It remained normal, and I can walk around
now without feeling dizzy.”
Esther Zipin, age 88
“For three years I had no energy, no stamina. I had been diagnosed as
having both the AIDS and Epstein-Barr viruses. I also had yeast
throughout my digestive tract, which made it dicult for me to eat. With
physical eort like walking , I got short of breath and felt pain in my
chest. In the beginning, acupun cture made me feel spaced out and tired. After about two months I felt more energetic, my digestion improved, and
I stopped having shortness of breath. After eight months of treatmenttwice a week combined with taking herbal tonics daily, I regained my
strength and felt as if I could return to work and a normal life-style. It’s
been six months  since my last treatment, but I won’t hesitate to get more
acupuncture if I start feeling sick again.”
Frank Bell, age 31
“I was on a seesaw of antide pressant and antianxiety drugs for years
until I began to use acupuncture to stabilize my dosage levels. It occurred
to me that maybe I could use acupuncture to get o drugs altogether. I
got three treatments a week for ve months, and I’m now free of two
very addictive medicines, both of which were prescribed by psychiatrists. I’m relieved to feel back in control of my life again.”
Stephanie Mills, age 35
“I had been diagnosed as having chronic prostatitis and urethritis, which
antibiotics hadn’t helped long-term. After ten acupuncture treatments my
dicult urination and painful ejaculations disappeared.”
Emilio Perez, age 51
“Since my childhood I’d been dependent on inhalers and antiasthma
medicines. Along with acupuncture treatments for six months, I
eliminated spicy and cold foods from my diet. Now I can play basketball
without needing bronchodilators, and I only take medicine occasionally if
I get a bad case of hay fever.”
Robbie Johnson, age 33
“My doctors said I would recover on my own, but after a year I hadn’t
improved. I had facial paralys is and numbness from Bell’s palsy, and I
couldn’t close my eye at night. After six treatments I was able to sleep
with both eyes closed, and after nine treatments my mouth stopped
drooping and the numbness was gone.”
Sylvia Black, age 47METHODS OF  TREATMENT
Methods of manipulating the needle aect treatment, depending on
whether the objective is to consolidate or disperse the Qi, to
accelerate or retard it. Other methods stimulate acupuncture points
without the insertion of needles. One technique, called moxibustion,
uses the focused heat generated by burning “moxa,” the compressed
dried leaves of Chinese mugwort. This has a potent invigorating
eect on the body and is particularly suitable for conditions of
extreme deciency  or Cold. Moxibustion is a method of augmenting
Qi, exploited in emergencies to prevent escape of the life force,
reviving consciousness and averting collapse . Points can also be
activated by acupressure and tui na (“twee nah”), a traditional
system of massage, mobilizing Qi and promoting blood circulation
by manual contact with skin, muscle, nerve, and bone. This method
is often used to treat infants, children, and the elderly, who may be
too sensitive to tolerate acupuncture. Cupping, which employs
vacuum suction with glass globes or bamboo jars, is a technique that
quickens the Blood , dispersing Wind, Heat, and Dampness . Muscle
injury, acute bronchial conge stion, joint pain, and headache may be
helped with this method. CONTEMPORARY  TECHNIQUES
Modern technology has made possible the use of electrical
stimulation without acupun cture needles. Muscle training, facial
toning, and the control of intractable pain are some of the uses of
this noninvasive microelectric stimulation. Electroacupuncture
devices help improve athletic performance and the recovery time
following injuries. Microcurr ent is being used to heal muscle and
nerve impairm ents associated  with neurosurgery, spinal cord injury,
stroke, and palsy and to speed recuperation from surgery by
reducing swelling and inammation. These instrument s can also
revive facial tone, shape, texture, and color, counteracting the
eects of aging by improving the metabolism of muscle and skin.A variety of approaches to acupuncture therapy were developed
on dierent continents. Dierences in technique among Asia,
Europe, and North America do not suggest one approach is superior
to another. Some acupuncturists use deeper insertion and stronger
manipulation, others employ more needles with shallow insertion
and minimal manipulation. Some techniques are more traditional
and others more modern. There is both dialogue and
experimentation amongst practitioners in pursuit of relev ant models
and methods for Westerners. ACUPUNCTURE  FIRST AID: ACUPRESSURE  MASSAGE
The stimulatio n of acupuncture points by applying pressure with the
ngertips can sometimes be eective for relieving acute symptoms. The guideline is to apply enough pressure to get results without
causing unnecessary discomfort. Subjective feedback is useful in locating the acupuncture point
and in ndin g the proper level of stimulation. Since the most
reactive points  are tender or sensitive when pressed, this can help to
determine their location. Massage of these points should feel strong
but not intoler ably painful. If it hurts, it should “hurt good.” If some
soreness cannot be felt, the pressure is probably not strong enough. Generally, use a nger that does not have a long nail, or the
knuckle of the index nger,  and press rmly while rotating in a
tight circle. Where there is very little esh, such as on the ngers or
toes, it is acceptable to use the edge of a ngernail. Duration of the
massage is determined by the tolerance of the subject or the
diminution of symptoms. Stimulation of a single point can last thirty
seconds, ve minutes, or be continued for twenty minutes in one-
minute sequences with rests in between. Points may be massaged
sequentially in the order listed. FIFTY ACUPUNCTURE  POINTS FOR  SELF-CAREPoint Combinations According to Body Areas
Head and Neck— G.B. 39 = S.I. 3
Cheeks and Jaw— S.I. 3 + S.I . 19
Nose, Mouth, and Throat— St. 44 + L.I. 4
Chest and Ribs— G.B. 40 + Pe. 6
Upper Abdomen— St. 36 + Pe. 6
Lower Abdomen— St. 43 + Li. 3
Groin and Pubis—Li. 3 + Ki. 8
Sides and Waist- G.B. 40 + U.B. 40
Lower Back,
Sacrum, and Hips— U.B. 60 + G.B. 34
Upper Back,
Scapula, and Nape of Neck— U.B. 58 + S.I. 3
Upper Arms
and Shoulders— T.B. 5 + L.I. 11
Forearms and Hands— L.I. 10 + L.I. 4
Outer Knee, Calf,
and Ankle— G.B. 34 + G.B. 39 + U.B. 60
Inner Knee, Calf, and Ankle—Sp. 9 + Sp. 6 + Ki. 3
Feet— G.B. 40 + Sp. 4 + Ki. 1
Point Combinations According to Specic Ailments
Common Cold and Flu: L.I. 4 + Lu. 7 + Ki. 7 + G.V. 14
Fever—L.I. 11
Chills— T.?. 5
Sinus congestion— U.B. 2
Nasal congestion— L.I. 20
Cough— Lu. 5–6Wheezing or chest pain— C.V. 17
Earache- T.B. 17
Headaches: G.B. 39  + L.I. 4  + U.B. 58
Frontal pain— E.P. Yin Tang
Temple pain— E.P. Tai Yang
Eye pain— G.B. 14
Occipital pain— G.B. 20
Parietal pain— G.B. 8
Vertex (top) pain— Li. 3
Neck pain— G.V. 14
TMJ pain— S.I. 3 + S.I. 19 + St. 44
Indigestion: St. 36 + L.I. 4 + Sp. 4
Nausea— Pe. 6
Stomach cramps or pain— C.V. 12
Distension— Sp. 9
Belching or hiccups— Pe. 6
Intestinal atulence or cramps— St. 25
Constipation— L.I. 11
Diarrhea— St. 43
Genitourinary Disorders: Li. 3 + Ki. 8 + Sp. 6
Bladder or urethral pain— Li. 8
Female Reproductive Disorders: Sp. 6 + Sp. 9 + Li. 3
Premenstrual anxiety/sensitivity— Ht. 7
Breast pain/swelling— C.V. 17
Delayed menstruation— Pe. 6
Excessive bleeding— Sp. 10
Uterine pain— C.V. 4
Ovarian pain— Ki. 5
Male Reproductive Disorders: Sp. 6 + Ki. 7 + Li. 3Testes pain— Ki. 5
Prostate pain— Ki. 8
Ejaculation pain— Li. 8
General Irritability and Tension: L.I. 4 + Li. 3 + G.B. 21
Anxiety and Insomnia: E.P. Yin Tang + Ht. 7 + Sp. 6
Weakness and Fatigue: Ki. 7 + St. 36
Itching: L.I. 21 + Li. 3
Leg Cramps: Li. 3 + U.B. 58 + G.B. 34
Emergency First Aid
Fainting, seizure: G.V. 26  and St. 36
Cessation of breathing: Ki. 1 and C.V. 17
Shock: Pe. 6 and St. 36
Heat exhaustion: G.V. 14  and L.I. 11
Dicult or prolonged labor: Sp. 6 and G.B. 21
Postpartum bleeding: Sp. 10  and Li. 3
Severe diarrhea: C.V. 4 + St. 43
Harmonizing Organ Networks
These pairs of points can be massaged simultaneously or
