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.