typical applications and case examples.

1.75 hrs - 2 hrsHeiner focuses on choosing the appropriate remedy for common presenting patterns. He describes how to modify Dahuang formulas and/or use formula combinations to achieve a desired therapeutic effect for unique presenting patterns.

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.