Introduction In the Shang Han Lun, Zhang Zhongjing defines Yang Ming disease with a remarkably concise statement: 陽明之為病，胃家實是也 — “In disease of the Yang Ming, the Stomach family is replete.” This single line opens the door to a deeper understanding of Yang Ming physiology, the nature of excess, and the
Spirit becoming life In Chinese medicine, the Five Shen describe how the Spirit of the Heart manifests through the five Yin organs. The Shen is an emanation of Heaven within the human being. Although it resides in the Heart, it is expressed through each of the Yin officials as a
In Chinese Medicine, we often learn that fear belongs to the Kidneys. This is a useful starting point, but the Classical texts invite us to look more carefully. The word translated as “fear” in English does not always represent the same experience in Classical Chinese. Three words become particularly interesting:
Introduction Chinese Medicine has always used images and concepts to describe, understand, and remember a theoretical world that is otherwise difficult to see. These images are not merely metaphors added to make the medicine more poetic. They are ways of pointing toward the relationships and movements through which the Dao
Minor Center-Fortifying Decoction When in cold damage that has lasted for two or three days, there are palpitations and vexation in the Heart, Xiao Jian Zhong Tang governs. — Shang Han Lun, line 102 小建中汤 — Xiǎo Jiàn Zhōng Tāng Xiao Jian Zhong Tang is usually translated as Minor Center-Fortifying
厥 — Reversal, Counterflow, and the Broken Connection of Yin and Yang Huang Di, What is jué reversal? Qi Bo knocked his head three times on the floor out of respect and said “what a wise question, I shall answer it as best I can”. Qi Bo, The word 厥 (jué)
We all know what it feels like to be tired. Sometimes the reason is obvious. We have worked too hard, slept badly, or simply had too much going on. Usually, a good night's sleep is enough to put things right. But sometimes tiredness becomes something else. We wake
Introduction The Six Conformations are often learned as six separate categories: Tai Yang, Yang Ming, Shao Yang, Tai Yin, Shao Yin, and Jue Yin. Each is associated with particular channels, organs, symptoms, and patterns of disease. While this is useful, it can also make the Six Conformations appear as six
A simple architecture of Chinese medicine I have come to think that it is not necessary to understand every aspect of ancient Chinese thought in order to understand Chinese medicine. This may seem like a strange conclusion, because Chinese medicine is surrounded by a remarkable number of ancient systems of
Introduction: When a Formula Name Opens a Cosmological Door When we encounter formulas such as Bai Hu Tang (White Tiger Decoction), Xiao Qing Long Tang (Minor Blue-Green Dragon Decoction), and Zhen Wu Tang (True Warrior Decoction) in the Shang Han Lun, it is tempting to focus immediately on their
Most practitioners learn abdominal diagnosis as a collection of interesting pressure points and tender areas. But what if the abdomen could tell you which herbal formula the patient needs? This guide brings together the clinical wisdom of Kampo, Kiiko Matsumoto Style, and the classical formula tradition of the Shang Han