Practice of Jingfang (經方):

A Systemic Approach to Shanghan Zabing Lun (傷寒雜病論) Practice

This four-module course presents a pragmatic methodology for practicing Jingfang (經方)—the classical formula system of Zhang Zhongjing’s Shanghan Zabing Lun. By stripping away abstract theories and unnecessary conceptual complexity, this seminar offers a clear and clinically grounded framework for understanding and applying Jingfang.

The curriculum is organized around Four foundational Pillars of Jingfang practice:
Herbs (藥), Formulas (方), Disease (病), and the Person (人).

These pillars are introduced sequentially and progressively integrated, providing students with a coherent system that supports accurate diagnosis, fluent formula selection, and a deeper understanding of the human body and disease processes.

Module 1: Herbs (藥)

The first module introduces the herb patterns of Zhang Zhongjing’s principal medicinal substances.

An herb’s pattern—its practical clinical indication—is derived through careful cross-analysis of the source texts. This includes examining the formulas in which the herb appears, as well as cases where it is added, removed, or used in different dosages. Through this analysis, the clinical function and pattern of the herb can be clarified.

The conclusions drawn from textual analysis must then be validated through clinical practice over time.

This methodological approach is strongly influenced by the work of the 18th-century Japanese master Yoshimasu Tōdō, who emphasized empirical observation and textual and clinical evidence over theoretical construct.

Understanding herb patterns provides essential clues for formula selection and for identifying the type of patient to whom a particular herb is best suited.

Highlights

Students will learn:

• The history of empirical herbal practice and the framework of a systemic approach

• Yoshimasu Tōdō’s work on single-herb patterns

• The significance of main ability, primary pattern, and inclusive pattern

• The concept of constitutional herbs and formulas

• Patterns of Zhang Zhongjing’s 12 primary clue herbs

• Major formulas associated with the 12 primary clue herbs

• Patterns of 18 secondary clue herbs

• Major formulas associated with the 18 secondary herbs

• Methods for arriving at an appropriate formula through clue herb identification

Module 2: Formulas (方)

The second module organizes the Jingfang pharmacopeia into a logical and clinically actionable system.

While a formula pattern consists of the signs and symptoms described in the classical texts, consistent clinical application requires a deeper understanding of Formula Intent (方意) that guides its application.

One can grasp a formula intent through understanding the composition of the formula (based on module 1 knowledge) and knowing the formula within the architectural relationships of the whole formula system, in addition to its explicit patterns.

To help students grasp formula intent and develop fluency in formula selection, this module introduces two structural approaches that together reveal the complete architecture of Zhang Zhongjing’s formulas:

• Vertical Loom — formula delineation

• Horizontal Loom — formula families organized by principal herb

Together these perspectives allow students to see how formulas evolve, relate, and function within a coherent system.

Highlights

Students will learn:

• The therapeutic purpose and intent of formulas

• The structural organization of formulas through vertical and horizontal loom analysis

• Yoshimasu Tōdō’s work on formula delineation

• Extended formula delineation (vertical loom)

• Formula relationships through changes in ingredients and dosage

• Formula families organized by principal herbs (horizontal loom)

• Formula relationships within families

• Methods for combining formulas

Module 3: Disease (病)

The third module examines disease patterns in terms of their location, characteristics, and their effects on the circulation of Qi, Blood, and Fluids within the body.

These physiological substances are analyzed from two perspectives:

• Qualitative aspect — their movement (circulation)

• Quantitative aspect — their volume (capacity)

This framework allows students to understand how disruptions in circulation or volume generate pressure within the body and lead to recognizable disease patterns.

The module also provides a systematic overview of the Shanghan Zabing Lun disease framework, including:

• the Six Diseases of Cold Damage (傷寒六病)

• their derivative patterns (變證)

• other independent diseases (雜病)

Students will learn how both environmental influences and internal factors disturb the body’s regulatory balance and produce distinct disease manifestations.

Highlights

Students will learn:

• Circulation and capacity of Qi, Blood, and Fluids in the body

• Different degrees of impaired circulation

• The consequential pressure created by impaired circulation

• Methods of releasing pressure and restoring circulation through herbs and formulas

• The systemic organization of diseases in the Shanghan Zabing Lun

• The six disease patterns of Shanghan in terms of location and characteristics

• Patterns of derivative and independent diseases

Module 4: The Person (人)

The fourth module focuses on the person as the central subject of diagnosis and treatment, integrating the knowledge developed in the previous three modules.

At this stage, students will understand how herbs, formulas, and disease processes interact with a patient’s constitutional characteristics.

Building on this foundation, the module introduces practical diagnostic and clinical evaluation methods that enable practitioners to synthesize these elements effectively in real clinical settings.

Through the integration of the four pillars—herbs, formulas, diseases, and the person—students develop a coherent framework for Jingfang practice. With this foundation, practitioners can continue refining their clinical skills and deepen their mastery of classical medicine.

Highlights

Students will learn:

• A new integrative diagnostic approach

• Constitutional aspects of the human body in relation to herbs and formulas

• Evaluation of constitution through eight parameters

• Assessment of Qi, Blood, and Fluids circulation

• Palpation and diagnostic methods of five trunk regions

• Methods for synthesizing the four modules and applying them clinically