Training
Wisdom Garden Academy’s
Curriculum
Our courses are developed and organized under the following 5 subject areas.
Clinical Herbal Medicine
This area of study introduces and expands upon Zhang Zhongjing’s Shanghan Zabing Lun (傷寒雜病論) practice based on qi, blood, water (氣血水) circulation model, rather than Neijing theoretical models. In this practical approach, practitioners can assess the body based on the location of impaired circulation and corresponding patterns to arrive at an appropriate herbal prescription. To that end, patterns are broken down and taught in a hierarchical frame work: disease patterns, formula patterns, and single herb patterns. Diseases will be explained in terms of the locations and characteristics of how qi, blood, water circulation in the body has been disrupted in a given situation. Formula patterns and single herb patterns will offer a practical way to select effective formulas and further enhance practitioners’ understanding of the human body and its reaction to pathogenic stimulation. Special emphasis is made on how short-term patterns attribute to person’s symptoms and bodily signs, and how long term patterns affect structural and functional shaping of the person as constitutional traits.
Shanghan Zabing formulas will be learned in a systemic manner, similar to weaving a complete fabric with a vertical and horizontal loom; namely, the delineated approach (vertical loom) and familial approach (horizontal loom). Further, certain herbs combinations that are missing in Shanghan Zabing formulas yet have been used effectively in later formulas are identified as missing links. Then, selected essential formulas employing such combinations from later texts will be introduced and learned to fill the gaps in Shanghan Zabing Lun for the complete and comprehensive practice.
Foundation for Acupuncture Practice
This area of study aims to lay a strong foundation for effective acupuncture practice. For such purpose, the courses are designed to present important instructions and essential information derived from Huangdi Neijing (黃帝內經) and other important acupuncture Classics such as the Nan Jing (八十一難經 : 81 Questions on Classic), Shi Si Jing Fa Hui (十四經發揮 : Revelation of 14 Channels), and Qi Jing Ba Mai Kao (奇經八脈考 : Exploration of Eight Extraordinary Vessels), as well as from palpation practice and clinical experience.
Anatomy and Palpation
This curriculum explores the body structure and tissues and their palpation in depth. Participants will learn the locations of organs and various tissues and how to identify and touch them respectively to enhance their palpatory senses and to gain information necessary to understand the state of the body more readily.
Mind-Body Cultivation
The subject of mind-body cultivation is of importance not just for healthy life style but also for effective clinical practice because we believe that it is foundational for the success of all aspects of learning, practice and life. The curriculum in this area is related with all level of our existence including physical, emotional, spiritual, professional, financial, and social level. Through writings, videos, and workshops, we will explore and share various practices and approaches including virtue cultivation, meditation, breathing, Dao Yin (導引) exercise, body awareness, and mind and spiritual development methods and techniques.
Classical literary Chinese and texts
This part introduces traditional Chinese characters and how to read classical literary Chinese. It will be an ongoing coursework as a long term learning endeavor and expanding to explore the Confucian classics in their original form, such as, Da Xue (大學: Great Learning), Zhong Yong (中庸 : Doctrine of Means), Lun Yu (論語 : Analects), Meng Zi (孟子 : Mencius), Shi Jing (詩經 : Classic of Poetry), Shu Jing (書經 : Classic of History), and Yi Jing (易經 : Classic of Change).
Structure and Significance
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Core knowledge and skills for East Asian Medicine practitioners
“The finest tip of acupuncture needle at a precise location on the body is a connection to the biggest energy field of the Universe.”
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Core knowledge and skills for East Asian Medicine practitioners
“The partiality of herbs can balance and inform the partiality of human beings. Therefore, studying and practicing herbs can help us understand ourselves deeper.”
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Foundational for medical practice
“Educate your mind by knowing your anatomy. What you see you can feel.”
“No one argues with the wine tester who, by using his palate, can tell us the characteristics of a wine - its region, its vineyard or even its vintage. The education of touch can go at least as far.”
— Jean-Pierre Barral
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Foundational for the success of all above
“Great force within us awakens when our minds begin to tune into the truth.”
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A supporting role for deepening the East Asian Medicine knowledge and practice
“Classic literary Chinese is a gateway to the pure minds of the antiquity and the wonderful world of the early Eastern civilization.”
