Shang Han Lun cosmology
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Accordingly, the approach we learn from Shang Han Lun is that in order to apply treatment to restore harmony with Nature, the formulas we use must mimic nature. A quick review clarifies this point.
Wind is ruled by the Qing Long constellation in the East. When this constellation moves into the “Big Dipper” quadrant the weather becomes windier and Spring arrives. Zhu Niao ~ the Red Phoenix marks the time of Fire with it’s arrival just as Gou Chen ~ the Dog signifies Ministerial Fire will predominate the weather in time. Bai Hu ~ the White Tiger constellation of the West ~ indicates the time of dryness associated with Autumn when the consolidating energy of Metal prevails.
Teng She ~ the Leaping Snake ~ indicates Tai Yin Earth Damp of the Center while Xuan Wu ~ the Dark Warrior of the North ~ marks the predominance of Cold.
We easily recognize the names of famous formulas related to some of these constellations, where others are more obscure. As humans are the microcosm within the macrocosm, we have 6 channel~organ network systems that mirror these 6 constellations. Thus the yangming conformation of the dry metal of the west invokes the need for the White Tiger of the Western skies. The formulas of the Shang Han Lun put us back on track with Nature, as the source of disease is an imbalance with the world around us. As clinicians, this system allows us to recognize the manifestations of imbalance and apply treatment to assist the body’s own inherent ability to rebalance.
An extremely powerful and effective style of medicine based on Shang Han Lun has developed and grown over the last 1800 years. When practiced correctly, this patient centered system moves quickly and accurately from presentation to conformation to treatment. The quandary is how to get useful guidance in instances where the text states, “…the yang is strong and the yin is weak…” or “…there is a hard glomus below the heart…” (especially since many of our patients are divorced from their bodies), or how to interpret statements that a given formula “governs” versus “is appropriate”.
This training program provides a unique opportunity to study with practitioner teachers who not only have deep academic understanding, but also apprenticed with Shang Han Lun masters. Further, the teachers will be able to fluidly explain complex concepts in English. A series of nine seminars over the course of a year will take you through different windows of understanding health and disease as they are apprehended in the Shang Han Lun style of medicine.
