Ma Huang Tang contains ma huang, gui zhi, xing ren, zhi gan cao and is used to open the surface and sweat pathogenic cold from the body’s exterior. When the surface at the body’s exterior is pathologically closed due to pathogenic cold constricting the pores and hindering the defensive wei qi, the fluids that would […]
Pattern, Mechanism, and Precision in Chinese Herbal Medicine By Greg Zimmerman The classical literature of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) describes effective treatments that rely less on disease names and more on recognizing characteristic presentations and underlying pathological mechanisms, articulated as patterns of disease. Addressing the pattern of disease in an individual results in a therapeutic
Understanding Formulas as Therapeutic Strategies Read More »
How Traditional Chinese Medicine Supports Healing Across Conditions and Settings Healing does not always wait for diagnosis.In many clinical situations – after trauma, surgery, prolonged illness, or failed treatments – the body is clearly struggling, even when tests are inconclusive or the path forward feels uncertain. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a valuable solution in
When the Diagnosis Is Unclear, TCM Treatment Can Still Be Precise Read More »
A Pattern-Based Introduction to a Foundational Formula In this series of articles, I will introduce commonly used classical Chinese herbal formulas with a focus on how and when to use them clinically. Each article will present the formula’s origin, composition, dosage, and core pattern of disease, along with key diagnostic points that help practitioners recognize
Depression is a widespread mental health disorder that affects over 300 million people worldwide, with many cases likely remaining undiagnosed. Characterized by depressed mood, fatigue, loss of interest in previously inspiring activities, and potentially leading to hopelessness and suicidality, depression significantly impacts an individual’s quality of life. Moreover, it is a known risk factor for
