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 second session, Heiner continues to explore representative formulas in the Banxia family. He discusses their historical context, dosages, formula architecture, therapeutic actions, indications and clinical applications. The focus is on Wendan Tang, Pingjia Tang and Banxia Baizhu Tianma Tang. Case studies are used to explain how to modify/combine formulas to address specific presenting patterns. The Metal Pearls formulation is used as an example of creative prescribing based in classical principles.

Course Objectives

• Discuss and compare Wendan Tang, Pingjia Tang and Banxia Baizhu Tianma 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 classical principles and formula architecture used in the creation of Metal Pearls and Balance Pearls.

Course Outline

0 hrs - 30 minHeiner continues to explore formulas in which Banxia is the chief herb. The focus is on Wendan Tang, including historical context, structure, dosages, indications, typical applications and case examples.

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

45 min - 1.25 hrsPingjia Tang is combined with She Jie Xing Chong Tang and Baihe Huashi San in Metal Pearls, which regulate stuck qi by reversing physical + emotional counterflow via the Lung and Yangming networks, transforming phlegm and nourishing Lung yin. Cases.

1.25 hrs - 1.75 hrsHeiner continues to explore formulas in which Banxia is the chief herb. The focus is on Banxia Baizhu Tianma Tang, including historical context, structure, dosages, indications, typical applications and case examples.

1.75 hrs - 2 hrsHeiner discusses the classical principles and formula design of Balance Pearls.

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.