Classical Perspectives on Supplementing, Draining and Flavors in Relation to Saam Acupuncture

Course overview

In this lecture, Sharon will explore the concepts of supplementing, draining and shunting methods based on her understanding and translation of portions of the Huang Di Nei Jing. Much of this understanding also comes from her translations of the work of Dr. Zhang Dachang on the Fu Xíng Jue Yong Yao Fa Yao, (Assisting Certainty in the Important Methods for Applying Herbs for the Zang Fu). Sharon has discovered that Dr. Zhang's writings are aligned with our root classics, the Huang Di Nei Jing and the Nan Jing than any writings she has ever come across. These profound views were echoed by Sharon's studies with Thomas Sorensen. In this lecture, Sharon will discuss what we are doing when we supplement and drain/shunt according to an accurate reading of the text. This requires some understanding of what channels are and how the five phase points function. From this foundation, Sharon will connect our use of flavors in herbal formulas to our work using the four points of Saam. Again, this is based on the classics and Dr. Zhang's writings.