Description
This classical herbal textbook brings you the teachings of Zhang Zhong jing and Shen Nong through the understanding and lineage of Dr. Hu Xi shu (胡希恕). Dr. Hu Xi shu (1898-1984) received the teachings of the Shang Han Za Bing Lun from the eunuch Wang Xiang wei (王祥微) early in his life. He spent his lifetime practicing and researching the true meaning of the works of Zhang Zhong jing. His clinical success was praised by all his peers and he is still venerated for his outstanding results.
To revive the understanding of the Six Syndrome Diagnostic System, we have clearly illustrated the complete application of this system. We start from the classical symptomology and syndrome diagnosis to formula differentiation and modifications. To reach the successful application of Zhang Zhong jing’s classical formulas, we have:
• Described the full symptomology of the Six Syndrome Diagnostic System
• Compiled the 44 treatment guidelines of this classical system
• Classified over 240 classical formula patterns with original and modern dosages
• Transcribed and explained over 280 significant clauses from the Shang Han Lun and Jin Gui Yao Lue
• Listed the classical descriptions of over 180 single herbs from the Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing
• Analyzed over 180 related cases from Dr. Hu Xi shu as well as recent cases from both authors
All practitioners interested in exceptional clinical results, while using smaller herbal formulas, will benefit from the teachings of Dr. Hu Xi shu transmitted within the Six Syndrome Guide to Classical Formulas.
Suez –
Six syndrome guide to Classical formulas
Shang Han Za Bing Lun
Hi Xi Shu lineage
Feng Shi Lun
Dr Suzanne Robidoux
Translated by Or Shampanier
The Six Syndrome Guide to Classical Formulas covers, in just under 800 pages, deep and concise information regarding the classical formulas of Zhang Zhong jing. It is the culmination of decades of clinical experience on the part of Hu Xi Shu, followed with tireless dedication by Feng Shi Lun , Suzanne Robidoux with translation by Or Shampanier.
This book is aimed at practitioners of classical Chinese medicine who wish to evolve their practice using a lineage approach to Classical formulas in which the knowledge and clinical reasoning have been tried and tested over many generations.
The book provides introduction to the Six Syndrome Diagnostic System. It enables a practitioner to understand pathomechanisms of all symptoms and various disease presentations to enable targeting an appropriate formula pattern. The system is based upon both the eight guiding principles of Chinese medicine: Yin Yang syndromes, excess and deficiency presentations, cold and heat pathogens, and internal or external locations together with individual herbal knowledge of Shen Nong Ben Cao jing according to the understanding of Hu Xi Shu. This lineage approach is distinctly different to Nei Jing and Zang Fu diagnostic systems.
Despite a seemingly simple basic outline of the Six Syndromes, a thorough introduction is clearly laid out. The variations of potential overlapping syndromes is explained. The information within it makes possible to precisely apply classical formulas with vigilant observation of the changing condition of a patient and continual review of their formula.
Chapter One is comprised of nine Sections. One to seven give an overview of external, internal and half external half internal syndromes. The pathomechanism of each syndrome is explained according to the clauses of Shang Han Lun or Jin Gue Yao Lue. This also includes supplementing clauses explaining the concept of transmission between the syndromes. Section eight explains blood and body fluids disorders.
Section nine clarifies the importance in analysing the ratio between multiple symptoms and their overlapping locations. This method allows accurate accounting for all symptoms and in what relation to one another they appear. In this way an overview may be achieved to see the ratio between symptom presentation. It enables a practitioner to formulate precise diagnosis and selection of a formula.
Chapter Two provides Treatment Principles of the Six Syndromes. There are 44 treatment guidelines or ‘rules’ of time tested experiential wisdom to hone the practitioner’s diagnostic choices. The guidelines are precise and based upon the clauses and lines of the two classical texts. These guidelines have been laid out in a logical order according to each syndrome, building towards the complexities inherent in concurrent or overlapping syndromes. A scenario of complexity can often baffle and cause a choice of formula to be mistakenly made. Having these guidelines committed to memory provides a reliable method for success, not only of formula selection but importantly dosage considerations.
Following the format of the SHL, Chapter Three introduces the Formula patterns of the Six Syndromes. Section one opens, in the tradition of the Shang Han Lun, with the Exterior Taiyang Syndromes pattern. This is followed by section two Exterior Shaoyin syndrome formula patterns; section three Yangming syndrome formula patterns; section four Taiyin syndrome formula patterns; section five shaoyang syndrome formula patterns; and section six Jueyin syndrome formula patterns. Section seven introduces external use formula patterns. The book closes with glossaries of conversions of classical dosages, Chinese medical terms, glossary of Chinese Classical texts, and a comprehensive Jing Fang medical intake form according to this lineage. Careful reading of the formula patterns reveal the locations for all presenting symptoms collected in an Intake using this form and this is where the book truly comes into its own.
One of the major challenges facing a classical medicine practitioner is arriving at a precise diagnosis; yet it remains a further challenge to unlock the meaning of the Classical clauses and lines, which, as signposts to understanding the brilliance and precise application of Zhang Zhong jing’s recipes, are often difficult if not unfathomable. Hi Xi Shu’s fastidious methodology and vast accumulated clinical experience has brought guidance and clarity, long awaited and dearly appreciated, to all who endeavour to achieve excellence in their learning, practice and application of Classical Chinese medicine. The writings of Feng Shi Lun, who, as student of Hu Xi Shu, worked to preserve his teachings have formed the basis of this book. Suzanne Robidoux’s dedication to Hu Xi Shu and close work with Feng Shi Lun has enabled the teachings to cross the five oceans through seminars, classes and internships. The transmission of these precious teachings is now out in the world beyond China.
This book, the handbook to all student practitioners of Feng Shi Lun and Suzanne Robidoux, is now available to anyone with an appetite for parsing the depth of implicit classical medical knowledge for finding their way through to the solid and stable path that is Classical Chinese Medicine.
Victoria Conran