Mai Jing and the Pulses
of the Shang Han Za Bing Lun
16 CEUs/PDAs (CAB #1005 and NCCAOM #1134)
Now available as a recorded course
Geneviève Le Goff, L.Ac.
Course description:
This course will present the main tenets of pulse theory as it is exposed in the Mai Jing 脈經 by Wang Shuhe王叔和, and the relationship between this knowledge and the interpretation of Shang Han Za Bing Lun 傷寒雜病論 pulse patterns. The two most brilliant legacies of early Jin dynasty physician Wang Shuhe are the Mai Jing as well as his preserving and editing the fragmented pieces of Zhang Zhong Jing's Shang Han Za Bing Lun. As such, the two works are intimately related and their parallel study yields a deeper understanding of both. We will examine the pulse in relation to the circulation of Fire and Water, honing in on each of the 24 pulse images of the Mai Jing; we will cross-reference the latter with the analysis of lines of the Shang Han Za Bing Lun where they are mentioned. The image of each pulse is the result of complex physiological relationships, which must be understood to arrive at the comprehension of disease and the correct interpretation of the pulse. Quite often, the mention of a pulse image in the Shang Han Za Bing Lun is a euphemism for a specific patho-physiological mechanism. By becoming intimate with this code, we can understand lines even if they are terse and mention little but the pulse. Reciprocally, by understanding the physiological processes which lead to specific pulse qualities, we can infer the image or location of a pulse when they aren't mentioned by Zhang Zhong Jing.
Once the individual pulses are learned, we will study the complex pulse patterns which always arise in any disease, from the framework of Taiyang/Shaoyin pulses, Shaoyang/Taiyin pulses, and Yangming/Jueyin disease pulses, in their various forms and transmutations. For each pulse image and each pulse pattern, we will illustrate with case studies. The outcome of the seminar should be increased confidence in interpreting the pulse, as well as a deepened understanding of classical physiology and pathophysiology.
Learning objectives:
- students will understand the relationship between the pulse and 5 movements, 6 conformation physiology
- students will become intimately familiar with the 24 pulse images
- students will become intimately familiar with the use of the 24 pulse images in the Shang Han Za Bing Lun
- students will become familiar with complex pulse patterns in the context of the 6 conformations and their transmutations
- students will gain confidence and accuracy in their pulse diagnostic skills
Outline:
Day 1:
9 am - 10 am:
Introduction to the Mai Jing and its relationship to the Shang Han Za Bing Lun
Circular dynamics of Fire and Water
10 am - 11 am:
Location of the pulses and their meaning
Nutritive and Ministerial fire in the pulses
Size of the pulse
24 pulses: shapes, meanings, and some Shang Han Za Bing Lun line examples for each
11 am - 12 pm:
Pulse qualities, selected Mai Jing and Shang Han Za Bing Lun lines: floating, scallion stalk, surging
12 pm - 1 pm: lunch break
1 pm - 2 pm:
Pulse qualities, selected Mai Jing and Shang Han Za Bing Lun lines: slippery, rapid, skipping
2 pm - 3 pm:
Pulse qualities, selected Mai Jing and Shang Han Za Bing Lun lines: bowstring, tight, deep
4 pm - 5 pm:
Pulse qualities, selected Mai Jing and Shang Han Za Bing Lun lines: hidden, drumskin, replete
5 pm - 6 pm:
Q & A
Day 2:
9 am - 10 am:
Pulse qualities, selected Mai Jing and Shang Han Za Bing Lun lines: faint, choppy, fine
10 am - 11am:
Pulse qualities, selected Mai Jing and Shang Han Za Bing Lun lines: soft, weak, vacuous
11 am - 12 pm:
Pulse qualities, selected Mai Jing and Shang Han Za Bing Lun lines: dissipated, moderate, slow
12 pm - 1 pm: lunch break
1 pm - 2 pm:
Pulse qualities, selected Mai Jing and Shang Han Za Bing Lun lines: bound, interrupted, stirring
Seasonal pulses and what they teach us about ideal physiology; the concordance of the circulation of Fire and Water with seasonal and circadian rhythms
Complex pulse patterns in the Shang Han Za Bing Lun: theory, lines and case studies
2 pm - 3 pm:
Taiyang/Shaoyin axis pulse patterns
Passage into taiyin, shaoyang, yangming, jueyin, complex diseases of the interior and exterior
3 pm - 4 pm:
Shaoyang/Taiyin axis pulse patterns
passage into jueyin, yangming, shaoyin, complex diseases of the interior and exterior
4 pm - 5 pm:
Yangming/Jueyin axis pulse patterns
passage into shaoyang, taiyang, taiyin, shaoyin, complex diseases of the interior and exterior
5 pm - 6 pm:
Q & A
Logistics:
Cost: $ 425
16 CEUs/PDAs
Recordings available 6 months from sign-up.
Cancellation policy: Full refund within 24 hours of registration, no refunds thereafter.
Cost: $ 425
16 CEUs/PDAs
Recordings available 6 months from sign-up.
Cancellation policy: Full refund within 24 hours of registration, no refunds thereafter.