sequentially in the order given. Apply slightly greater pressure to
the second point in the sequence. Kidney and Heart:
Kidney  symptoms more prominent— S.I. 4 + Ki 3
Heart  symptoms more prominent— U.B. 58 + Ht . 7
Heart and Lung:
Heart  symptoms more prominent— L.I. 4 + Ht. 7
Lung symptoms more prominent— S.I. 4 + Lu. 9
Lung and Liver:
Lung symptoms more prominent— G.B. 40 +  Lu. 7
Liver symptoms more prominent— L.I. 4 + Li. 3Liver and Spleen:
Liver symptoms more prominent— St. 36 + Li. 3
Spleen  symptoms more prominent— G.B. 34 + Sp. 4
Spleen and Kidney:
Spleen  symptoms more prominent— U.B. 58 + Sp. 6
Kidney  symptoms more prominent— St. 36 + Ki. 3
HOW TO LOCATE THE POINTS
Acupuncture points are located according to anatomical landmarks. Distance between landmarks is determined by a relative
measurement, dierent for each individual, called “body units.” One
body unit is equivalent to the width of the second joint of the
thumb. Three body units are equivalent to the width of the other
four ngers when they are held together. In addition, large areas of
the body, including the limbs, abdomen, chest, and head, are
measured according to specied numbers of body units between
anatomical landmarks. The distance between the crease of the
elbow and the crease of the wrist is twelve body units; between the
crease of the knee and the external ankle bone is sixteen body units;
between the crease of the knee and the internal ankle bone is fteen
body units; between the pubis and the navel is ve body units; and
between the navel and the lower border of the sternum is eight body
units. All the rst-aid points can be located by referring both to the
diagrams and the written descriptions. Lung Channel  (Lu. ):
1. Lu. 5—in the hollow of the elbow on the thumb side next to
the large biceps tendon. 2. Lu. 6—on the inner aspect of the forearm, on the thumb side,
approximately three to ve body units away from Lu. 5, or
slightly less than halfway between the elbow and wrist crease. (see larger image)Fifty First Aid Acupressure Points
(see larger image)(see larger image)Fifty First Aid Acupressure Points
(see larger image)
3. Lu. 7—on the inner aspect of the forearm, on the thumb side,
adjacent to the upper edge of the wrist bone, about two body
units from the wrist crease, between the artery and the bone of
the forearm.4. Lu. 9—on the inner aspect of the forearm, on the thumb side,
in the hollow between the wrist bone and the crease of the
wrist. Large Intestine Channel (L.I. ):
5. L.I. 4—on the top of the hand, in the hollow of the muscle
between the thumb and the index nger. 6. L.I. 10—on the top of the forearm, on the thumb side, in the
hollow formed  between two muscles when the arm is bent at a
right angle and the hand is made into a st, about two body
units from the crease of the elbow. 7. L.I. 11—on the outside of the arm, in a hollow formed
between the end of the elbow  crease and the elbow when the
arm is bent at a right angle. 8. L.I. 20—beside the nose, in the nasal groove, one-half body
unit away from the nostril. Stomach Channel (St):
9. St. 25—on the abdomen, about two body units from the edge
of the navel, at the level of the navel. 10. St. 36—on the outside of the leg, with the leg slightly bent,
three body units below the lower edge of the kneecap (patella)
and one body unit from the edge of the shinbone (tibia). 11. St. 43 —on the foot, in the hollow formed between and behind
the knuckles of the second and third toes. 12. St. 44—on the foot, in the hollow of the web between and in
front of the knuckles of the second and third toes. Spleen Channel (Sp. ):
13. Sp. 4—on the inner aspect of the arch of the foot, in a hollow
one and one-half body units behind the knuckle of the big toe. 14. Sp. 6—on the inner aspect of the lower leg, three body units
(four ngerbreadths) from the upper edge of the inner anklebone, in the muscle just behind the edge of the tibia
(shinbone). (Directly opposite G.B. 39.) 15. Sp. 9—on the inner aspect of the leg, below the knee, in a
hollow behind  the tibia (shinbone) and one body unit below
the crease of the knee. (Directly opposite G.B. 34 .) 16. Sp. 10 —in the hollow of the muscle , on the inner aspect of the
thigh, with the leg slightly bent, three body units above the
upper edge of the kneecap (patella) just under the thigh bone
(femur). Heart Channel (Ht):
17. Ht 7—on the distal crease of the wrist (closest to the base of
the palm), on the side of the little nger, in the hollow next to
the bone. Small Intestine Channel (S.I. ):
18. S.I. 3—on the outer edge of the hand, in a hollow behind the
knuckle of the little nger and just below the bone when
making a loose st. 19. S.I. 4—approximately two body units behind S.I. 3, in a
hollow in front of the bone at the base of the hand. 20. S.I. 19—in front of the tragus of the ear, in a hollow formed
when the mouth is open. Urinary Bladder Channel (U.B. ):
21. U.B. 2 —in the notch at the inner end of the eyebrow, directly
above the inner corner of the eye. 22. U.B. 40—with the knee slightly bent, in a hollow in the
middle of the crease betwee n two muscles at the back of the
knee. 23. U.B. 58— on the outside of the leg, seven body units above the
upper edge of the external ankle bone, just behind the edge of
the bula.24. U.B. 60—on the outer aspect of the ankle, in the hollow
between the external ankle bone and the Achilles tendon. Kidney Channel (Ki. ):
25. Ki. 1—on the bottom of the foot, one-third of the distance
from the base of the second toe to the back of the heel, on the
midline of the sole, in a hollow when the toes are exed. 26. Ki. 3—on the inner aspect of the ankle, in the hollow between
the inner ankle bone and the Achilles tendon. 27. Ki. 5—on the inner aspect of the foot, two body units below
Ki. 3 in a hollow in the center of the heel. 28. Ki. 7—on the inner aspect of the leg, two body units above Ki. 3, in a hollow between the muscle and the Achilles tendon. 29. Ki. 8—on the inner aspect of the leg, one body unit above the
upper edge of the inner ankle bone, just behind the edge of the
tibia, directly in front of Ki. 7. Pericardium Channel (Pe. ):
30. Pe. 6— on the midline  of the inner aspect of the arm, two body
units from the crease of the wrist, between two tendons. Triple-Burner Channel (T.B. ):
31. T.B. 3—in a hollow just behind and between the knuckles of
the fourth (ring) and fth (little) ngers, with the ngers
slightly bent. 32. T.B. 5—in a hollow on the outer aspect of the forearm,
between the two bones (radius and ulna), about two body
units from the bend of the wrist, with the arm and hand lying
across the abdomen. 33. T.B. 17—in the hollow beneath the earlobe, formed when the
mouth is open, between the mandible and the mastoid bone. Gallbladder Channel (G.B.):34. G.B. 8—on the side of the head, just above the tip of the ear
when the ear is folded over. 35. G.B. 14 —in a small hollow directly above the pupil of the eye
when looking forward, about one-half body unit above the
eyebrow. 36. G.B. 20 —in a hollow at the lower edge of the base of the skull
on the border of the large muscle that attaches to the base of
the skull about two body units from midline of the spine. 37. G.B. 21—in the center of the muscle (trapezius) midway
between the base of the neck and the tip of the shoulder. 38. G.B. 34— on the outer aspect of the leg just below the head of
the bula in a hollow between the muscle and the tendon. (Directly opposite Sp. 9.) 39. G.B. 39—on the outer  aspect of the leg, between the muscle
and the edge of the bula, three body units above the outer
ankle bone. (Directly opposite Sp. 6.) 40. G.B. 40—on the outer aspect of the ankle in a hollow in front
of the externa l ankle bone, between the ankle bone and the
top of the foot. Liver Channel (Li. ):
41. Li. 3—in a hollow behind and between the knuckles of the big
toe and the second toe. 42. Li. 8—in a hollow on the inner aspect of the knee between the
end of the crease of the knee and the head of the tibia when
the knee is bent at a forty-ve-degree angle. Governing Vessel (G.V. ):
43. G.V. 14— at the base of the neck on the midline of the spine in
the space between the seventh cervical and the rst thoracic
vertebrae. 44. G.V. 20—in a small hollow on the top of the head, on the
