Course Overview

Dr. Heiner Fruehaufs 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 first session devoted to the Fuzi formula family, Heiner discusses the nature of Fuzi as a chief herb, and introduces representative formulas. He discusses their historical context, dosages, formula architecture, therapeutic actions, indications, and clinical applications. The focus is on Sini Tang, Fuzi Lizhong Wan and Zhenwu Tang. Case studies and a discussion of Vitality Pearls and Heart Pearls are used to explain how to modify/combine formulas to address specific presenting patterns.

Course Objectives

• Describe the energetic properties and actions of Fuzi. Discuss the unique sourcing of Fuzi, including modern concerns about the herb and proper use in formulas. Explore common herb pairings in Fuzi formulas.
• Discuss Sini Tang, Fuzi Lizhong Wan, and Zhenwu Tang addressing historical context, structure, dosages, indications, typical presentations and applications, and case examples.
• Explain the hallmark symptoms or features that allow you to choose the most appropriate remedy for common presenting patterns, given the Fuzi formulas presented.
• Describe how to craft modifications of the given Fuzi formulas and/or suggest formula combinations that will achieve a desired therapeutic effect for unique presenting patterns.

Course Outline

0 hrs - 30 minHeiner discusses the energetic properties & actions of Fuzi, including traditional sourcing & preparation methods and importance of this herb in the materia medica. He explores the significance of the herb, citing examples from classical sources.

30 min - 1 hrsHeiner further explores Fuzi, including concerns with regard to processing and proper use of the herb in formulas. Common herb pairings are discussed.

1 hrs - 1.5 hrsHeiner explores the Fuzi family of formulas. The focus is Sini Tang, Fuzi Lizhong Wan, and Zhenwu Tang. He addresses historical context, formula structure, dosages, indications, typical applications and case examples.

1.5 hrs - 2 hrsHeiner explains how to modify and/or combine Fuzi formulas to achieve a desired effect for individual presenting patterns. As examples, he uses Vitality Pearls, which is based on Fuzi Lizhong Tang, and Heart Pearls, which is based on Zhenwu Tang.

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.