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 first session devoted to the Banxia formula family, Heiner discusses the nature of Banxia as a chief herb, and introduces representative formulas. He discusses their historical context, dosages, formula architecture, therapeutic actions, indications, and clinical applications. The focus is on Banxia Houpo Tang, Xuanfu Daizhe Tang, Banxia Xiexin Tang, and Gancao Xiexin Tang. Case studies are used to explain how to modify/combine formulas to address specific presenting patterns.

Course Objectives

• Describe the energetic properties and actions of Banxia as a chief herb. It is the main herb to treat what key symptom?
• Discuss and compare Banxia Houpo Tang, Xuanfu Daizhe Tang, Banxia Xiexin Tang and Gancao Xiexin Tang. Address historical context, structure (including any common herb pairings), dosages, indications and typical applications.
• Of the Banxia formulas discussed in 2, explain the distinguishing features enabling you to choose the most appropriate remedy for common presenting patterns. Be able to assess case examples.
• Describe how to craft modifications of Banxia formulas and/or suggest formula combinations that will achieve a desired therapeutic effect for unique presenting patterns.
• Discuss the principles used in the formulation of Counterflow Pearls

Course Outline

0 hrs - 15 minHeiner describes the properties and actions of Banxia as a chief herb. Included is a discussion of the functional basis for Banxia's scope of action. He addresses common misconceptions, important contraindications and processing considerations.

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

45 min - 1.25 hrsHeiner continues to explore formulas in which Banxia is the chief herb. The focus is on Xuanfu Daizhe Tang, including historical context, structure, dosages, indications, typical applications and case examples.

1.25 hrs - 1.5 hrsHeiner discusses the classical principles and the formulas that were used in the formulation of Counterflow Pearls

1.5 hrs - 2 hrsHeiner continues to explore formulas in which Banxia is the chief herb. The focus is on Banxia Xiexin Tang and Gancao Xiexin Tang, including 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.