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 Danggui formula family, Heiner discusses the nature of Danggui 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 Danggui San, Danggui Shaoyao San, Jiao Ai Tang and Wenjing Tang. Case studies and a discussion of Moon Pearls are used to explain how to modify/combine formulas to address specific presenting patterns.

Course Objectives

• Describe the energetic properties and actions of Danggui as a chief herb. Include a discussion of the Jueyin system and associated disorders.
• Discuss and compare Danggui San, Danggui Shaoyao San, Jiao Ai Tang, and Wenjing Tang, addressing historical context, structure (including any common herb pairings), dosages, indications, typical applications and case examples.
• Of the Danggui formulas discussed, explain the distinguishing features enabling you to choose the most appropriate remedy for common presenting patterns.
• Describe how to craft modifications of Danggui formulas and/or suggest formula combinations that will achieve a desired therapeutic effect for unique presenting patterns.

Course Outline

0 hrs - 30 minHeiner explores the Danggui family of formulas. He includes a historical context and the nature of the herb, classical sourcing and how processing the herb differently can change the outcome of the formula actions and treatments.

30 min - 1 hrsHeiner highlights common herb pairings, including with Baishao and Chuanxiong. The focus is on Danggui San and Danggui Shaoyao San, including a historical context, formula structure, indications, dosages, applications and case examples.

1 hrs - 1.5 hrsThe focus is on Jiao Ai Tang. He addresses the historical context, structure, and applications. Heiner discusses how to modify Danggui formulas. He uses Moon Pearls as an example remedy to illustrate how to combine formulas with Danggui.

1.5 hrs - 2 hrsHeiner continues the exploration of the Danggui family of formulas. The focus is on Wenjing Tang. He addresses the historical context, structure, dosages, indications, typical applications and case examples.

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.