Gé Gēn 葛根 Formula Family

A Clinical Masterclass for Pattern-Based Practice

In this 2.5-hour intensive, you’ll develop real clinical confidence using the Gé Gēn 葛根 formula family—essential prescriptions for exterior disorders, neck and upper back stiffness, digestive issues, and even menstrual and skin disorders in classical medicine.

Rather than treating Gé Gēn formulas as simple “muscle-relaxing” prescriptions, you’ll learn how to recognize the deeper constitutional and pathological patterns they address and apply these formulas precisely in modern clinical settings.

What you will learn

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

• Identify constitutional types and propensities that respond best to Gé Gēn–based formulas
• Recognize hallmark tongue, pulse, and abdominal findings
• Apply Gé Gēn formulas to menstrual, skin, and exterior disorders with confidence
• Differentiate similar presentations and modify formulas safely
• Apply these formulas across a wide range of clinical conditions

Course structure

1. Foundations

We begin by establishing a clear diagnostic framework:

• Historical usage of Gé Gēn 葛根 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 Gé Gēn–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

Gé Gēn 葛根 Formula Family

You’ll gain in-depth understanding of:

• Gé Gēn Tāng 葛根湯
• Gé Gēn Qín Lián Tāng 葛根芩連湯 
• Zhú Yè Tāng 竹葉湯 
• Běn Tún Tāng 奔豚湯 
• Gé Gēn Jiā Bàn Xià Tāng 葛根加半夏湯 
• Guì Zhī Jiā Gé Gēn Tāng 桂枝加葛根湯  
• Gé Gēn Modification Formulas

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 Gé Gēn formulas are indicated
• Apply these formulas safely to menstrual, skin, exterior, and digestive patterns
• Differentiate between closely related presentations
• Understand why these prescriptions work
• Apply this knowledge immediately in clinic

Format

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