Xiao Chai Hu Tang is one of the foundation formulas of the Shang Han Lun, and certainly one of the most widely used of all Chinese herbal prescriptions. Originally developed to deal with shao yang syndrome, the post acute phase of an external invasion, its use has expanded substantially over the intervening centuries and is a ‘go-to’ formula for many conditions beyond its orginal purpose. Why, and on what basis, has this occured? We will look at the reasons for this expansion and look at the structure of the formula and its relatives in the harmonising family.
Ban Xia Xie Xin Tang is a strikingly effective formula for a variety of common digestive complaints, Ban Xia Xie Xin Tang works its magic primarily by stimulating and driving the middle burner Qi dynamic. In this talk we look at the Qi dynamic and how central it is to the overall Qi distribution of the body, and how to use herbs to drive Qi in specific directions with effects that are greater than the sum of their parts.