midline of the skull halfway between the tips of both ears.45. G.V. 26—in the groove at the juncture of the nose and the
upper lip. Conception Vessel  (C.V.):
46. C.V. 4 —on the midli ne of the abdomen, two body units above
the pubic bone and three body units below the navel. 47. C.V. 12 —on the midline of the abdomen halfway between the
navel and the lower edge of the sternum (chest bone). 48. C.V. 17—on the midline of the abdomen, on the sternum
approximately at the level of the nipples or one and one-half
body units above the lower edge of the sternum. Extra Points (E.P. ):
49. E.P. Yin Tang—on the front of the head, just above the root of
the nose, exactly between the eyebrows. 50. E.P. Tai Yang—in the hollow of the temple, about one body
unit behind the external end of the eyebrow. OceanofPDF.comChinese HerbsCHAPTER FOURTEEN
THE CAULDRON OF  CHINESE  HERBS: WISDOM
YOU CAN SWALLOW
Gingerly the acrid brew enters my lips. Gnarled tenacious tendrils
Nourished in deep musty earth
Strengthen my root. Ingesting stalks, owers, and
Skins of caterpillars
I become the buttery. THE HISTORICAL ROOTS OF MODERN PHARMACOLOGY WERE EMBEDDED  in
herbal medicin e. Aspirin was originally derived from the bark of
willow trees, morphine from the seeds of poppy owers , penicillin
from fungus, quinine from the bark of the cinchona tree, and
digitalis from the leaves of foxglove. Pharmaceutical laboratories
continue to extract active ingredients from plant materials (a
quarter of modern prescription drugs include plant extrac ts) as well
as prepare wholly synthetic compounds. Yet by the time we see the
white aspirin tablet imprinted with a brand name, or a vial of
morphine, the willow tree and poppy eld have slipped from view
and been forgotten. About three-quarters of the world’s people still
rely on traditional medicine. On the shelves  of Chinese herbal pharmacies jars of barks, roots,
owers, and seeds are visible, sitting alongside rows of glass bottles
lled with herbal formulas compressed into pills. Most Westerners
feel like strangers to the apothecary herbs of China, yet some ofthese herbs, like chrysanthemum, magnolia, forsythia, honeysuckle,
gardenia, hawthorn, quince, and mint, inhabit our own gardens. Others are known to us by their common name (like licorice), but
not by their Mandarin equiv alent (gan cao) or the Latin botanical
name ( Glycyrrhiza uralensis ). Even when the name and reputation of
an herb are familiar, like ginseng, its use within the framework of
Chinese medicine remains puzzling to many. This chapter oers
some essential  keys for decoding the enigma, a passing curiosity for
some and the initiation of a lifelong quest for others. IN SICKNESS AND IN  HEALTH
Western pharmaceutical drugs capitalize on a single biologically
active ingredient to produce a specic physiological eect. This
accounts for their potency and also for their seconda ry or side
eects. Althou gh drugs may control symptoms, they often do not
treat the pathological process (for example, antibiotics may
eliminate bacteria but do not improve a person’s resistance to being
infected; diure tics rid the body of excess uid yet do not improve
kidney function; aspirin controls arthritic pain without altering the
degenerative course of the disease). Sometimes further aggravations
or adverse side eects result (for instance, yeast infections may
follow a course of antibiotics ; kidney damage may result from long-
term use of diuretics; lengthy  use of aspirin may cause the lining of
the stomach to erode, triggering internal bleeding). With herbs, active ingredients are enfolded within the whole
plant; this tends to buer their side eects. Also, herbs are often
blended toget her to counteract undesired eects and enhance
intended results. Chinese herbs address the underlying condition as
dened by traditional diagnosis and, when used properly, rarely
cause disagreeable consequences. Here are some examples in which Chinese herbs either
complement or provide an eective alternative to Western drugs. For years Gus had been on Tagamet and antacids for a chronic
gastric ulcer. His Western physician could not explain the source ofthe ulcer but could help him control his pain. Medication often
allayed his acute discomfort  but failed to improve his condition,
provoking unwanted side eects like headaches, aching joints, and
tiredness. Weary of medicine-induced problems and in search of a
more lasting remedy, he came to us. Gus needed herbs that would
clear the Heat and Dampness  from his Stomach , relax his Liver,
decongest stagnant Qi, and increase the circulatio n of Blood  and
regeneration of tissue. After using Chinese herbs, his pain dissipated
and his ulcer healed. Zoe had lifelong asthma, and since her theophylline and
bronchodilator weren’t always sucient, she needed to rely on
steroids, which caused her to retain pounds of excess uid. She
longed for an alternative. Chinese herbs helped her eliminate
phlegm by strengthening the Qi of her Spleen  and Lung and dispel
uid and build up her resistance by supporting her Kidney . She was
able to manage her asthma with lower doses of medication and
without further need for steroids. Carlos had allergies. He constantly took antihistamines, which left
him too sleepy  to perform optimally at work and caused episodes of
dizziness and high blood pressure. With herbs that cleared Wind,
Heat, and Dampness  from the head and sinuses while moisturizing
and decongesting the Qi of the Lung, Stomach , and Intestines , he was
able to control his symptoms. Liz had insomn ia, sometimes  for weeks at a time, and was on the
edge of becom ing addicted to Valium. Herbs that harmonized the
Kidney  and Heart  and nourished the Blood  enable d her to regain a
natural sleep cycle and reduce her level of anxiety. Many herbs are nutritive and cannot be distinguished from food. Like food, they can be eaten  because they are good for you, rather
than because there is someth ing wrong and you feel ill. Other herbs
do not taste particularly pleasant and function in ways we do not
associate with food, such as ridding the body of something
unwanted, like Heat (antiinammatory) or Dampness  (diuretic). Herbs tend to have greater concentrations of nonnutritive
compounds (glycosides, resins, alkaloids, polysaccharides, and
terpenes), which contribute to their eectiveness as medicine—thatis, a substance capable of promoting a desirable biological process
or altering a pathological one. Within our own household, Chinese herbs have become as
fundamental as the potatoes and rice in our pantry. Spreading across
our kitchen counter, small dark bottles and neatly wrapped
packages bearing Chinese characters multiply as prolically as the
shrubs in our garden. We use herbs for both preven tion and cure—like vitamins or food
supplements, they maintain our health, and used medicinally they
redress acute and chronic ailments. Our day begins with a blender
brew of juice and nutritive herbs that awaken and supplement Qi. In
addition, we choose from many formulas according to our daily
needs—our son relies on a Qi tonic, I on a formula that harmonizes
Spleen  and Liver, and Efrem uses a formula that harmonizes the
Kidney  and Heart . Remed ies from Chinatown herb shops travel with
me in my purse as instant health insurance: Yin Chiao  (“yin chow”)
tablets to halt a sore throat and snie before they become a full-
edged cold and Curing Pills to check indigestion, nausea, and
headaches related to an upset stomach. Oblivious of boundaries, our
herbs nestle comfortably in our kitchen, medicine cabinet, and clinic
pharmacy. THE CHINESE  STORE OF  HERBAL KNOWLEDGE
Twenty-three hundred years ago, the mythic sage Shen Nung
harvested, tasted, and codie d wild-growing medicinal herbs. Since
then Chinese herbal medicine has mushroomed from a rudimentary
empirical practice to a sophisticated, systematic method of
classication and prescription including more than six thousand
substances, about three hundred of which are in everyday use. The store of herbal knowledge in China today is stocked from
many sources. One is the unschooled know-how of common people
whose cultural inheritance includes an herbal lore derived from
