Between Heaven & Earth Acupuncture and Herbs

07/14/2026

《傷寒論。 二十》 「太陽病，發汗，遂漏不止，其人惡風，小便難，四肢微急，難以屈伸者，桂枝加附子湯主之。」

Shang Han Lun line 20: When in taiyang disease, sweating is promoted and then gives way to incessant leaking, the person is averse to wind, has difficult urination, and the limbs are slightly tensed so that they bend and stretch with difficulty, Gui Zhi jia Fu Zi Tang governs. (translation Nigel Wiseman)

This line illustrates on the one hand the interdependence of Shaoyin and Taiyang, and is a perfect illustration of the biao ben zhong qi theory of the Neijing Suwen. The strength of heavenly yang qi predicates the function of taiyin spleen and therefore its production of nutritive qi, which is the yin aspect of the blood. If the nutritive is improperly produced, the muscles and the limbs (which pertain to the spleen) will be tight, and the blood will not be able to carry the ministerial fire to defend the exterior, being deficient both in its liquid humor and yang. Therefore the exterior will be weak, and the pores will not be able to close, giving rise to incessant leaking... this pattern was, in this case, caused by excessive and improper sweating treatment, which exhausts both yang and fluids. Therefore, the normal pathology of Gui Zhi Tang, in which both nutritive and yang are deficient, is exacerbated on both counts. Thus Fu Zi will strongly mimic and enact the action of heavenly yang in the body, stimulating the production of nutritive by warming Taiyin: both issues are fixed.
Below is a postpartum case study illustrating this principle...

For more of this, please sign up for our upcoming 2026-2027 Shang Han Lun course starting in October! Early bird period open now, sign up soon for the best discounts! https://www.betweenheavenandearth.org/secret-passages-the-language-of-the-shang-han-lun.html

Secret Passages: the Language of the Shang Han Lun
66.5 CEUs/PDAs ~ October 24, 2026 - May 30th, 2027

07/02/2026

FIRST 5 REGISTRANTS GET $200 OFF! (Use code " EARLY")

I am happy to open enrollment for the third live presentation of my year-long course, Secret Passages: The Language of the Shang Han Lun 傷寒論!

https://www.betweenheavenandearth.org/secret-passages-the-language-of-the-shang-han-lun.html

Over the course of the academic year, we will study the entire Shang Han Lun 傷寒論 line by line, in the Song edition order - illustrated by many case studies and in dialogue with the Huangdi Neijing 黃帝內經, Jingui Yaolue 金匱要略, Mai Jing 脈經, Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing 神農本草經, Tang Ye Jing 湯液經, and Fu Xing Jue Zang Fu Yong Yao Fa Yao 輔行訣臟腑用藥法要.

Our work will include:

• The foundations of classical Chinese physiology, cosmology, time, and diagnosis
• The language of herbs and flavors, and how formula architecture reveals therapeutic movement
• A detailed study of the Taiyang 太陽, Yangming 陽明, Shaoyang 少陽, Taiyin 太陰, Shaoyin 少陰, and Jueyin 厥陰 chapters
• Careful analysis of formulae, modifications, contraindications, dosage, and clinical differentiation
• Extensive case discussion, connecting textual study to the realities of contemporary herbal practice

This course is for practitioners who wish to move beyond formula memorization and develop a precise, textually grounded understanding of classical physiology, herbal direction, and clinical transformation.

The Shang Han Lun 傷寒論, by Zhang Zhongjing 張仲景, is one of the most sophisticated clinical texts in the Chinese medical canon. Yet its terse language, seemingly contradictory passages, and highly condensed formulae can remain opaque without a clear understanding of the cosmology, physiology, and pharmacological language from which it emerged. We will work through the text patiently, examining how its language discloses the progression of disease, the transformations of physiology, and the exact logic of classical prescriptions. The aim is to cultivate a mode of reading that leads to greater clarity, greater flexibility, and more refined clinical results.

I am looking forward to welcoming a new group of students into this deep and clinically transformative study of classical herbal medicine!

https://www.betweenheavenandearth.org/secret-passages-the-language-of-the-shang-han-lun.html

06/30/2026

Summer sale! 20 % off courses until July 4th! Use code Solstice26

Clinic courses in classical Chinese medicine. We offer continuing education classes on the theme of classical herbal formulation, the Chinese medical classics, and obstetrics. Our specialty is pre-natal and postpartum care.

05/29/2026

Hello everyone, announcing a new course!

Postpartum and Lactation in Classical Chinese Medicine - August 15-16th on Zoom (recording available for 6 month)
Early bird until June 15th!

Drawing from the Jin Gui Yao Lue 金匱要略, the Mai Jing 脈經and the Qian Jin Fang 千金方, this course presents classical approaches to postpartum bleeding, abdominal pain, lochia disorders, insufficient lactation, ni**le and suction issues, mastitis, postpartum exhaustion, preeclampsia, prolapse, incontinence, constipation, psycho-emotional disorders and more.

The curriculum integrates six-conformation 六經 differentiation, herbal formula analysis, and many clinical case studies as well as pulse, physiology, and discussion of formula architecture principles.

