Returning Our Focus to the Flavour & Nature of Herbs Article
Published in the Journal of Chinese Medicine June 2014
The foundational theories of Chinese herbal medicine originate in the Nei Jing (Inner Classic), which states that it is the flavour and nature of herbs that govern how they interact with the human body. However, this theory has more recently become superseded by theories of herbal actions, disease indications and modern research, which are invariably used in textbooks and by practitioners to inform prescription of herbal medicines. This article explains why these approaches to the practice of herbal medicine are incorrect, and how such approaches can easily damage the health of patients taking herbal medicines. The correct method of prescribing herbs based on the Nei Jing is described, and illustrated with various case examples.
Your Instructor
After hospital internships in China during the summers of 2003 and 2004, JulieAnn moved to China full time to work with ATS to document two of Beijing’s most famous traditional practitioners Dr Li Hongxiang (1924-2018) and Dr Chen Tongyun (1922 -). This exposure to classically based clinical medicine led JulieAnn to understand the naturalistic perspective and utter practicality of Chinese medicine in a new light. Encouraged by Dr Li to complete doctoral level studies, JulieAnn focused on the classical perspective of herbs investigating the flavor and nature of the herbal substances applied in the Shanghan Lun compared to the qualities of the same herbs today.
After eight and a half years living in China, JulieAnn and husband Andrew returned to the United States due to changing regulations for foreigners practicing medicine. Now residing in Asheville, North Carolina, JulieAnn treats patients at the Alternative Clinic, oversees development of Appalasia tea and herb farm, and teaches post graduate herb programs in Zurich, London and Frankfurt.