personal experience with local resources. Folk healing is passed on
through generations by stories about roots and seeds that grow onnearby mountainsides or sit in neighborhood shops. Another is a
vast body of written commentary scrutinized by erudite scholars
who possess an encyclopedic  command of hundreds of herbs and a
familiarity with the intellectual history of their use. Yet another is
modern pharmacology and clinical research that focuses on the
biological mechanisms by which herbs mediate stress , enhance
immunity, and treat myriad degenerative diseases. A Chinese Herbal PharmacyBranching as it does into diverse streams of thought, this herbal
tradition has resisted becoming homogeneous or xed and continues
to evolve in many directions as it adapts to changing health care
practices on its native soil and in the West. Out of the dense thicket
of information and theory, almost as many paths through Chinese
herbalism exist as there are herbalists. To clear a trail for the
American reader we have selected a conceptual language that
claries, simplies, and demysties how herbs are dened,
combined, and prescribed. Our purpose here, as with a short course
in music appreciation, is to confer understanding, to tune the ear to
a new scale, not to teach composition or technique. Mastery of herbal medicine is incredibly intricate. Yet its
everyday use can be stunningly simple, something some Chinese
children are practically born knowing. Without an education in
horticulture, anyone with a plot of earth can dig it up, plant it, and
watch carrot stalks sprout and daisies ower. Just as we can roam
barefoot in our gardens, so we can all be “barefoot doctors” when it
comes to cultiv ating Qi. More and more, people are pursuing benign
alternatives to steroids, antac ids, inhalers, diuretics, and painkillers. We can just as readily acquir e an appetite for the exotic substances
dispensed from the wooden drawers of Chinese apothecar y shops as
we have for soy sauce and chow mein. How C HINESE  HERBS ARE CLASSIFIED:  QUALITIES AND  PROPERTIES
Herbs are plant, mineral, and animal substances that the body
assimilates through its digest ive, respiratory, and cutaneo us tissues. They reorganize the body constituents (Qi, Moisture , and Blood )
within Organ Networks  and oust the Adverse Climates  (Wind, Heat,
Cold, Dryness, Dampness ). The qualities most pertinent in categorizing herbs include their
• nature: warm, cool, or neutral
• taste: sour, bitter, sweet or bland, spicy, salty• conguration: shape, texture, moisture
• color
• properties: tonifying, consolidating, dispersing, and purging
(properties represent the potential of an herb to produce
particular results within the body)
QUALITIES
The nature  of an herb refers to its warming or cooling character,
how it acts upon contact with the mouth, skin, or stomach. Warm,
cool, or neutra l herbs are matched with the warm or cool nature of
individuals and their conditions. Cooling herbs treat conditions of
Heat, warming herbs treat Cold conditions, and neutral herbs can be
used in either case. Hot (cinnamon bark) or cold (isatis leaf) herbs
have stronger eects than those that are only slightly warm
(magnolia bark) or cool (chrysanthemum ower). Conguration  refers to the shape, moisture , and texture of an herb. What is known as the “doctrine of signatures”—similarities of
pattern between plants and the human body—is one of the oldest
principles of herbal healing and an early example of corre spondence
thinking. The shape, color, or texture of an herb may mimic certain
parts of the body or attributes of certain diseases. Deer antler, which
contains the richest marrow of the deer, is corresponding ly used to
nourish our own Essence , muscle, and bone. Steamed  rehmannia—
dark, sticky, sweet, and gelatinous like congealed blood— nourishes
Blood  and supplements Moisture , relieving anemia and Dryness . Walnuts, because they look like the cortex of the brain and kidney,
are considered  an excellent tonic for the reproductive and central
nervous system s. Ginseng root, shaped like a human body with
head, arms, and legs (named ren shen or “man root”), strengthens
the Qi of the whole body and extends life. Color  as well as congu ration suggests therapeu tic
correspondence. Yellow herbs tend to aect the Organs  of Earth
(Stomach  and Spleen ) and the Adverse Climate  of Dampness . Bitter
yellow roots like coptis and Scutellaria clear Damp Heat  through theireliminative action, resolving yellowish conditions like jaundice and
purulent infections. Sweet yellow herbs like licorice and
polygonatum generate Moisture  and invigorate Qi through their
nutritive action. Taste  corresponds with each of the Five Phases  and implies certain
actions. Sourness (Wood ) has an astringent action that concentrates
Qi, bitterness (Fire) has an eliminative action that discharges Qi
downward, sweetness or blandness (Earth ) has a nourishing and
harmonizing eect that slows Qi down, spiciness (Metal ) has a
stimulating action that accelerates and raises Qi, and saltiness
(Water ) has a softening action that dissolves congealed Qi. Strongly
aromatic herbs such as musk and camphor dispel Wind  and phlegm,
clearing the senses and reviv ing consciousness. The odor and avor
of herbs in a formula direct or “lead” its action to particu lar parts of
the body. Pungent and spicy herbs go to the Lung, musty and salty
to the Kidney , fermented and sour to the Liver, acrid and bitter to
the Heart , and fragrant and sweet to the Spleen . Ginger, familiar to us all, illustrates how conguration, color,
taste, odor, and nature correlate with use. Ginger is yellow, fragrant,
and sweet, which correspon ds to Earth  (Stomach  and Spleen ), and
pungent and spicy, which corresponds to Metal  (Lung and Large
Intestine ). It has a warm nature and juicy texture, so it warms and
moisturizes, making it suitable for Cold and Dryness -based digestive
and respirator y conditions (such as a u with thirst, dry cough,
chills, and diarrhea). The spiciness of raw ginger decongests Qi
(relieving symptoms such as cramps, nausea, and indigestion,
including motion and morn ing sickness) and dispels Wind  and
phlegm (relieving symptoms such as fever, cough, and dizziness). When roasted, it has a greater warming and drying action,
eliminating Cold and Dampness  from the body’s core (relieving
symptoms like chilliness, water retention, and poor circulation). PROPERTIESFour basic properties—dispersing, consolidating, purging, and
tonifying—represent an herb’s potential for achieving a particular
outcome. Properties are deduced from observing the eects herbs
evoke. Disper sing circulates, consolidating condenses, purging
eliminates, and tonifying strengthens. Whereas dispersing and
consolidating alter the distribution and density of Qi, Moisture , and
Blood , purging and tonifying alter the amount. To disperse  means  to move. Dispersing redistributes Qi, Moisture ,
and Blood  throughout the body, disseminating them from one part
to another, relieving patterns of stagnation and overcon centration. Herbs in this category assist internal circulation (carthamus) and
peripheral circulation (cinnam on), promote uid metaboli sm (poria)
and peristalsis (saussurea), eliminate muscle spasm (gastr odia), and
remove air trapped in the chest and abdomen (aurantium). They
also help dispel noxious accumulations or intrusions of Heat
(honeysuckle), Cold (ginger), Dampness  (coix), and Wind  (sileris). Without signicantly increasing or reducing body constituents, these
herbs relax, invigorate, and loosen what feels otherwise tense,
sluggish, and tight. To consolidate  means to gather together. Consolidating
concentrates Qi, Moisture , and Blood , relieving patterns of slackness
and leakage. This is done to prevent the loss of normal substances
by inhibiting excess sweating (wheatberry), mucus discharge
(ginkgo), hemmorrhage (sepia), urination (raspberry), or diarrhea
(nutmeg). The goal is to astringe by restraining and tightening
without drying  or hardening, giving tissue more tone. Like isometric
excercise that does not neces sarily increase the size of muscle while
enhancing its eciency, these herbs do not alter quantity, but rather
enhance quality—they help the body “keep it together.”
