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 Guizhi formula family, Heiner further describes the energetic properties of Guizhi as a chief herb, and provides participants with a working knowledge of the qualities of and indications for the main herb pairings used to achieve specific targeted effects, including those of Guizhi with Mahuang, Shaoyao, Gegen and Fuling. The following formulas are discussed: Guizhi Tang, Gegen Tang, Guizhi Jia Gegen Tang, Xiao Qinglong Tang, Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang and Ling Gui Cao Zao Tang.

Course Objectives

• Describe the energetic properties and actions of Guizhi.
• Identify the common herb pairings made with Guizhi, and discuss the indications for, and the energetic properties and actions of each pairing.
• Discuss Guizhi Tang as the base formula in the Guizhi formula family.
• Discuss Guizhi family formulas that release the exterior in situations of wind-cold invasion.
• Discuss Guizhi family formulas that treat internal syndromes.

Course Outline

0 hrs - 30 minGuizhi in the classical materia medica. Guizhi Tang: Historical context, structure, dosages.

30 min - 1 hrsFurther discussion of Guizhi Tang. Includes indications, typical applications and multiple case examples.

1 hrs - 1.5 hrsGegen Tang and Guizhi Jia Gegen Tang: historical context, structure, dosages, indications, typical applications and case examples. Golden Pearls as an example of formula modification.

1.5 hrs - 2 hrsXiao Qinglong Tang, Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang and Ling Gui Cao Zao Tang: Historical context, structure, dosages, indications, typical applications and case examples. Introduction to Cinnamon Pearls as an example of formula modification.

2 hrs - 2.5 hrsQuestion and answer period. Heiner will answer the questions of greatest relevance to the group.