99652 Chinese Herbal Formula 2

Warning: The information on this page is indicative. The subject outline for a particular semester, location and mode of offering is the authoritative source of all information about the subject for that offering. Required texts, recommended texts and references in particular are likely to change. Students will be provided with a subject outline once they enrol in the subject.

UTS: Science: Medical and Molecular Biosciences
Credit points: 6 cp
Result type: Grade and marks

Requisite(s): 99651 Chinese Herbal Formula 1

Handbook description

Chinese herbal medicine utilises herbal combinations to treat illness. This subject follows Chinese Herbal Formula 1 and provides detailed information on Chinese herbal formulae for treating diseases. In this subject, the major herbal formulae are evaluated together with their appropriate application. Students are encouraged to discriminate between various treatment strategies in accordance with differential diagnosis of TCM patterns.

Subject objectives/outcomes

This area of study comprises two parts.

The first part covers:

the historical development of formula theory;
how formulae are currently classified;
the functions of formulae within each of the main categories;
and how these relate to therapeutic methods, the methods of herbal formulae modification, the main methods by which Chinese herbal formulae are prepared and the forms in which they are administered.

The second part covers:

the theories of how formulae are structured,
the practice of formula construction and modification,
the hierarchy of constituents and how they function in concert within a formula.

100 commonly used medicinal formulae will be studied.

The study of each formula covers the following topics in details:

the composition
therapeutic actions
TCM Pattern Differentiation including Bing Ji analysis
clinical applications
modifications according to TCM Pattern
cautions & contraindications
methods and procedures of formula preparation, administration and advice to clients

At the completion of this subject students are expected to be able to:

outline different stages of development of Chinese medicine formula theory including different school of thoughts;
explain different formula categories in accordance to different treatment strategies in contemporary Chinese medicine;
understand the therapeutic actions of the formulae in relation to the treatment strategies;
identify and apply the various Pattern Differentiation skills learned in Chinese medicine diagnosis in relation to the formulae;
discriminate between various treatment strategies in accordance to different TCM Patterns;
explain the role of formulas in Chinese herbal medicine;
define the various treatment methods in Chinese herbal medicine;
describe the major categories of formulas and their application in accordance TCM Patterns;
analyse treatment protocols based on Bian Zheng Lun Zhi (TCM Pattern Differential Diagnosis);
explain the role of the individual herbs within a formula in term of their dynamic actions (nature, taste, movement, and propensity to the channels);
apply TCM diagnostic system and prescribe a basic formula for treating disorders in a case study and in the clinical situation;
identify the contraindications of the formulae.
apply and demonstrate the main forms in which formulae are prepared and administered;
advise patients on preparation, dosage and administration of herbal formulae, including actions to take in the event of unexpected reaction.

Contribution to course aims and graduate attributes

Disciplinary knowledge and its appropriate application
The lectures, tutorials and series of progressive tests will add new knowledge and assist the student in self recognition of weakness in their understanding of the nature, practice and application of herbal formulae and pattern recognition.

An enquiry-oriented approach
The written case study develops critical thinking and problem solving capabilities. Class participation in tutorials will encourage development of both peer and self analysis.

Professional skills and their appropriate application
The student will learn to treat according to pattern recognition by matching the patient’s personal disharmony against the nature of the herbal formulae. Examination of the case histories integrates this learning process into real life situations.

Communication skills
Use of professional jargon is incorporated within the written aspects of the case study and exams as well as reinforced within the tutorial discussions. A formalised herbal medicine form is introduced for clinical use in recording herbal histories, diagnoses and treatments.

Teaching and learning strategies

12 x 3 hour lectures.
10 x 2 hour tutorials.

This subject includes 3 hours of lectures per week throughout the semester. A printed manual of Chinese herbal prescriptions supports lectures. Students will gain most from the lectures if they read each week's material in advance.

In this subject students are expected to attend and participate in 2 hour of tutorial per week. Tutorial questions are given out each week and expected to be worked out. Students are encouraged to participate in discussion of Chinese herbal formulae.

Content

The subject consists of the study of formulae and strategies. Topics include standard treatment strategies in Chinese herbal formulae, relationship of formulae to TCM Patterns, and detail analysis of the structure of the formulae in accordance to the pathomechanism (Bing Ji) of TCM Patterns and their clinical signs and symptoms.

The categories of formulae include:

Formulae that release the exterior
Formulae that drain downward
Formulae that harmonise
Formulae that clear heat
Formulae that expel summer-heat
Formulae that warm the interior
Formulae that release pathogenic Qi form both the exterior and the interior
Formulae that tonify
Formulae that stabilise and bind

Assessment

Assessment Item 1: Test 1

Intent:	To assess the level of disciplinary knowledge acquired in Week 1 – Week 4. Formulas that release the exterior. Formulas that drain downward. The role and function of individual herbs within the formula in accordance to their nature and actions. Analysis of formulas in relation to their intended Pattern Identification Accurate diagnosis of the disease, strategic planning of treatment methods, and careful consideration of which herbal formula to prescribe.
Objective(s):	To have thorough understanding of the structure of classical Chinese herbal formula. To critically analyse the diagnostic Pattern of the formula. To acquire skills of Chinese medicine Patterns diagnosis. To describe the major types of formulas, when their application is appropriate in relation to TCM Patterns of diagnosis. Explain the role of the individual herbs within a formula in term of their dynamic actions (nature, taste, movement, and propensity to the Zang Fu). To indentify the contraindications of the formulae. Progressive tests provide indication of progress in the understanding of the subject content and to give feed-back regarding knowledge development.
Weighting:	30%
Length:	2 hours
Criteria:	Accuracy of answers.

