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 third session, Heiner continues to explore representative formulas in the Danggui family. He discusses their historical context, dosages, formula architecture, therapeutic actions, indications, and clinical applications. The focus is on Siwu Tang, Tao Hong Siwu Tang, Xuefu Zhuyu Tang, Buyang Huanwu Tang, Wuyou San and Bazhen Tang. Case studies and a discussion of Ox Bone Pearls are used to explain how to modify/combine formulas to address specific presenting patterns.

Course Objectives

• Discuss and compare the differences and similarities between Siwu Tang and Tao Hong Siwu Tang, addressing historical context, structure (including any common herb pairings), dosages, indications, typical applications and case examples.
• Present additional basic symptom patterns, pathologies, and underlying causes of Jueyin disorders.
• Explore the similarities and differences in ingredients, structure, actions, and clinical application for the formulas Siwu Tang, Tao Hong Siwu Tang, Xuefu Zhuyu Tang, Buyang Huanwu Tang, Wuyou San, and Bazhen Tang.
• Learn to suggest modifications to a Danggui formula and/or formula combinations that achieve the desired therapeutic effect for a specific clinical presentation.

Course Outline

0 hrs - 30 minHeiner continues to explore the Danggui family of formulas. The focus is on Siwu Tang and Tao Hong Siwu Tang, including historical context and comparison of the formula structures, indications, dosages, applications and case examples.

30 min - 1 hrsHeiner continues the exploration of the Danggui family of formulas. The focus is on Xuefu Zhuyu Tang, including historical context, dosages, indications, applications and case examples.

1 hrs - 1.5 hrsThe focus is on Buyang Huanwu Tang, including single herbs, formula structure, indications, dosages, applications and case examples. Heiner also discusses how to modify the formulas, using Ox Bone Pearls as an example remedy to illustrate

1.5 hrs - 2 hrsThe focus is Wuyou San and Bazhen tang. He addresses the historical context, dosages, indications, typical applications and case examples for each formula, including comparing the formula structures.

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.