Chinese Medicine Traveller

 Classical Chinese medical philosophy views health and disease through the "eight-principle and six-syndrome differentiation” methods. In ancient times, Chinese medical experts identified concurrent symptoms as patterns and associated them with formulas to treat them. Eventually with repeated clinical success they then recorded these patterns as “formula patterns” in the "Tang Ye Jing"  (Classic of Decoctions - 汤液经).  Later, during the Eastern Han Dynasty between 40 to 200 A.D., Zhang Zhong jing recorded all of this clinical experience handed down from generations in the Shang Han Za Bing Lun (Treatise of Cold Complicated Diseases- 伤寒杂病论) which was later edited and separated in the Shang Han Lun (Treatise of Cold Damage- 伤寒论) and the Jin Gui Yao Lue (Prescriptions from the Golden Cabinet - 金匮要略). These classics clearly state the appropriate clinical application of  groups of symptoms with corresponding formulas as well as suggest modifications according to the change of the disease.  This medical legacy from Zhang Zhong jing is clearly a gem for Chinese medicine clinicians. 

　　　　　Unfortunately the understanding of this wonderful classic has been misinterpreted through the generations and the depth of the meaning of its clauses have been almost completely lost.  The only two major issues we have had since then is maintaining these classics intact (and original) and understanding them correctly and effectively in today’s clinic.  In this short introduction, Dr. Robidoux will share the overall understanding of the Shang Han Lun according to the 6 Syndrome differentiation and Formula pattern of Dr. Hu Xi Shu (胡希恕) and Professor Feng Shi Lun (冯世纶).  By providing clear clinical examples from conducting her clinical research with Dr. Feng, Dr. Robidoux will bring to light some of the clear modern examples of today's diseases in relation to classical thinking and treatment.