Jing Fang 經 方 means classical formulas and is the name given to a set of herbal prescriptions that were composed, mostly from pivotal works like Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing (神農本草經) and Shang Han Za Bing Lun (傷寒雜病論), this was the medicine of imperial China from around the time of the Han dynasty, the Golden Age of Chinese Medicine.
Shāng Hán Zá Bìng Lùn (傷寒雜病論) Treatise on Cold Damage Diseases, was written by Zhāng Zhòng Jǐng (張仲景) (c. 150-219), and after his death the book disappeared, later to be reconstructed and compiled into two other books: Shang han lun (傷寒論) and Jin gui yao lue fang lun (金匱要略方論).
The theoretical and clinical concepts of Jing Fang are the oldest and most authoritative formulation of Chinese medicine, and have been proven highly effective in the clinical practice of internal medicine for nearly two millennia.
Only by understanding this highly developed, clinical and scientific system, that is the foundation and core of Chinese herbal medicine, will you be able to understand later formulas and thus be able to use them knowingly in your clinical practice.
The Jing Fang approach is a systematic and logical one. It focus’s on a core group of formulas which typically contain a small number of herbs, making the art of prescribing Chinese materia medica very manageable and assessable for both the experienced or novice herbalist.
As an acupuncturist, you will learn over 361 points but usually only use 80-100 of those in your clinic, similarly, the study of Jing Fang focuses on these most commonly used and most effective 80-100 herbs and formulas, teaching you to truly master modifications and combinations. The Lei Fang 類方 (families of formulas), Fang Zheng ⽅證 (Formula Syndrome), yao zheng 藥證 (plant syndrome) and Ti Zhi 體質 (constitutions) concepts are creative and easily comprehendible. They contain a precise clinical focus and integration with the patient’s signs and symptoms, allowing the diagnosis to reveal a clear picture of the pattern to which a formula is prescribed.
Jing Fang is a holistic treatment that focuses on the root cause of disease, it treats the person and not the disease. This is why the same formulas can help many diseases, and the same disease can be treated with different formulas.
The theory and clinical skills can be immediately applied into ones practice. The herbal formulas are tailored specifically to the individual’s condition and you will learn how to adapt your formulas to the patients progress.
The effects are gentle with minimal side-effects and you will learn to prescribe your formulas in raw herbs, granules, powder or capsules form for your patients convenience.