APPLICATION OF HERBS ON ACUPOINTS

Since the Tang Dynasty with the comprehensive integration of the modalities of Chinese medicine, herbs and acupuncture have been utilized as complementary systems to each other. Most importantly, the plurality of the many styles and traditions began to be synthesized into a somewhat homogenous body of thoughts. Common to this approach was to note the similar functions between herbs and acupoints as a reflection of “external” agents (e.g., herbs) resonating with “internal” agents (e.g., acupoints). Consequently, numerous unified therapeutic methods evolved where herbs replaced acupuncture needles due to the purportedly stronger influence the herbs would have over certain points than needles. The workshop will examine this approach and discuss the dynamics of herbs on acupuncture point. In addition, the exploration of the uniqueness of each of these two modalities will be explored within the context of therapeutic actions.

Note: Participants should have knowledge of either acupuncture or Chinese herbalism.

Saturday & Sunday, July 30-31, 2011 from 10:00am-5:00pm

HERBAL FORMULATIONS FOR THE CHANNEL SYSTEMS

During the Song Dynasty, the shift from acupuncture as a stand-alone modality began to be subjugated to the field of Chinese herbal medicine. That shift represented a loss in the rigors of acupuncture training and more importantly, the eradication of some of the channels systems in term of their significance in clinic. In addition, the Zang-Fu theory became the predominant lens through which most clinicians evaluated their patients, resulting in the dominance of this theory over acupuncture as well. Assuming this process did not occur, this workshop would explore the possible formulations that could have evolved in homage to the channel systems and their specific dynamics and energetics. Also the examination of some existing historical formulas that could be construed to have impacts on the channels systems will be included.

Saturday & Sunday, August 20-21, 2011 from 10:00am-5:00pm

Note: Participants should have knowledge of Chinese herbalism.

NO AUDIOTAPING OR VIDEOTAPING IS ALLOWED!