14 CEUs/PDAs

For those desire training in obstetrics, there is the option of adding the paired recorded course "The herbal Treatment of Pregnant Women: Classical Chinese Medicine Solutions" (14 CEUs/PDAs) at a discounted price.

https://www.betweenheavenandearth.org/postpartum-and-lactation-in-classical-chinese-medicine.html

Classical Chinese medicine, organic herbs and acupuncture for the whole family. Prenatal care and women's health. Continuing education courses on Shang Han Lun, Jin Gui Yao Lue, Tang Ye Jing Fa, Fire Spirit School, 6 conformations, resolution times,

05/29/2026

🌿Webinaire gratuit! 4 cas pratiques d’obstétrique en une heure!

🌿N’ayant pas eu beaucoup de temps pour les cas pratiques lors du premier webinaire, nous vous proposons d'étudier quatre case pratiques en obstétrique sur les sujets suivants:
- nausée
- contractions prématurées
- présentation par le siège
- œdème / prééclampsie
🌿Les participants recevront une remise exceptionelle pour les formations Maternité (Juin 2026 en visio) et Jin Gui Yao Lue (Janvier-Juin 2027 hybride visio/présentiel à Lyon)

✨Pour s'inscrire au webinaire gratuit:
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_KhAhp-MaRIGg28cjDk87ag

✨Pour les détails des cours Maternité et Jin Gui Yao Lue: https://www.medecinechinoiseclassique.org
Invitez un(e)ami(e) et recevez chacun une remise de $100!

05/26/2026

MEMORIAL DAY SALE! 20% OFF ALL RECORDED COURSES UNTIL JUNE 1ST!!!
https://www.betweenheavenandearth.org/courses.html

🌿 4 Seasons: Myths, Symbols, Cosmos and Medicine – 20 CEU/PDA/CPD
Explore the spirit of the four seasons and directions, retracing the evolution of ancient Chinese thought about each of them, from ancient symbology to the refinement of canonical herbal medicine and their applications in the clinic today.

🌿 The Herbal Treatment of Pregnant Women: Classical Chinese Medicine Solutions – 14 CEU/PDA/CPD
A comprehensive overview of the treatment of pregnant and postpartum women with classical formulae, starting with the comparative study of three classical texts on fetal development: the Tai Chan Shu 台產書 (excavated at Mawangdui 馬王堆), Huainanzi 淮南子 chapter 7, and Mai Jing 脈經 chapter 9, in order to lay out the foundations and principles of physiology in pregnancy.

🌿 Jin Gui Yao Lue: Alchemy for Complex Diseases – 73.5 CEU/PDA/CPD
A line-by-line study of the entire Jin Gui Yao Lue.

🌿 Secret Passages: the Language of the Shang Han Lun – 63.5 CEU/PDA/CPD
A line-by-line study of the entire Shang Han Lun.

🌿 Tang Ye Jing Fa: the Genesis of Classical Formulae – 17.5 CEU/CPD/PDA
A line-by-line study of the Fu Xing Jue and foundations in classical formula architecture.

🌿 Six Conformation Diagnosis from a Fire Spirit School Perspective – 14 CEU/PDA/CPD
An overview of the six conformations and the circulation of fire and water in the body, and how this is expressed in formula architecture.

🌿 Mai Jing and the Pulses of the Shang Han Lun – 16 CEU/PDA/CPD
A study of the pulses of the Mai Jing and how they relate to pathophysiology in the Shang Han Za Bing Lun.

https://www.betweenheavenandearth.org/courses.html

Clinic courses in classical Chinese medicine. We offer continuing education classes on the theme of classical herbal formulation, the Chinese medical classics, and obstetrics. Our specialty is pre-natal and postpartum care.

05/26/2026

MEMORIAL DAY SALE!
20% OFF ALL RECORDED COURSES UNTIL JUNE 1ST!!!

SHANG HAN, JIN GUI, COSMOLOGY, OBSTETRICS ETC!

🌿 4 Seasons: Myths, Symbols, Cosmos and Medicine – 20 CEU/PDA/CPD
Explore the spirit of the four seasons and directions, retracing the evolution of ancient Chinese thought about each of them, from ancient symbology to the refinement of canonical herbal medicine and their applications in the clinic today.

🌿 The Herbal Treatment of Pregnant Women: Classical Chinese Medicine Solutions – 14 CEU/PDA/CPD
A comprehensive overview of the treatment of pregnant and postpartum women with classical formulae, starting with the comparative study of three classical texts on fetal development: the Tai Chan Shu 台產書 (excavated at Mawangdui 馬王堆), Huainanzi 淮南子 chapter 7, and Mai Jing 脈經 chapter 9, in order to lay out the foundations and principles of physiology in pregnancy.

🌿 Jin Gui Yao Lue: Alchemy for Complex Diseases – 73.5 CEU/PDA/CPD
A line-by-line study of the entire Jin Gui Yao Lue.

🌿 Secret Passages: the Language of the Shang Han Lun – 63.5 CEU/PDA/CPD
A line-by-line study of the entire Shang Han Lun.