Assessment Item 2: Test 2

Intent:	To assess the level of disciplinary knowledge acquired in Week 1 – Week 4. Formulas that release the exterior. Formulas that drain downward. The role and function of individual herbs within the formula in accordance to their nature and actions. Analysis of formulas in relation to their intended Pattern Identification Accurate diagnosis of the disease, strategic planning of treatment methods, and careful consideration of which herbal formula to prescribe.
Objective(s):	To have thorough understanding of the structure of classical Chinese herbal formula. To critically analyse the diagnostic Pattern of the formula. To acquire skills of Chinese medicine Patterns diagnosis. To describe the major types of formulas, when their application is appropriate in relation to TCM Patterns of diagnosis. To explain the role of the individual herbs within a formula, in term of their dynamic actions (nature, taste, movement, and propensity to the Zang Fu). To indentify the contraindications of the formulae. Progressive tests provide indication of progress in the understanding of the subject content and to give feed-back regarding knowledge development.
Weighting:	30%
Length:	2 hours
Criteria:	Accuracy of answers.

Assessment Item 3: Case Study Assignment

Intent:	To address the graduate attributes of: • Disciplinary Knowledge. • An enquiry-orientated approach. • Professional skills and their application. • Communication skills.
Objective(s):	An understanding of the nature, practice and application of Chinese herbal prescriptions. To acquire competency in the application of Chinese herbal formulae. Full understanding of Chinese medicine Pattern diagnosis. To understand the contraindications of herbal formulae in its application. To acquire critical thinking and clinical reasoning skills in the application of Chinese herbal prescriptions.
Weighting:	5%
Length:	Max 1500 words.
Criteria:	Case Study Assignment on the clinical application of any basic Chinese herbal formulas studied up to date. Use the Chinese Herbal medicine record form to collect your data. On separate paper to type your assignment with the following guidelines: Confine your case study to the application of basic Chinese herbal formula, which you have studied up to date. Critical analysis of the case study to reflect the understanding of clinical application of basic Chinese herbal formulas. Apply the skills of Bian Zheng Lun Zhi to discuss and explain the Bing Ji of the case study correlating all the descriptions and signs & symptoms. Discussion and explanation of all the signs and symptoms must be fully detailed. From the discussion of Bian Zheng Lun Zhi above, summaries and derive a pattern or patterns for the case. Suggest a basic formula most appropriate for the case. Discuss and explain how the suggested formula will address the pattern or patterns you derived from Bian Zheng Lun Zhi of the case. Analyse the composition of herbs in the formula. Discuss and explain how the composition addresses the pattern or patterns you concluded and signs & symptoms presented in the case. The assignment must be typed, 1.5 spacing, on A4 paper. Hand written assignment will not be accepted.

Assessment Item 4: Tutorial sessions

Intent:	To address the graduate attributes of: • Disciplinary Knowledge. • An enquiry-orientated approach. • Professional skills and their application.
Objective(s):	The opportunity for students to ask questions and clarify problems and difficulty they have encountered. This is to ensure understanding of the nature, practice and application of basic Chinese herbal formulae.
Weighting:	5%
Length:	Weekly.
Criteria:	Threshold tasks include attendance, participation, discussion, and tutorial works. Each tutorial session completed is worth 0.5 mark. There are 10 tutorial sessions all together.

Assessment Item 5: Test 3

Intent:	To assess the level of disciplinary knowledge acquired in Week 9 – Week 13. Formulas that release the exterior. Formulas that drain downward. The role and function of individual herbs within the formula in accordance to their nature and actions. Analysis of formulas in relation to their intended Pattern Identification Accurate diagnosis of the disease, strategic planning of treatment methods, and careful consideration of which herbal formula to prescribe.
Objective(s):	To have thorough understanding of the structure of classical Chinese herbal formula. To critically analyse the diagnostic Pattern of the formula. To acquire skills of Chinese medicine Patterns diagnosis. To describe the major types of formulas, when their application is appropriate in relation to TCM Patterns of diagnosis. Explain the role of the individual herbs within a formula in term of their dynamic actions (nature, taste, movement, and propensity to the Zang Fu). To indentify the contraindications of the formulae. Examination provides indication of progress in the understanding of the subject content and to give feed-back regarding knowledge development.
Weighting:	30%
Length:	2 hours.
Criteria:	Accuracy of answers.

Minimum requirements

Students are expected to attend 80% lecture and tutorial sessions.
To pass this subject student must complete all assessment items with minimum combined assessment value of 50%.

An X grade (fail), regardless of the final mark, will be awarded where the minimum requirements are not met.

Required texts

1. Yang, CX (2013), Concise Chinese Herbal Prescriptions, Book2, UTS, MMB, Sydney: UTS.

Recommended texts

Scheid, V. Bensky, D. & Barolet, R. (2009), Formulas and Strategies, Washington: Eastland Press.
Chen, John K. & Chen, Tina T. (2009), Chinese Herbal Formulas and Applications, CA: Art of Medicine Press.
English-Chinese Collegiate Textbooks in Traditional Chinese medicine for Institutions of Traditional Chinese Medicine of Higher Learning, Formulas of Traditional Chinese Medicine, edited by Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (1998), Beijing: Academy Press.

References

Bensky, D. & Barolet, R. (1986), Chinese Herbal Medicine – Materia Medica, Washington: Eastland Press.
Chen, John K. & Chen, Tina T. (2004), Chinese Medical Herbology and Pharmacology, CA: Art of Medicine Press.
Zhao, Zhongzhen & Xue Changli (2007), Illustrated Chinese Medicinal Formulae – Lecture Notes, Chung Hwa Book Company.

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