liu jing
-
Tao He Cheng Qi Tang: The Mind-Body Connection
We often speak of blood stagnation in terms of physical obstructions, circulatory problems and damaged tissue. We often speak of the tai yang conformation in terms of external pathogens that need to be expelled from the body using sweating as the main treatment strategy. So why are formulas that treat blood stagnation mentioned in relation…
-
The Force of Harmony – Gui Zhi Tang
Gui Zhi Tang is the first formula described in the Shanghan Lun, and the most diverse. It is repeatedly mentioned in the text in relation to different clinical applications. It is often associated with the tai yang classification of disease, linking it to diseases of external pathogenic wind manifesting in fever, chills, body aches and…
-
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…
-
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…
-
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…
-
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…
-
The Character of Stagnation in the Shanghan Lun – Si Ni San
The formula Si Ni San is a popular and widely used formula for treating pathologies of liver qi stagnation and liver invading the spleen. The list of possible clinical manifestations is long and varied, including: Digestive problems with abdominal distention and pain, irregular bowel movements. Gynecological problems with irregular periods, emotional and physical symptoms of…
-
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…
-
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…
-
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…