Jeffrey Yuen – Classical Chinese Herbal Medicine – Part 1

Part 1: Introduction to Classical Chinese Herbal Medicine, Early Practitioners in China, Understanding the Causes of Diseases (Etiology), Common Ailments, Evolution of Herbalism, Pharmacopoeia (Ben Cao), Importance of Prescriptions (Fang).

In the realm of Chinese herbal medicine, an incredibly intricate and powerful healing modality unfolds. Contemporary approaches to introducing Chinese herbal medicine have undergone simplification and streamlining, with a substantial influence from the Western pharmaceutical model. However, this differs significantly from the historical methods of herbal medicine instruction.

Traditionally, one aspiring to be a herbalist needed a profound understanding of herbs, surpassing mere categorization or memorization. The initial phases of learning delved into acquiring a thorough comprehension of herbs. The apprentice engaged in identifying and collecting herbs whenever possible, observing not only the herb itself but also its surroundings. Additionally, the apprentice partook in consuming various herbs, keenly noting personal reactions.

While mastery of individual herbs remained crucial, the apprentice predominantly invested time in observing and aiding the master. The initial focus was on understanding how herbs interacted within formulations. Just as understanding a person requires observing their interactions with others, the qualities of herbs became apparent through their combinations. Similarly, individuals consuming the same herbal blend contributed to the dynamic created by the combination, akin to an additional herb. Simultaneously, the art of herbal preparation (pao zhi) was honed.

This comprehensive 16-session program aims to convey herbal medicine in the most traditional manner conceivable. Jeffrey emphasizes, “the objective of this course is to instruct herbs in the traditional fashion… the way in which I received instruction.”

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