To purge  means to expel. Purging vigorously rids the body of
accumulations that have become obstructive, evicting noxious
substances, and counters severe or chronic patterns of stagnation. Herbs in this category work primarily through the lungs, nose, skin,
bowels, stomach, uterus, and bladder. These include detoxifying,
antiinammatory, antiphlogistic herbs (scrophularia, scutellaria,
forsythia) and those that stimulate discharge of menstrual blood(motherwort), urine (grifola), sweat (ephedra), phlegm (pinellia),
undigested food (radish), and feces (senna). Such herbs are
employed in situations where chronic accretions persist (such as
cysts, boils, tumors, or other hardening of tissue) or when the
gentler method of dispersing has been ineective. Purging is used
cautiously in frail, decient  individ uals and is often combined with
tonifying or consolidating herbs that ameliorate its potentially
weakening eects. To tonify  means to augment, support, replenish, and strengthen. Tonifying nourishes the body, relieving patterns of emptiness and
insuciency. The herbs in this category have a potent eect on
absorption and metabolism, increasing the total competence,
adaptability, and resistance of the organism. They generate Blood
(rehmannia), Moisture  (Dendrobium ) and Qi (codonopsis),
overcoming conditions like anemia and malnutrition, dehydration,
and fatigue. In a sense, all other therapies are prelimin ary to this
since these herbs increase what benets and constitutes the
organism ( Qi, Moisture , and Blood ), sustaining health and preserving
life. Tonifying herbs are often added to dispersing and purging
prescriptions to protect the Righteous Qi  of the body. Herbal Correspondences
HERBAL PROPERTIES AND  THEIR EFFECTS . FOUR EXAMPLES
Herbal properties are identied according to the theory of
correspondence. If a lack of Qi manifests as inertia, fatigu e, and
shallow breathing, then an herb that improves these symptoms is
one that tonies Qi. If, furthermore, this deciency  of Qi
accompanies a pattern of Spleen  weak ness, manifesting as
indigestion, bloating, and abbiness, and this same herb also
benets these complaints, it is recognized as one that tonies Qi and
strengthens the Spleen . All herbs aect Qi, Moisture , and Blood , but
not all herbs have specic inuences on particular Organ Networks . Ginseng globally tonies the Qi, whereas codonopsis particularly
tonies Qi of the Spleen  and Lung. Coptis is an herb that purges Heat
from all parts of the body, whereas Scutellaria  especially clears Heatfrom the Liver and Lung. An herb is known by its eects, that is,
what it can do—its presumed power to inuence unseen events in
the living organism. A few examples illustrate how an herb
establishes properties and claims its place in this system of
correspondence. *
ASTRAGALUS  MEMBRANACEUS (HUANG QI)
Astragalus tonies Qi. When Qi is depleted, a person feels weak,
tired, apathetic, breathless, and clammy and is vulnerable to
infection. Grow n in the wilds of Outer Mongolia, this brous yellow
root strengthens metabolism, respiration, and immunity. It warms
the limbs and muscles, dispels Cold and Dampness  from the internal
organs, and forties the Spleen, Lung, and Kidney . Modern research
studies speak about astragalus as a “biological response modier”
that increases the adaptive function of the adrenal cortex and the
production of white blood cells (particularly macrophages and T-
cells), red blood cells, hormones such as interferon, and protective
proteins called  immunoglobu lins. Because it inhibits the depression
of bone marrow and extends the reproductive life of healt hy cells by
50 percent, astragalus is used to support immune-compromised
patients such as those undergoing radiation and chemotherapy and
those with ARC or AIDS. It protects the liver from fatty degeneration
caused by poisons like carbon tetrachloride, promotes diuresis,
lowers blood pressure, and increases overall stamina and endurance.Astragalus: Root, Herb, and Plant
ANGELICA  SINENSIS (DANG GUI)
Angelica root tonies Blood . When Blood  is decient , a person feels
limp, restless, irritable, dry, weak-hearted, cold, and fragile. Known
as dang gui  (“dong gway”), angelica root is regarded as the sovereign
herb for women because of its power to restore the Blood , regulate
menstrual rhythm, and strengthen the womb. It builds Blood  the
way astragalus builds Qi, bringing warmth and nourishment to the
viscera as well as the skin, muscles, and esh. By quickening and
enriching Blood , it banishes Cold, Wind , and Dampness . It benets
the Liver, Heart , and Spleen  and drives away the pain of obstructive
stagnation. Pharmacological research documents that angelica
stimulates and regulates uterine contractions, increases utilization of
oxygen by the liver, calms the central nervous system, and relieves
pain associated with neuralgia, ischemia (for example, angina), andrheumatic or osteoarthritis. Because angelica nourishes Blood ,
mobilizes circulation, generates tissue, dispels Wind , and alleviates
pain, it is used to treat anemia, abdominal pain, menstrual cramps,
and heart disea se and to prom ote the healing of wounds, ulcers, and
inammations. Angelica : Plant, Herb, and Root
SCHIZANDRA  CHINENSIS (WU WEI ZI)
Schizandra consolidates Moisture . When the capacity to retain or
generate Moisture  is lost, a person feels parched, ushed, withered,
ravenous, without reserves, as if her life force is tenuous and ckle. Schizandra fruit, “the seed of ve avors,” fosters the generation
and storage of Essence , awakening sexual potency and sensitivity. It
calms the Spirit , streng thens the area called the Sea of Qi that lies
two ngerbreadths below the navel, and supports the Lung, Kidney ,
and Liver. Contemporary research demonstrates that schizandra is anadaptogenic substance, like ginseng and astragalus, confe rring non-
specic resistance, enhancing the total physiological competence of
the organism. It both stimulates and relaxes the central nervous
system, activates respiration, counteracts the eects of CNS-
depressant drugs (like opiates), and promotes recovery from
nonicteric hepatitis (without jaundice). It also eases childbirth by
strengthening uterine contractions, promoting dilation of the cervix,
and allaying fatigue. Schiz andra alleviates chronic cough and
asthma, insomnia, diarrhea, thirst, fatigue, sexual debility, and
memory loss; it regulates blood sugar and assists recovery following
prolonged fever or illness. Schizandra: Plant and Berry
PORIA COCOS ( FU LING )
Poria disperses Moisture . When Moisture  accumulates and stagnates,
a person feels heavy, puy,  lethargic, sore, tender, and vexinglysoggy, sticky, and dry. Poria, a fungus that grows on the moist
underground roots of pine trees, restores the proper distribution of
body uids, assisting the Heart  and Lung, balancing the Spleen  and
Kidney . The outer skin, central pulp, and base of this bulbous fungus
correspond respectively to its three powers: dischargi ng surplus
uids via the Kidney  and Bladder ; aiding  the transforming work of
the Spleen  and Stomach ; and soothing the Lung and Heart . Pharmacological investigation of poria reveals that it is diuretic,
reduces blood sugar, relaxes the intestines, has a mild sedative
eect, and contains polysaccharides that inhibit cancer. Poria is
used to treat abdominal distension, dyspepsia, edema, dicult
urination, diabetes, and diarrhea. Brewed by itself or cooked with
food, poria is a nutritive tonic for the young, weak, or elderly. Poria: Fungus and Herb
FORMULATING  HERBAL PRESCRIPTIONSFOR PARTICULAR  PEOPLE
A formula ts a patient the way a key opens a lock, mirroring and
correcting patterns of disorganized Qi, Moisture , and Blood . A
locksmith impressions a key from a blank, and the herbalist forms
an impression of the patient, a diagnosis, from which he crafts the
prescription. He translates symptoms and signs into patterns of
disharmony, which are then matched with the therapeutic
properties of herbs. Ideally the formula is a perfect reec tion of the
condition and needs of the patient. Caroline, a thirty-eight-year -old patient, complains of chronic
weariness, puy eyes, a distended belly, poor concentration, hands
that swell, and feet that feel cold at night. The herbalist interprets
this conguration of tiredness, swelling, chilly feet, distension, and
muddleheadedness as signs of depleted Qi, excess Moisture ,
insucient warmth at the core, and Spleen deciency . Caroline
requires herbs  that supplement and move her Qi while evicting
Dampness  and Cold. The formula for Caroline  matches her needs: astragalus,
atractylodes, and poria tonify Qi, disperse Moisture , consolidate
surface (defense) Qi, and strengthen the Spleen . Polyporus and
stephania purge Dampness . Fresh ginger and red date invigorate Qi
and warm her insides. By improving digestion and regulating uids,
these herbs promote the function of her Spleen  and Kidney . After
using this formula for two weeks, Caroline has more energy,
reduced uid retention in her face and hands, warmer feet, and a
more comfortable belly. astragalus rt. white atractylodes rhz. poria fn. polyporus fn. stephania rt. ginger rhz.red dates
Jack, a forty-nine-year-old patient, seeks help for his sti and
weak lower back, dry eyes, thinning hair, diminished sexual
enthusiasm, and inability to sleep restfully. A famous recipe from
the Sung dynasty, Liu Wei Di Huang Wan (“loo way dee hwong
wan”) corresp onds to Jack’s pattern. Declining libido, lumbar
distress, and hair loss signal diminished Kidney Essence. Kidney
Essence  mainta ins tissue and blood, elasticity of skin and muscle,
agility of mind, and clarity of the senses. Dry eyes plus unsatisfying
sleep suggest that depleted Kidney  reserves have precipitated a
deciency  of the Blood  of the Liver and Heart . This Liu Wei  formula tonies the Kidney , improving its capacity to
supply and store Essence . The herbs rehmannia, dioscorea, and
cornus replenish Blood , Qi, and Essence . Poria nurtures Qi and
distributes Moisture  while moutan  peony and alisma eliminate Heat,
Dampness , and stagnatio n. While rehmannia, cornus, moutan peony ,
and alisma benet the Kidney  and Liver, diosc orea and poria
strengthen the Spleen . Becau se of this, the symptoms of anemia,
dryness, irritability, a sti and sore back, restless sleep, and
impotence or infertility are relieved. This formula is often used to
reinforce immunity, retard aging, and increase stamina.Herbal Formula to Be Prepared As Tea
cooked rehmannia rt. dioscorea rt. cornus rt. poria fn. moutan peony rt.alisma rhz. For Caroline the herbalist formulates a prescription uniqu e to her
