Many practitioners have a desire to practice Chinese medicine in a manner that is congruent with what has been done in the past. That is, many prefer formulas that are time-tested. The formulas from the Discussion of Cold Damage (Shang Han Lun), written around 1800 years ago, often fall into this category because not only do they form the foundation of herbalism as we know it, but they are still commonly used today. However, we must ask, what aspect has
Continue readingGan Mao Ling & Studying the Classics
Another Perspective: Studying the Classics For A Firm Foundation By Jason Blalack, LAc and Z’ev Rosenberg, LAc In Jake Paul Fratkin’s Acupuncture Today article entitled “Going Beyond the Classics,” it was suggested that Western practitioners of Chinese medicine are ignoring modern research only to be “married to the classic formulas.” Fratkin makes the case that China has been making advancement after advancement in medicine over the last 60 years that Westerners would be foolish to ignore. Thus, Chinese medicine
Continue readingAntivirals treat cold and flu?
Issues in Using Antiviral Medicinals in the Treatment and Prevention of the Common Cold and Flu (Gan Mao) by Jason Blalack Originally published in the Chinese Medicine Times (Summer, 2011) Introduction There is a current trend for Chinese herbalists to prescribe medicinals based on their Western function. For example, modern research demonstrates that da qing ye (Isatidis Folium) and ban lan gen (Isatidis/Baphicacanthis Radix) are antiviral. Consequently, there are those in both Asia and the West that recommend their use
Continue readingIrritability / vexation (烦 fan) – Shang Han Lun
A brief look at the term irritability / vexation(烦 fan) through the lens of the Discussion of Cold Damage (Shang Han Lun) by: Jason Blalack In Chinese medicine, our understanding of technical terms shapes our clinical picture and ultimately how we treat. One such term that recently peaked my interest was the term 烦 (fan), translated as vexation (Wiseman) or irritability (Eastland Press). These translations seem reasonable since modern dictionaries define it as: 1. vexed, irritated; annoyed, terribly upset, worried
Continue readingSite Update + Recent Posts
Update: As a few people informed me, there was some problems with the twitter & RSS feed notification system, however I think it has been resolved. Furthermore, while finishing up the final stages of my book I have had little time to post, so for those that actually may have checked the website recently, I apologize for the lack of activity. However, at the moment I have more time and will resume posting. Please let me know if there is
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