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
Recently a friend challenged me by asking me to write a piece about Chinese Medicine that would be understood be someone that has no background in ancient Chinese thought. This is for you neighbour Paul. Many people who begin studying Chinese medicine quickly discover that it feels unfamiliar. The concepts
Recently, I gained a deeper appreciation for the clinical relationship between Jue Yin and Shao Yang. While studying the classics, it is easy to view the Six Conformations as distinct stages or categories. In practice, however, the boundaries are often less clear. Patients rarely arrive presenting textbook patterns, and it
In Chinese medicine, ideas rarely stand alone. Concepts are woven together from different directions—literally and figuratively. The East, Wind, Wood, Jue Yin, Shao Yang, Blood, and the prevention of disease all form part of a larger picture of how life unfolds through change and transformation. One of the most
Are we treating symptoms, or are we helping people reconnect with their true nature? Most people visit a Chinese Medicine practitioner because of a specific complaint. It may be headaches, back pain, digestive problems, insomnia, or fatigue. Naturally, they want relief from their symptoms. But when we study the classical
Classical Chinese medicine contains a curious observation: the same formula may treat excessive urination and difficult urination, while two different formulas may address remarkably similar urinary symptoms. This apparent contradiction begins to resolve when the focus shifts from urine itself to the governance of water. Shen qi wan and Zhen
Introduction: Decoding the Paradox of Jue Yin As practitioners, we frequently encounter clinical presentations that refuse to fit neatly into textbook boxes. While Liver Qi stagnation stands as the most ubiquitous pattern in modern clinical practice, its deepest, most complex manifestation lies within the Jue Yin conformation. Representing the terminal
A few months ago a friend invited me to join him for a cacao ceremony. The nature of the cacao was interesting enough that I have decided to adopt it into the world of Chinese herbal medicine. If you know me, then you will have noticed that I am passionate
Introduction The Six Conformations (Liu Jing) are often presented as a system of channels, organs, or stages of disease. In the Huangdi Neijing Suwen, however, they describe a deeper relationship between cosmic influences and their expression within the human body. This work examines the union and separation of the Conformations
In clinical practice, it is easy to assign fixed functions to herbs, tonifies Qi, warms the middle, generates fluids. While useful, these descriptions can limit our understanding if taken too literally. The classical formulas do not present herbs as static substances, but as dynamic participants within a physiological process. In
I asked Co-pilot if the formula name of Sheng jiang xie xin tang is the same as the formula Sheng Jiang Ban Xia Tang. It answered...Yes. If you want, I can also map out the five Xie Xin Tang formulas and show exactly where Sheng Jiang Xie Xin
Introduction In Chinese medicine, images are used to express ideas that are too broad or subtle to define directly. The hexagrams of I Ching, particularly Tong Ren (Hexagram 13) and Shi (Hexagram 7), offer powerful ways to understand the relationship between function and form. These hexagrams are not merely symbolic—
The following passage offers a profound yet concise map of the relationship between Heaven, Earth, and Man, revealing how the movement of Qi unfolds through the cycles of the year. At first glance, it appears to describe seasonal change, but upon closer study it becomes clear that it is outlining
Practice Session I am offering a free online class with the goal of motivating you to dive into the classic text On Cold Damage, or in Chinese Shang Han Lun. Here is a short course description. This class introduces the Shang Han Lun as a complete clinical system rooted in
During the course of my studies, the clarity and systematic use of herbal formulas in the Shang Han Za Bing Lun continues to amaze me. At times, it feels as though Zhang Zhongjing is speaking directly to us across time. Let me illustrate this with an example. Dang gui (當歸,
In contemporary Chinese Herbal Medicine education, herbs and formulas are commonly taught through the framework of the Eight Methods. While this system is clinically useful, it presents a challenge for students because it is not rooted in the foundational principles of Chinese Medicine. The classification of herbs and formulas into
Lupus · Hashimoto · Lyme · Crohn’s Huang Di asked, Do we treat diseases as they are defined by Western medicine? Qi Bo replied, This is a wise question. Many students become confused about this, so I will answer carefully. The essential point is simple: We do not treat names. We treat
Introduction The Shao Yang conformation occupies a pivotal position within the Six Conformational framework of the Shang Han Lun. Neither fully exterior like Tai Yang nor fully interior like Yang Ming, it represents the hinge — the dynamic pivot through which pathogenic influence either resolves outward or penetrates inward. For this
My first Poem The universe breathes In and out, it births and grows, declines and returns The Dao is the source of the rising and falling We see the source in the manifestation of Yang agitation and Yin foundation The dividing of Heaven and Earth is defined Fire and Water