pattern; for Jack, the herbalist relies on a classic formula that seems
to meet his needs. FOR SPECIFIC  PROBLEMS
To formulate a prescription for a specic syndrome or complaint, an
herbalist must dierentiate between ingredients that have similar
eects. To illustrate the selection process, we will construct several
formulas for treating angina—chest pain that results from
diminished cardiac blood ow. Since there are many herbs to
choose from in the treatment of a symptom such as chest pain,
picking the most appropriate ones depends on matching herbal
properties with the underlying pattern of disharmony, so sometimes
the same symptom may be diagnosed and treated dierently,
depending upon the person within whom it occurs. It is axiomatic in Chinese medicine that pain arises from
stagnation of Qi, Moisture , and Blood . In the case of angina, blood
circulation is impeded, leading to a pattern of Blood  stagnation, so
herbs that disperse or purge Blood are considered. Next it is
important to determine whether the Blood  stagna tion coexists with
Heat, Cold, Qi stagnation, Qi deciency , Blood deciency , or Moisture
stagnation (Dampness  or phlegm). Choosing the best herbs depends
on evaluating these coincident factors. Ilex, a cold Blood -moving herb, also eliminates the phlegm
congestion associated with high cholesterol and obesity . Angelica
(dang gui), a warm herb that both circulates and nourishes Blood , is
also good for strengthening someone who is underweight, frail,
anemic, and chilly. Pseudoginseng promotes coronary circulation,
arrests bleedin g, counteracts coagulation, and reduces inammation
and cholesterol, so it is often used to treat pain associated with
coronary thrombosis, myocarditis, or pericarditis.All three herbs can be used to alleviate pain of the Heart  due to
Blood  stasis: ilex treats Blood  stasis with phlegm, angeli ca treats
Blood  stasis with deciency , and pseudoginseng treats Blood  stasis
with coagulation or inammation. If signs of all these conditions coexist, then all three herbs to
move Blood  may be combined with others that disperse Moisture  and
Qi and tonify Blood  and Qi. Supplementa ry herbs are again selected
on the basis of dierentiating symptoms and signs—the context in
which the problem occurs. Since excesses  and deciencies  arise together and coexist, one
transforming into the other, Heat can lead to deciency  of Moisture,
Dampness  can obstruct the circulation of Qi and Blood , lack of Blood
can generate Wind , stagnated phlegm and Blood  can produce Heat,
and lack of Qi can create Cold and Dampness . By anticipating the
ways in which disease progesses, the herbalist countervails against
the tendency of one pathogenic process to convert to another. Angina often exists within the context of an overall condition of
Damp Heat in which the accumulation of phlegm eventually
interferes with the movemen t of Blood  and Qi. A person with this
condition might be middle-aged, overweight, short of breath, and
have high cholesterol, high blood pressure, a productiv e cough, a
puy face, a red tongue with thick sticky yellow fur, and a full,
uneven soft pulse. The urgent, primary complaint of chest pain must
be treated simultaneously with the underlying condition of phlegm
accumulation due to Damp Heat . In addition to using ilex and salvia,
two of the often used herbs to treat angina, we would add
ligusticum to circulate Blood  and Qi plus aurantiu m, trichosanth es,
and pinellia to disperse Qi and purge phlegm and Heat. This way the
herbs address not only the angina arising from stagnatio n of Blood ,
but also the associated conditions of Heat, phleg m, and Qi
stagnation. ilex rt. salvia rt. ligusticum rhz.trichosantes fr. pinellia rhz. unripe aurantium fr. For another person with angina there might be an altogether
dierent patter n of Blood  stagnation associated with Coldness  and a
deciency  of Qi and Blood . This is a common syndrome for weak
elderly people with chronic coronary heart disease who are subject
to chilly and numb arms and legs and shortness of breath or
perspiration upon slight exertion and who have a pale, swollen face
and tongue, and a weak, thready, uneven pulse. In this instance
pseudoginseng and angelica (dang gui ) could be selected to treat the
stagnation of Blood  because they are warm herbs that tonify as well
as move Blood ; and ligusticu m, ginseng, dried ginger, atractylodes,
and honey-bak ed licorice would circulate Qi and Blood , consolidate
and tonify Qi, warm the body, and eliminate Dampness . pseudoginseng rt. angelica rt. ligusticum rhz. ginseng rt. white atractylodes rhz. dried ginger rhz. baked licorice rt. Although the symptom of angina is the same, the person or
context in which it occurs  can account for altogether dierent
formulas. TRANSLATING  SYMPTOMS INTO  PATTERNSAnyone who can reach for an aspirin for a headache can reach for
an herbal headache remedy. But depending on the complexity or
severity of a particular complaint, more knowledge may be
necessary to pursue an eective herbal solution than simply
identifying a symptom—it may be necessary to understand its
source. The same problem can be analyzed in a variety of ways: a
headache can be thought of as congested Qi or Blood , as a symptom
of a Liver weakness, or as a consequ ence of a disharmony of the
Liver-Spleen  relatio nship. We hope to engage you here in the actual
process of diagnostic and therapeutic thinking. There is not
necessarily one right description of a problem, one right answer, one
right remedy, one right approach. There are patterns that are
themselves dynamic, organic phenomena that can be viewed from
multiple angles. The thinking of Chinese medicine gives you another
point of view about what your dynamic is and how to adjust it, if
need be. We provide a lot of information in the coming pages about
herbs and dierential diagno sis, some of which may go beyond your
stage of interest or understa nding. Look at the material and play
with it at the level of your curiosity. Some readers will be content
with learning how to think about themselves the way an herbalist
does; others will want to discover how Chinese herbs make them
feel. Chinese medicine views illness as an imbalance of body
constituents (in that ailments arise when there is insucient Qi,
Moisture , or Blood  or when these constituents are too dense, too
sluggish, or too unruly) and an ensuing dysfunction of Organ
Networks . The logic of patterned thinking means correlatin g
symptoms (patterns of distress) with categories of interpretation
(patterns of disharmony). For example, in Chinese medicine if …
• Deborah is tense, tired, irritable and has dry skin and brittle hair
symptoms—this is because she is decient  in Blood , which
undermines the function of the Liver and Heart  and disturbs the
Spleen .• Peter is restle ss, anxious, and prone to sharp pains in his upper
abdomen and chest—this is understood as stagnant Blood ,
which interferes with the function of the Heart  and Liver. • Vinny  is lethargic and worried, his face is puy, his abdomen
bloated, and he has chronic herpes—these symptoms arise from
Qi stagnation, Dampness , and Heat aecting the Liver, Spleen ,
and Kidney . • Marsh a is timid, chilly, weak, and lacks libido; her hips
frequently ache, and she often sleeps late without feeling
refreshed—this translates as a lack of Qi, warmth, and Essence ,
which has weakened her Kidney  and Liver function. • Mich ael is erratic, mood y and suers bouts of dizziness,
wheezing, and overheating alternating with episodes of
headache, nasal congestion, and cold extremities— internal Heat
and Wind  combined with stasis of Qi and Blood  are disturbing
the harmony of his Liver and Lung. At the very least, we hope to give you a more complete sense of
how Chinese herbs are used and what benets they hold—you will
be a better-informed consumer who can more readily comprehend
the prescriptions and advice given by a doctor of Chinese medicine. At the very most, we hope this chapter and the following one on
herbal cuisine will encoura ge you to take the initiative to seek
Chinese herbs to address some of your own health problems. TRANSLATING  PATTERNS INTO  MODULAR  FORMULAS
To simplify how to educat e people about herbal medicine and
encourage its greater use, we devised an alternative system for
prescribing. Our goal was to preserve the most important aspects of
traditional herbal medicine yet streamline its use. To do this meant
conceiving of a method in which formulas could be made to
conform to individual patterns while bypassing the years of study
necessary to acquire detailed knowledge of hundreds of herbs andtraditional formulas. This would make it feasible for people without
extensive prior training to employ Chinese herbs, so long as they
understand the principles of Chinese medicine. The American penchant for innovation fused with the specicity
and complexity  of age-old Chinese practice spurred the design of a
Chinese modu lar pharmacy— formulas composed of simple herbal
combinations that can be mixed and matched to correspond to
symptom patterns. These modules act upon
1. the body constituents (Qi, Moisture , and Blood ) and Adverse
Climates  (Cold, Heat, Wind, Dampness  [phlegm]). 2. the Organ Networks  (Liver, Heart, Spleen, Lung, Kidney ). 3. the relationships between Organ Networks  (Liver-Lung, Lung-
Heart, Heart-Kidney, Kidney-Spleen, Spleen-Liver ). A particular module can be used by itself or as a building  block in
formulating a more complex  prescription. What is required is an
identication of symptom congurations within the vocabulary of
Chinese medicine. What is the state of your Qi, Moisture , and Blood ? Is it depleted or congested? Are you burdened by the penetration or
accumulation of Wind , Cold, Heat, Wind , or Dampness ? On the basis
of that assessment, the therapeutic strategy is to match such
patterns with the actions of the formulas (to tonify, consolidate,
disperse, purge, warm, cool). How well do your Organ Networks
function? Are there patterns of deciency ? How harmonious is the
interaction among your Organ Networks ? On the basis of that
evaluation, individual Organ Networks  are supplemented and
protected, and Organ Network  relationships are harmonized. MODULES FOR  QI, MOISTURE, AND  BLOOD
If some one is tired, irritable, dizzy, pale, and sleeping poorly, these
symptoms correspond to the pattern of depleted Blood . The module
to tonify Blood  is appropriate. It is composed of a combination of
herbs that act upon Blood : angelica generates and moves Blood ,rehmannia assists angelica by nourishing Blood  and Moisture ,
astragalus provides the transforming Qi necessary to generate Blood ,
