經方學

This October in Nanjing will be a unique opportunity to study constitution and the classic formulas of the Shang Han Lun and Jin Gui Yao Lue with Dr. Huang.

What you will gain from this special course:

• Learn the 10 basic constitutional types as outlined in The 10 Major Formula Families
• Understand the similarities and differences between the frequently used formulas families of the Shang Han Lun and Jing Gui Yao Lue.
• Observe and discuss clinical cases.
• Learn to use constitution diagnosis, and how to select appropriate prescriptions from within formula families.
• Become facile with the classic formulas.
• See Chinese medicine as it is practiced in China.
• Learn specific indications for particular formulas.

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When and where?
We will depart Seattle as a group on Oct 1st, begin classes on Oct 4th, and then leave China and return to the States on Oct 19th. Classes will be held in Nanjing in the conference room of our hotel, and clinic observation will be at the Nanjing TCM University, which is a 10 minute walk from the hotel.

What else?
There will be an optional day trip to Shanghai for a day of shopping, eating, and a trip to the top of the tallest building in China for a bird’s eye view of China’s biggest and most exciting city.
Of course, Nanjing itself is full of history, and colorful Chinese life to be explored.

China is a long way to go for just two weeks.
For those wishing to extend their stay in China, and explore the otherworldly natural beauty of Guilin, for an additional fee, we are offering an optional 5 days in Yangshuo. This lovely river town is at the very center of Guanxi province’s watercolor-like karst limestone mountains and meandering streams.

It all sounds great. How much for this adventure?
Price of $2,795 includes tuition, translation, accommodations, airfare from Seattle, ground transportation between Shanghai and Nanjing, and a Chinese visa.
Space is limited to 8 participants!
To reserve your place, a non-refundable US$300 deposit is required.

But wait, there’s more!
We are applying for NCCAOM PDA units.

Contact:
To be considered for this unique trip, email: michael@classicformulas.com
or call 206-788-5941.

It is not just that one can see more patients with a particular illness in a morning, than you might see in an entire year. Nor, is it that there is something about the busy as a bus station feel of a Chinese clinic, where patients jostle for position like horses at the starting gate.

It is not that it seems a bit odd that patients come in talking of body centered complaints like too much fire, stuffy chest feeling, or dizziness, instead of the oft heard Western psychological constructs of anxiety, depression or fatigue. And it is not that there are magic formulas that Chinese doctors use over on the Eastern side of the Western sea.

But, there is something.

A friend of mine that was recently studying for two weeks in Nanjing had this to say about her time there:

“While I’ve written all kinds of notes about formulas, herbs, tongues and their assorted coatings, what I notice is that I am just different in how I am with my patients, more directive, and without apology.”

There is something about as the Chinese say “opening your world eyes”, seeing how things are different precisely because your usual filters for how to see the world simply don’t work here. There is something about learning to navigate the Qi flow of traffic and crowds that force a completely different sense of movement and space. And then there are the ever present “why do they do it like this?” annoyances of life as it unreels in ways that bring us toe with toe with our assumptions, expectations and unspoken preferences.

Learning medicine in China comes peppered with fragrances and flavors we don’t have in the West. It can offer other views than those we have preciously cultivated. It is not always particularly pleasant, but it can be uniquely informative.
And vastly worthwhile.

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I have been fortunate in my time in Asia to have come across a number of doctors who have inspired and contributed to my journey of learning medicine. Doctor Huang has been particularly unique, as I’ve grown to know him through both his written words and the time we have spent together in his clinic, classes and discussing his book “shi da lei fang.” He is that rare combination of doctor, scholar, and teacher.

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This fall in early October we will hold in Nanjing the very first 2 week intensive for western practitioners. This course will be based on Dr. Huang’s understanding of constitutional types, formula families, and how it all comes together in the clinical setting. It will be an unusual opportunity to learn first hand how to use the classic formulas of the Shang Han Lun and Jin Gui Yao Lue to treat patients on both a constitutional and illness basis. Watch for more information here as we work out the details.

For more information, and to get on a mailing list so you can be immediately updated with the latest news on this event, send an email to: michael@classicformulas.com and prepare to deepen your own understanding of how these ancient formulas work in the modern world!