Jeffrey Yuen – Classical Chinese Herbal Medicine – Part 1

Part 1 of Classical Chinese Herbal Medicine: Introduction, Early Chinese Healers, Etiology of Bing-Diseases, Common Ailments, Formative Development of Herbalism, Materia Medica (Ben Cao), Significance of Fang-Prescriptions.

In the realm of Chinese herbal medicine, a modality of extraordinary intricacy and potency unfolds. The contemporary methods employed for the introduction of Chinese herbal medicine have undergone a process of streamlining and simplification, significantly influenced by the Western pharmaceutical model. It is essential to recognize, however, that this mode of instruction deviates from the historical approach to herbal medicine.

Traditionally, aspiring herbalists embarked on a journey requiring a profound understanding of herbs that transcended mere categorizations and rote memorization. The initial phases of learning delved into acquiring a comprehensive comprehension of herbs. The apprentice engaged in the practical experience of identifying and collecting herbs, attentively observing not only the herbs themselves but also the contextual factors of their environment. Furthermore, the apprentice partook in the ingestion of various herbs, closely monitoring personal reactions.

Despite the indispensable nature of intimate knowledge about each herb, the apprentice dedicated the majority of their time to the observation and assistance of the master. The initial focus lay on comprehending how herbs interacted within formulations. Analogous to understanding an individual through their interactions with others, distinct qualities of herbs surfaced based on their interplay within formulations. Similarly, individuals consuming the same herbal combination represented an additional herb contributing to the energetic milieu established by the combination. Concurrently, the cultivation of the skill of herbal preparation (pao zhi) took place.

This comprehensive program, spanning a duration of one year and consisting of 16 sessions, aims to impart herbal medicine in the most traditional fashion conceivable. According to Jeffrey, the objective of this course is to instruct herbs in the traditional manner, mirroring the way he himself was educated.

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