peony relaxes nerves and blood vessels and dispels Heat, and
zizyphus is nutritive for both Qi and Blood . cooked rehmannia rt. astragalus rt. white peony rt. angelica rt. red zizyphus fr. If some one is weak, listless, chilly, pale, wants to sleep  all the
time, and gets frequent colds, this person has a lack of Qi. The
module that tonies Qi matches these symptoms. It is concocted
from herbs that aect Qi: astrag alus strengthens the surface Qi,
codonopsis forties the interior Qi, dioscorea and atractylodes build
the Nutritive Qi , and licorice harmonizes and nourishes Qi. astragalus rt. codonopsis rt. dioscorea rt. white atractylodes rhz. licorice rt. BUILDING  MULTIPURPOSE  FORMULAS
Each module is an herbal  blend that addresses conditions of
depleted or congested Qi, Moisture , or Blood . With the modules as
foundation blocks, it is possible to build multipurpose formulas that
conform to more complex individual patterns. For instance, the
module to disperse Moisture  is suitable for relieving the water
retention that sometimes precedes a woman’s menstru al period. However, in more severe conditions, such as chronic edema, therecan be dehydration accompanying the water retention because so
much uid is suspended in the tissue that it is unavailable for
cellular metab olism. In this instance, to avoid becoming too dry
while eliminating excess uid, the module to consolidate Moisture
would be combined with the one that purges Moisture . That way
Dampness  is cleared while preserving essential body uids. Chinese Modular Pharmacy
We have given the name Chinese Modular Pharmacy  to our system. It
constitutes a complete herbal dispensary organized around thecombination of formulas rather than the blending of indiv idual bulk
herbs. The modular formulas have been manufactured and made
available in both the United States and Europe. Further information
about these products is available in the Resource Guide at the back
of this book. module to purge Moisturemodule to consolidate Moisture
In general, herbs with complementary properties are combined to
create balanced, eective formulas. Herbs that tonify are usually
complemented by those that disperse—absorption of rich, nutritive,
tonic herbs is enhanced by dispersing herbs that mobilize
circulation. Congestion tends  to occur with deciency , so the same
people who need strengthen ing often need better circulation of Qi,
Moisture , and Blood . Herbs that purge are joined with herbs that
consolidate or tonify to avoid weakening people whose excess is
accompanied by depletion. Herbs that disperse are supplemented by
those that consolidate to prevent overstimulation; conversely, herbs
that consolida te are moderated by those that disperse to prevent
overconcentration. Since tonifying and dispersin g herbs are combined to deal with
the diminished circulation that occurs when people are weak,
enriching herbs like codonopsis, polygonatum, and rehm annia are
combined with dispersing herbs like tangerine peel, poria, and
ligusticum, which move Qi, Moisture , and Blood , to avoid symptoms
of congestion such as indigestion, stuness, and headache. Otherwise, when someone is weak, tonication witho ut proper
circulation could contribute to rather than relieve stagnation. To
tonify Blood  withou t aggravating congestion, the module to tonify
Blood  would be joined by the module to disperse either Blood  or Qi. To tonify Moisture  without generating Dampness , the module to
tonify Moisture  would be combined with either the module to
disperse Qi or the module to disperse Moisture . Many people experience conditions of depleted Qi and Blood . This
may come as a result of overwork or simply of getting older. Common complaints that people bring to us are feeling tired,
lacking the energy they used to have, and a litany of minor
problems like indigestion, aches and pains, puness around the
eyes and ankles, and declining sexual vigor. For this syndrome of
middle age, a combination of modules would replenish Qi and
Blood , enhance circulation, and eliminate Dampness . Such a formulawould include equal parts of the modules to tonify Qi and Blood  and
half a part each of the modules to disperse Qi and Moisture . If a
tendency to chill easily were a part of the picture, then a half part of
the module to dispel Cold would be added. module to tonify Qi
module to tonify Blood
module to disperse Qi
module to disperse Moisture
(option: module to dispel Cold)
Depleted or Congested Qi, Moisture, Blood : Signs and Symptoms
FORMULAS  FOR ORGAN NETWORKS
An herbalist also chooses herbs based on their anity with Organ
Networks— the capacity of an herb to promote the specic functions
of an Organ Network . For example,  the function of the Heart  is to
house the Spirit  and propel the Blood : zizyphus calms the mind by
nurturing the Blood  of the Heart , while salvia cools the Heart  and
disperses the Blood . The Spleen  transforms food and distributes
Nutritive Qi: dry ginger warms the Spleen  and activates digestion,
and poria helps the Spleen  by disseminat ing Moisture  and Nutritive
Qi. The Lung mobilizes Qi and Moisture : platycodon disperses Lung
Qi, removes phlegm, and opens the chest; fritillary nurtures and
moistens the Lung and dissolves phlegm. The Kidney  stores Essence
and adjusts uid balance: cornus generates and consolidates Kidney
Essence , and alisma regulates the Kidney  by dispersing accumulated
uid. The Liver stores Blood  and regulates Qi: white peony helps the
Liver to store by consolidating Blood  and counteracting spasm, while
bupleurum cools the Liver and decongests its Qi. An herb with a strong anity for an Organ Network  will shift the
inuence of other herbs to that Network . Ginseng, astragalus, and
licorice all tonify Qi. When combined with cornu s and alisma they
will benet the Kidney ; with platycodon and fritill ary they aid the
Lung; with zizyphus and salvia they strengthen the Heart ; and so on. It is on this basis that herbal formulas particularly benet each
Organ Network . Their  comp osition takes into consideration thehealthy dynamic of the Organ Network  as well as the typical ways in
which that dynamic becomes distorted. Herb Anities With Organ Networks
Herbal Support for Organ Networks
The following combinations illustrate how a few herbs can be used
to maintain the integrity of the Organ Networks  by supporting their
proper function and protecting them against adverse processes that
lead to dysfunction.Organ Network  Distress: Signs and SymptomsCONSTITUTIONAL  FORMULAS
People are not simple, nor are their diseases. Formulas  are often
complex, combining many ingredients to address a multiplicity of
contending needs. To be truly comprehensive, prescriptions address
not only the complaints people have, but also their constitutionaldynamics. Sometimes it is not possible to solve all problems
simultaneously, so the herbal ist sets priorities and chooses a path of
action. In the example that follows, one formula deals directly with
a patient’s urgent condition (disease specic) and a second one with
the fundamental, underlying conicts (constitutional pattern) out of
which his health diculties arise. Michael, a ruddy-faced forty-seven-year-old engineer, sought
herbal medicin e after a routine medical exam alerted him to high
blood (pressure (150/95). Before prescribing antihypertensive
medication, his physician allowed him a few months to reduce his
blood pressure , suggesting exercise, dietary changes, and stress
reduction. He had sore, red-rimmed eyes, occasional but severe
sinus headaches, bouts of dizziness, a red tongue, a taut, rapid
pulse, and tender, tight neck and shoulder muscles. His condition suggested a pattern of pressure and congestion in
the Liver Network . It is not unusual for excess Liver Qi  to rise swiftly,
changing into Heat and Wind  as it reaches the face and head. In this
case Heat manifested as sinusitis, sore eyes, and a red tongue, and
Wind  became dizziness and pain. If Michael’s jammed-up Liver Qi
could dissipate and cool, his blood pressure would normalize. The
herbal strategy was to purge the excess Heat and Wind  (Yang) while
tonifying Moisture  and Blood  (Yin). Some of the herbs that treat Michael’s condition are contained in
the module for purging Heat, which includes bupleurum and
scutellaria, which eliminate Heat from the Liver and Lung. Another
module—for dispersing Blood— contains mothe rwort and ligusticum,
which improve  coronary and cerebral circulation by decongesting
Blood  and Qi. These two modules are combined with the one to
supplement the Kidney , which contains eucommia, rehmannia, and
alisma to nurture Yin (Essence  and Blood ) and disperse Moisture . Strengthening Yin, clearing Heat, and dispersing Blood  help control
the excess  of Yang that is manifesting as high blood pressure, muscle
tension, dizzin ess, sinusitis, and sore eyes. After taking this formula
for three weeks, Michael was relieved of dizziness and sore eyes, his
blood pressure decreased to a safe level, and he felt more relaxed.The underlying constitutional dynamic for Michael is a pattern of
conict between the Liver and Lung. Disharmony develops between
these Networks  when Liver Qi becomes congested and rises too
vigorously, blocking the descent of Lung Qi  and increasing tension in
the neck and head. Michael had been under pressure at work to
complete a dicult project on a tight deadline, consumed a few
more drinks than usual to relax at night, and had been eating foods
that were probably too rich for him. Mental aggravation or
overconsumption of alcohol and fatty foods exagge rated his
predisposition to this disharmony. This disharmony produced
feelings of discontent, pressu re in the chest or abdomen,  or cramps
in the arms and legs due to a restricted blood ow. After Michael’s
blood pressure normalized, he was given a constitutional formula to
reconcile the Liver-Lung  relationship. HARMONIZING  ORGAN NETWORK  RELATIONSHIPS
Dierent people have diere nt patterns of conict that reect their
constitutional dynamics. Key problems often arise between the Five
Phases  along the ke sequen ce—this refers to distorted interactions
occurring between the Lung-Liver, Liver-Spleen, Spleen-Kidney, Kidney-
Heart , and Heart-Lung . Since we dene problems within the context
of these relationships, we designed constitutional remedies called
“harmonizing formulas” to reconcile these primary conicts. In the healthy  individual, the role and function of the Organ
Networks  are complementary—that is, they balance each other and
maintain the necessary tension that keeps us active and alive. However, if tension develops into friction, what was complementary
becomes antagonistic.
