Máhuáng 麻黃 Formula Family

A Clinical Masterclass for Modern Practitioners

In this 3.5-hour intensive, you’ll develop true clinical confidence using the Máhuáng 麻黃 formula family—some of the most powerful and clinically impactful formulas in classical medicine.

Rather than memorizing indications, you’ll learn how to recognize the patient in front of you and determine when Máhuáng-based formulas are truly appropriate in real clinical settings.

What you will learn

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

• Identify constitutional types suited to Máhuáng-based formulas

• Recognize hallmark tongue, pulse, and abdominal findings

• Distinguish key symptom patterns that separate similar presentations

• Avoid common prescribing mistakes and contraindications

• Confidently modify formulas based on real-world clinical presentations

Course structure

1. Foundations

We begin by establishing a clear diagnostic framework:

• Historical usage of Máhuáng 麻黃 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 Máhuáng-based formulas, covering:

• Classical indications

• Key diagnostic features

• Modern clinical applications

• Dosage strategies and formula modifications

Throughout the course, you’ll see real clinical cases demonstrating how these formulas are applied in contemporary practice.

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 and pathology

• Herbal dynamics and flavors

• Complex terminology practitioners often misunderstand

You’ll also see how later physicians interpreted these formulas, with references to:

• Huángdì Nèijīng 黃帝內經

• Nánjīng 難經

• Shénnóng Běncǎo Jīng 神農本草經

• Influential commentaries spanning the last 1800 years

Formulas covered

You’ll gain in-depth understanding of:

• Máhuáng Tāng 麻黃湯

• Máhuáng Jiā Zhú Tāng 麻黃加朮湯

• Xiǎo Qīnglóng Tāng 小青龍湯

• Dà Qīnglóng Tāng 大青龍湯

• Máhuáng Fùzǐ Xìxīn Tāng 麻黃附子細辛湯

• Yuèbì Tāng 越婢湯

• Yuèbì Jiā Zhú Tāng 越婢加朮湯

• Yuèbì Jiā Bànxià Tāng 越婢加半夏湯

• Má Xìng Shí Gān Tāng 麻杏石甘湯

• Má Xìng Yì Gān Tāng 麻杏薏甘湯

• Máhuáng Liánqiáo Chìxiǎodòu Tāng 麻黃連翹赤小豆湯

Who this class is for

• Practicing acupuncturists and herbalists

• Senior students in clinical internship

• Clinicians serious about jīngfāng 經方–style diagnosis

Outcome

By the end of this masterclass, you will:

• Clearly recognize when a Máhuáng formula is indicated

• Confidently differentiate between similar patterns

• Understand why these formulas work—not just that they work

• Apply this knowledge immediately in clinic

Format

• 3.5-hour recorded masterclass

• Lifetime access

• NCCAOM Credits

• CE Credits for Canadian Students