Clinical Application of 30 “Clue” Herbs

: Gateway to Zhang Zhongjing formulas algorithm

Synopsis:

This is the first part of 2-part series course. The series will teach the patterns of 30 core herbs used in Zhang Zhongjing’s Shanghan Zabing Lun (傷寒雜病論) and their clinical application. These herbs are recognized as “clue” herbs because knowing and seeing their patterns in patients will give you a clue of what formulas to consider and what not to. First part will teach 15 primary clue herbs and second part another 15 herbs that serve as secondary clue. The patterns of 15 primary clue herbs often relate distinct constitutional traits of patients. So, they are often used as a main (emperor) herb in formula. Knowing these patterns will help you recognize the state of deficiency/excess and heat/cold in a patient as well as the structural and functional characteristics of the patient. 15 secondary clue herbs are selected because of their strategical position in Zhang Zhongjing formula system. The pattern of a secondary clue herb can inform a distinct patho-physiology of the body, help differentiate one formula from another that may be used in a similar situation, and/or have readily identifiable objective signs and subjective symptoms.

 

Learning Objective:

Students will be able to..

  • Recognize ancient empirical method of herbal practice

  • See Zhang Zhongjing’s text from the lens of Zhang Zhongjing’s text

  • Understand concept of single herb’s main ability, mainly treating pattern, and inclusively treating pattern.

  • Know the patterns of 15 primary clue herbs

  • Learn how subtle and prolonged pattern manifests as constitutional traits in persons and how to use them in clinic

  • Know the patterns of 15 secondary clue herbs

  • Remember some of important Zhang Zhongjing formulas and their patterns

  • Arrive at formula prescription through recognizing clue herb patterns in clinic.

 

Part I: 15 Primary Clue Herbs

The first part of series introduces the background and foundation of the premises on which this approach emerged. Then, the course will focus on 15 primary “clue” herbs of the Shanghan Zabing Lun. Patterns of these herbs often serve as most helpful “clues” for us to understand persons and their physio-pathology. Hence, they help practitioners to select effective formulas for our patients. Students will learn each herb in terms of its main ability, mainly treating pattern (primary pattern), inclusively treating patterns (secondary patterns), constitutional traits, palpable patterns including abdominal findings, and important formulas containing that herb and the corresponding formula pattern in relation to that single herb pattern.

Format: Online zoom

Starting date and time line: TBD

Course hour: 16 hours

Tuition: $300

 

Part II: 15 Secondary Clue Herbs

The second part of series reinforces what students learned from the part 1 and focuses on the 15 secondary “clue” herbs. These herbs also serve as an important “clue” for formula selection. Students will learn each herb in this category in terms of its main ability, mainly treating pattern (primary pattern), inclusively treating patterns (secondary patterns), and pathophysiology or mechanism that leads to these patterns. Students will also learn some of the important formulas that contain these herbs and exercise how to use such clues and herbs to arrive at an appropriate formula in clinic.

Prerequisite: Part I: 15 Primary Clue Herbs

Format: Online zoom

Starting date and time line: TBD

Course hour: 16 hours

Tuition: $300

Cancellation and refund policy

If you cancel more than 30 days before the class, you will receive a 100% refund minus a $30 administration fee.

If you cancel within 10-30 days before the class, you will receive a 50% refund of the class fee.

If you cancel with fewer than 15 days before the class, NO REFUND will be given.

Wisdom Garden Academy reserves the right to cancel a scheduled class due to low enrollment or other extenuating circumstances. In case we need to cancel an event, a full amount will be refunded to those already registered.