classical texts
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Li Zhong Wan – Strength for Rising after a Bad Fall
Rehabilitation can be a complicated and often lengthy journey. It involves addressing not only the physical challenges—such as tissue damage, compromised physiological functions, lingering effects of injury, trauma, surgery, or debilitating illness—but also the emotional components that accompany these experiences. These emotional aspects are crucial to the healing process and can significantly influence outcomes. The…
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Important Perspectives on Heat through the Analysis of Zhi Zi Chi Tang
The formula zhi zi chi tang is a small formula that treats a broad spectrum of conditions. It is indicated for “formless heat” which is lodged in the chest, constricting the movement of blood and qi in the upper burner. Indications Conditions it can treat can be categorized into three main groups: 1. Inflammatory Diseases…
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The many pathways of water – a guide to Wu Ling San and the Ling-Gui formulas
The combination of the 2 herbs fu ling and gui zhi appears in several formulas in the Shanghan Lun and in the Jingui Yaolue. This combination functions to stimulate fluid circulation and urination in case of fluid retention. Gui zhi is an important herb of the Tai Yang conformation, with the action of stimulating movement…
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What are the 6 Classifications of Disease?
The 6 classifications of disease of the Shanghan Lun are composed of 3 Yin 3 Yang1, each mentioned by name in correlation to certain disease characteristics and specific therapeutic methods. For example in line 1 there is the outline of a Tai Yang pathology: “In disease of Tai Yang, the pulse is floating, the head…
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Thoughts on the Yang Ming-Tai Yin dynamics
The dynamics of Yang Ming and Tai Yin conformations embodies the Yin-Yang dynamics of opposing forces which support, complement and depend on each other. The Yang Ming is the only internal conformation among the 3 Yang conformations. The nature of Yang is to rise and expand, however in the Yang Ming the Yang converges and…
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Shanghan Lun’s Role in the Evolution of Chinese Medicine – part 2
This article is the third in a series of articles which begins with the question: Considering Chinese medicine regards ancient medical texts as having practical value in modern times, does this imply that it has a faith-based perspective rather than a scientific one? I attempted to answer this question by following the history of the…
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Shanghan Lun’s Role in the Evolution of Chinese Medicine – part 1
The Shanghan Lun was written by Zhang Zhongjing (150-219), and 2000 years later is still considered to be one of the most important and influential books in Chinese medicine. In the previous article – Chinese Medicine: Science or Faith? – The following question was raised: Does the fact that Chinese medicine consider ancient texts to…
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Chinese Medicine – Science or Faith?
The Legacy of Zhang Zhongjing Chinese Medicine is largely based on ancient texts that were written about 2000 years ago. These classical texts include: Huang Di Nei Jing, Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing, Nan Jing, Shang Han Lun These texts are considered to be the theoretical as well as practical basis for Chinese Medicine from…
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The layers of Xiao Chai Hu Tang
The formula Xiao Chai Hu Tang is the main formula in the treatment of Shao Yang disorders. It is widely used for a large range of disorders, but to properly utilize this formula and witness it’s incredible effects, it is essential to fully understand it’s underlying mechanism. First of all, in order to realize this…