_OceanofPDF.com_Between_Heaven_and_Earth_-_Harriet_Beinfield.txt
Summarize the following text section accurately and concisely. Maintain specific details and numerical information, and use anti-repetition mechanisms:

        It remained normal, and I can walk around
now without feeling dizzy. ”
Esther Zipin, age 88
“For three years I had no energy, no stamina. I had been diagnosed as
having both the AIDS and Epstein-Barr viruses. I also had yeast
throughout my digestive tract, which made it dicult for me to eat. With
physical eort like walking, I got short of breath and felt pain in my
chest. In the beginning, acupun cture made me feel spaced out and tired. After about two months I felt more energetic, my digestion improved, and
I stopped having shortness of breath. After eight months of treatmenttwice a week combined with taking herbal tonics daily, I regained my
strength and felt as if I could return to work and a normal life-style. It’s
been six months  since my last treatment, but I won’t hesitate to get more
acupuncture if I start feeling sick again. ”
Frank Bell, age 31
“I was on a seesaw of antide pressant and antianxiety drugs for years
until I began to use acupuncture to stabilize my dosage levels. It occurred
to me that maybe I could use acupuncture to get o drugs altogether. I
got three treatments a week for ve months, and I’m now free of two
very addictive medicines, both of which were prescribed by psychiatrists. I’m relieved to feel back in control of my life again. ”
Stephanie Mills, age 35
“I had been diagnosed as having chronic prostatitis and urethritis, which
antibiotics hadn’t helped long-term. After ten acupuncture treatments my
dicult urination and painful ejaculations disappeared. ”
Emilio Perez, age 51
“Since my childhood I’d been dependent on inhalers and antiasthma
medicines. Along with acupuncture treatments for six months, I
eliminated spicy and cold foods from my diet. Now I can play basketball
without needing bronchodilators, and I only take medicine occasionally if
I get a bad case of hay fever. ”
Robbie Johnson, age 33
“My doctors said I would recover on my own, but after a year I hadn’t
improved. I had facial paralys is and numbness from Bell’s palsy, and I
couldn’t close my eye at night. After six treatments I was able to sleep
with both eyes closed, and after nine treatments my mouth stopped
drooping and the numbness was gone. ”
Sylvia Black, age 47METHODS OF  TREATMENT
Methods of manipulating the needle aect treatment, depending on
whether the objective is to consolidate or disperse the Qi, to
accelerate or retard it. Other methods stimulate acupuncture points
without the insertion of needles. One technique, called moxibustion,
uses the focused heat generated by burning “moxa,” the compressed
dried leaves of Chinese mugwort. This has a potent invigorating
eect on the body and is particularly suitable for conditions of
extreme deciency  or Cold. Moxibustion is a method of augmenting
Qi, exploited in emergencies to prevent escape of the life force,
reviving consciousness and averting collapse. Points can also be
activated by acupressure and tui na (“twee nah”), a traditional
system of massage, mobilizing Qi and promoting blood circulation
by manual contact with skin, muscle, nerve, and bone. This method
is often used to treat infants, children, and the elderly, who may be
too sensitive to tolerate acupuncture. Cupping, which employs
vacuum suction with glass globes or bamboo jars, is a technique that
quickens the Blood, dispersing Wind, Heat, and Dampness. Muscle
injury, acute bronchial conge stion, joint pain, and headache may be
helped with this method. CONTEMPORARY  TECHNIQUES
Modern technology has made possible the use of electrical
stimulation without acupun cture needles. Muscle training, facial
toning, and the control of intractable pain are some of the uses of
this noninvasive microelectric stimulation. Electroacupuncture
devices help improve athletic performance and the recovery time
following injuries. Microcurr ent is being used to heal muscle and
nerve impairm ents associated  with neurosurgery, spinal cord injury,
stroke, and palsy and to speed recuperation from surgery by
reducing swelling and inammation. These instrument s can also
revive facial tone, shape, texture, and color, counteracting the
eects of aging by improving the metabolism of muscle and skin. A variety of approaches to acupuncture therapy were developed
on dierent continents. Dierences in technique among Asia,
Europe, and North America do not suggest one approach is superior
to another. Some acupuncturists use deeper insertion and stronger
manipulation, others employ more needles with shallow insertion
and minimal manipulation. Some techniques are more traditional
and others more modern. There is both dialogue and
experimentation amongst practitioners in pursuit of relev ant models
and methods for Westerners. ACUPUNCTURE  FIRST AID: ACUPRESSURE  MASSAGE
The stimulatio n of acupuncture points by applying pressure with the
ngertips can sometimes be eective for relieving acute symptoms. The guideline is to apply enough pressure to get results without
causing unnecessary discomfort. Subjective feedback is useful in locating the acupuncture point
and in ndin g the proper level of stimulation. Since the most
reactive points  are tender or sensitive when pressed, this can help to
determine their location. Massage of these points should feel strong
but not intoler ably painful. If it hurts, it should “hurt good. ” If some
soreness cannot be felt, the pressure is probably not strong enough. Generally, use a nger that does not have a long nail, or the
knuckle of the index nger,  and press rmly while rotating in a
tight circle. Where there is very little esh, such as on the ngers or
toes, it is acceptable to use the edge of a ngernail. Duration of the
massage is determined by the tolerance of the subject or the
diminution of symptoms. Stimulation of a single point can last thirty
seconds, ve minutes, or be continued for twenty minutes in one-
minute sequences with rests in between. Points may be massaged
sequentially in the order listed. FIFTY ACUPUNCTURE  POINTS FOR  SELF-CAREPoint Combinations According to Body Areas
Head and Neck— G. B. 39 = S. I. 3
Cheeks and Jaw— S.
She was diagnosed with both AIDS and Epstein-Barr viruses, as well as yeast in her digestive tract.
What was the condition that Esther Zipin was diagnosed with?
The treatment plan was a combination of acupuncture and herbal tonics, which led to her recovery.
What was the treatment plan for Esther's condition?
He was able to stop taking antidepressant and antianxiety medications.
What was the outcome of Frank Bell's acupuncture treatment?
His chronic prostatitis and urethritis symptoms disappeared after 10 acupuncture treatments.
What was the outcome of Emilio's treatment?
The point combinations are listed to help locate and stimulate acupuncture points without the use of needles.
What is the purpose of the point combinations listed in the text?