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 this first session devoted to the Chaihu (Bupleurum) formula family, Heiner describes the energetic properties of Chaihu as a chief herb, and provides participants with a working knowledge of the qualities of and indications for the pairings of Chaihu with Banxia (Pinellia) and Guizhi (Cinnamon). Clinical insights are provided into the following associated formulas: Xiao Chaihu Tang, Chaihu Guizhi Tang and Chaihu Guizhi Ganjiang Tang.

Course Objectives

• Describe the energetic properties and actions of Chaihu, with a special consideration on dosages.
• Discuss the Shaoyang system and associated disorders.
• Discuss the indications for, and the energetic properties and actions of the common herb pairings of Chaihu and Banxia, and Chaihu and Guizhi.
• Discuss Xiao Chaihu Tang as a base formula in the Chaihu formula family. Include historical context, structure, dosages, indications and typical applications, including some possible modifications.
• Discuss Chaihu Guizhi Tang and Chaihu Guizhi Ganjiang Tang. Include historical context, structure, dosages, indications and typical applications, including some possible modifications.

Course Outline

0 hrs - 30 minThe energetic properties and actions of Chaihu as a chief herb are discussed. Dosage considerations are emphasized. This discussion includes a general introduction to the Shaoyang system and associated disorders.

30 min - 1 hrsThe pairing of Chaihu with Banxia, and Xiao Chaihu Tang, one of the most frequently prescribed Chinese herbal formulas throughout time. Includes historical context, structure, dosages, indications, typical applications and case examples.

1 hrs - 1.25 hrsHeiner continues his discussion of Xiao Chaihu Tang. He focuses on case examples using this versatile formula.

1.25 hrs - 1.5 hrsThe properties of Chaihu and Guizhi as a common herb pair are discussed. The associated formula Chaihu Guizhi Tang is introduced.

1.5 hrs - 2 hrsThe formulas Chaihu Guizhi Tang and Chaihu Guizhi Ganjiang Tang are discussed. Included are historical context, structure, dosages, indications, typical applications and case examples.

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.

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 this second session devoted to the Chaihu formula family, Heiner compares some of the main formulas in the Chaihu family, discussing their therapeutic actions, indications, and clinical applications. Covered are Chaihu formulas made with the common herb pairings of Banxia, Guizhi and Gegen. Case studies are used to explain how to modify/combine formulas to address specific presenting patterns.

Course Objectives

• Discuss the main formulas within the Chaihu family, including the architecture of each formula with dosage considerations.
• Identify the main Chaihi family formulas that are made when Chaihu is paired with Baishao and/or Gegen. Discuss the therapeutic principles and typical indications for and applications of these formulas.
• For a given patient presentation, be able to choose the most appropriate formula within the Chaihu family.
• Be able to suggest modifications to a Chaihu formula and/or formula combinations that achieve the desired therapeutic effect for a specific patient presentation.

Course Outline

0 hrs - 30 minHeiner discusses main Chaihu formulas made when Chaihu is paired with Banxia and/or Gegen. The focus will be on Chai Ge Jieji Tang, including historical context, structure, dosages, indications, typical applications and case examples.

30 min - 1 hrsHeiner continues to discuss Chaihu formulas paired with Baishao and/or Gegen. The focus will be on Sini San, including historical context, structure, dosages, indications, typical applications and case examples.

1 hrs - 1.5 hrsContinued discussion of Chaihu formulas paired with Baishao and/or Gegen. Heiner presents Sini San cases, and then focuses on Xiaoyao San, including historical context, structure, dosages, indications, typical applications and case examples.

1.5 hrs - 2 hrsContinued discussion of Chaihu formulas. Heiner presents Xiaoyao San cases, and explores choosing (with possible modifications) the most appropriate Chaihu formula based on the patient presentation.

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.

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 this third session devoted to the Chaihu formula family, Heiner compares more of the main formulas in the Chaihu family, discussing their therapeutic actions, indications, and clinical applications. The focus is primarily on formulas in which Chaihu is paired with Dahuang. Case studies are used to explain how to modify/combine formulas to address specific presenting patterns.

Course Objectives

• Discuss the pairing of Chaihu with Dahuang (Rhubarb). What are the properties and actions of these herbs, individually and when paired?
• Compare and contrast two major Chaihu family formulas that contain the Chaihu-Dahuang pairing-- Da Chaihu Tang and Chaihu Jia Longgu Muli Tang. Include historical context, structure, dosages, indications, typical applications and case examples.
• Discuss the Chaihu family formula Longdan Xiegan Tang. Include historical context, structure, dosages, indications, typical applications and case examples.
• Of the Chaihu family formulas discussed, explain your choice of the most appropriate formula to treat common patient presentations.
• Craft modifications to Chaihu formulas, and/or suggest formula combinations that will achieve a desired therapeutic effect for specific presenting patterns.

Course Outline

0 hrs - 30 minHeiner discusses the pairing of Chaihu with Dahuang (Rhubarb). Emphasis is on the energetic properties and clinical indications.

30 min - 1 hrsHeiner discusses two major Chaihu formulas made with the Chaihu-Dahuang pairing--Da Chaihu Tang and Chaihu Jia Longgu Muli Tang. He includes history, structure, dosages, indications, typical applications and case examples.

1 hrs - 1.5 hrsHeiner continues discussing the main Chaihu formulas made with a pairing with Dahuang (Rhubarb). The focus is on case studies and the exploration of possible modifications and/or combinations.

1.5 hrs - 2 hrsHeiner discusses the Chaihu family formula Longdan Xiegan Tang. He includes historical context, structure, dosages, indications, typical applications and case examples.

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.