Cháihú 柴胡 Formula Family

A Clinical Masterclass for Pattern-Based Practice

In this 4-hour intensive, you’ll develop real clinical confidence using the Cháihú 柴胡 formula family—core prescriptions for resolving shàoyáng patterns and complex interior-exterior presentations in classical medicine.

Rather than treating Cháihú formulas as simple “harmonizing” prescriptions, you’ll learn how to recognize the deeper constitutional and pathological patterns they address and apply them precisely in modern clinical settings.

What you will learn

By the end of this class, you will be able to:

• Identify constitutional types that respond best to Cháihú-based formulas
• Recognize hallmark tongue, pulse, and abdominal findings
• Differentiate similar clinical presentations with precision
• Understand when to modify formulas and how to do so safely
• Avoid common prescribing errors
• Apply these formulas confidently across a wide range of conditions

Course structure

1. Foundations

We begin by establishing a clear diagnostic framework:

• Historical usage of Cháihú 柴胡 in classical medicine
• Body types and constitutional tendencies
• Core diagnostic markers:
 – Tongue
 – Pulse
 – Abdominal findings
 – Other critical clinical signs

This section builds your pattern-recognition skills so you know who these formulas are truly for.

2. Formula Families in Depth

We then examine the major Cháihú-based formulas, covering:

• Classical indications
• Key diagnostic features
• Modern clinical applications
• Dosage strategies and modifications

Throughout the course, you’ll see real clinical cases drawn from:

• My own practice
• My teacher Huáng Huáng

This grounds the classical theory in real-world clinical decision-making.

3. Textual Authority

All relevant lines from the Shānghán Zábìng Lùn 傷寒雜病論 are:

• Quoted
• Translated
• Analyzed in depth

We unpack:

• Key symptoms and signs
• Underlying physiology & pathology
• Herbal dynamics and flavors
• Complex terminology often misunderstood in modern practice

You’ll also see how these formulas were interpreted historically, with references to:

• Huángdì Nèijīng 黃帝內經
• Nánjīng 難經
• Shénnóng Běncǎo Jīng 神農本草經
• Influential commentaries spanning 1800 years

Formulas covered

You’ll gain in-depth understanding of:

• Xiǎo Cháihú Tāng 小柴胡湯
• Dà Cháihú Tāng 大柴胡湯
• Cháihú Guìzhī Tāng 柴胡桂枝湯
• Cháihú Guìzhī Gānjiāng Tāng 柴胡桂枝干姜湯
• Cháihú Jiā Lónggǔ Mǔlì Tāng 柴胡加龍骨牡蠣湯
• Sì Nì Sǎn 四逆散

Who this class is for

• Practicing acupuncturists & herbalists
• Senior students in clinical internship
• Clinicians seeking jingfang-style precision

Outcome

By the end of this masterclass, you will:

• Confidently recognize when a Cháihú formula is indicated
• Differentiate between closely related formulas
• Understand why these prescriptions work
• Apply this knowledge immediately in clinic

Format

• 4-hour recorded masterclass
• Lifetime access
• NCCAOM Credits
• CE Credits for Canadian Students