🌿 Tang Ye Jing Fa: the Genesis of Classical Formulae – 17.5 CEU/CPD/PDA
A line-by-line study of the Fu Xing Jue and foundations in classical formula architecture.

🌿 Six Conformation Diagnosis from a Fire Spirit School Perspective – 14 CEU/PDA/CPD
An overview of the six conformations and the circulation of fire and water in the body, and how this is expressed in formula architecture.

🌿 Mai Jing and the Pulses of the Shang Han Lun – 16 CEU/PDA/CPD
A study of the pulses of the Mai Jing and how they relate to pathophysiology in the Shang Han Za Bing Lun.

Clinic courses in classical Chinese medicine. We offer continuing education classes on the theme of classical herbal formulation, the Chinese medical classics, and obstetrics. Our specialty is pre-natal and postpartum care.

08/31/2025

Labor day sale! 10% off all courses!
Jin Gui Yao Lue course starts next Sunday as well!

Clinic courses in classical Chinese medicine. We offer continuing education classes on the theme of classical herbal formulation, the Chinese medical classics, and obstetrics. Our specialty is pre-natal and postpartum care.

07/13/2025

A line and case study from Jin Gui Yao Lue ~ please join our year-long course! Early bird until July 15th! https://www.betweenheavenandearth.org/jin-gui-yao-lue-formulae-for-complex-diseases.html

十三。十
小便不利者，有水氣，其人若渴，栝蔞瞿麥丸主之。
栝蔞瞿麥丸方：
栝蔞根（二兩）　茯苓（三兩）　薯蕷（三兩）　附子（一枚，炮）　瞿麥（一兩）
右五味，末之，煉蜜丸梧子大，飲服三丸，日三服；不知。增至七八丸，以小便利，腹中溫為知。

Jin Gui Yao Lue line 13.10:

Inhibited urination means that there is water qi and that the patient suffers from thirst. Gua Lou Qu Mai Wan governs.

Gua Lou Qu Mai Wan

gua lou gen, 2 liang
fu ling, 3 liang
shu yu, 3 liang
fu zi, 1 piece (blast-fry)
qu mai, 1 liang

Pulverize the above 5 ingredients and blend with lian mi to form into pills the size of firmiana seeds. Take 3 pills with fluid, 3 times a day. If no [effect] is noticed, increase [the dosage] to 7 or 8 pills. Disinhibition of urine and warmth in the stomach can be taken as indicators [that the formula is working].

Case study: UTI

64 y.o. woman, taking Wen Jing Tang for the past month. She recently started a romantic relationship and after having s*x and a lot of emotional upheaval, started feeling burning and scant urination. She is thirsty and her usual vexation is worse, whereas it had been better with wen Jing Tang. Her abdomen is lax and her feet cold. Cold bottom and hips.
Tongue: dry and thin, dark dusky, tooth marks
Pulse: fait and weak all over

Herbs: Gua Lou Qu Mai Wan, 5;1 granules, 3g, 4x day
tian hua fen 12g
fu ling 12g
shan yao 9g
fu zi (white, pure steamed) 15g
qu mai 6g
2 days later: she immediately noticed being able to produce more urine. The burning had subsided and she was almost back to normal, only slight unusual feeling during micturition. Completely resolved after 6 days.

Explanation:

This is a joint Shaoyin/Jueyin disease. We know the blood is dry from the faint pulse, the dusky tongue and the mention of the patient having been on Wen Jing Tang. Furthermore, in keeping with the idea of Wen Jing Tang containing a large amount of mai men d**g, we observe that the dryness extends across the jueyin-yangming axis: there is thirst and vexation.

Concurrently, Shaoyin is weak, so the pulse is weak and water is accumulating: we see toothmarks, the pulse is weak, and her lower is cold.

The etiologies of strangury presented in the Jin Gui Yao Lue all pertain to various ways in which the blood fails to reach Taiyang bladder. This particular situation illustrates the relationship of Shaoyin and Jueyin, and one of the possible effects on Taiyang bladder when this relationship fails. It is not uncommon to see the coexistence of water accumulation and dry blood, and you should not let these superficially contradictory signs confuse you. If the Shaoyin pivot is weak, water will not be transformed, and it will accumulate. Because it does not transform, the blood of Jueyin, which is a fluid, and is the next phase of East/Wood after North/Water, is not engendered. Jueyin blood thus becomes dry, and cannot circulate to reach the Taiyang layer: the skin (surface) and upper jiao will be dry, as will be the bladder, which pertains to Taiyang.

The treatment, as a reciprocal to the disease, therefore consists in strengthening the Shaoyin pivot and its ability to transform water with fu zi, fu ling, qu mai; and in bringing moisture to the jueyin/yangming axis with gua lou gen (aka tian hua fen) and shu yu (aka shan yao). Qu mai also quells the fire which is the side effect of the dryness. With this dual approach of water transformation, which engenders new blood, and the moisture directly given to the latter, Taiyang is reached and urine can be produced and excreted.

https://www.betweenheavenandearth.org/jin-gui-yao-lue-formulae-for-complex-diseases.html