Professor Deng Zhi Gang  邓志刚, the  author of this book known as “Shang Han Lun Classical Formulas: Correspondence Between Herbal Indications and Syndromes 伤寒论 经方: 药证对应” has dedicated many years to using classical formulas (Jing Fang) in the treatment of difficult and complex diseases, developing an effective and easy-to-master system of formula-syndrome and herb-syndrome differentiation. This system remains faithful to the original textual meaning of the Shang Han Lun (Treatise on Cold Damage), without relying on overly esoteric theoretical interpretations. It is characterized by precise targeting, rapid efficacy, and has been extensively validated through clinical practice by the author, his disciples, and fellow practitioners. Under the principle of matching formulas and herbs to their corresponding syndromes, remarkable results can be consistently achieved.

The book is divided into three main parts:

The conceptual framework of clinical applications based on textual analysis of formula-syndrome and herb-syndrome relationships.

A detailed interpretation of the textual records of formulas and herb indications.

Case studies demonstrating the clinical application of formula-syndrome and herb-syndrome differentiation.

Integrating theory, methodology, formulas, and medicinal applications, the book provides not only a well-structured theoretical foundation but also a practical guide with concrete case studies. Readers can follow the outlined principles to quickly and effectively apply the knowledge in clinical practice.

This book is suitable for TCM practitioners at all levels, enthusiasts of classical formulas, researchers in Jing Fang, as well as faculty and students of TCM universities and colleges.

About the Author:

Deng Zhigang 邓志刚教授, male, born in 1966 in Chongqing, is a dedicated practitioner of classical formula-based Chinese medicine. A practitioner of classical formula-based Chinese medicine. Currently he is the Executive director of the World Federation of Chinese Medicine Societies’ Specialty Committee on External Therapy for Tumors.

Please stay tuned for further confirmation of date in September 2025.

Sample Case Study of Professor Deng Zhi Gang:

Author: Professor Deng Zhi Gang 邓志刚教授
English translation: Dr. Greta Young Jie De 杨洁德
Patient Information: Liu XX, Female, 30 years old.
First Consultation: June 13, 2023.
Chief Complaint: Loss of appetite for one month.
History of Present Illness:
One month ago, the patient developed a loss of appetite, bloating after eating and drinking water, diarrhea after consuming cold foods, and yellow vaginal discharge after eating spicy foods. She also experienced weight loss, loose stools, an unsatisfactory sensation after defecation, and a heavy feeling in the anus. Urination was yellow. Tongue coating was watery and slippery, and the pulse was deep and weak.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Diagnosis:

Poor appetite (纳差).
Prescription: Wai Tai Fu Ling Yin (外台茯苓饮).
Dang Shen  (党参) 15g
Bai Zhu  (白术) 15g
Fu Ling  (茯苓) 20g
Chen Pi  (陈皮) 15g
Zhi Shi  (枳实) 10g
Sheng Jiang  (生姜) 25g
3 doses, 1 dose per day.

Second Consultation: June 21, 2023.

After taking the medication, the patient’s loss of appetite, bloating after eating, and other symptoms improved. Since the prescription was effective, no changes were made. Seven more doses were given for consolidation treatment.

Analysis

For loss of appetite, Ren Shen Tang (人参汤) is generally used. The sensation of heaviness in the anus and unsatisfactory defecation correspond to Zhi Shi (枳实) syndrome, leading to the selection of Zhi Zhu Tang (枳术汤). It is not necessary for the patient to exhibit the classical symptom of “a hard mass in the epigastrium, as firm as a plate,” as long as there is water retention in the intestines, loose stools, and incomplete defecation, Zhi Zhu Tang can be considered.

From a formula-syndrome correspondence perspective:

• Loss of appetite and weight loss correspond to Ren Shen (人参) syndrome. In this case, Dang Shen (党参) was used because, from clinical experience, it is more effective than Ren Shen (人参) for bloating after eating. However, if the patient had thirst with a strong desire to drink water, Ren Shen in Bai Hu Jia Ren Shen Tang (白虎加人参汤) would be more effective than Dang Shen.
• Bloating after drinking water can be considered as water retention, corresponding to Fu Ling (茯苓) and Bai Zhu (白术) syndrome.
• Yellow urine also indicates impaired urination, corresponding to Fu Ling syndrome.
• Incomplete defecation and a heavy sensation in the anus correspond to Zhi Shi (枳实) and Bai Zhu (白术) syndrome.

Thus, a classical formula containing Ren Shen, Fu Ling, Bai Zhu, and Zhi Shi was selected. Additionally, fresh ginger (Sheng Jiang) was included to enhance appetite, which aligns with Wai Tai Fu Ling Yin. This choice is highly precise and expected to yield good results.

The excessive vaginal discharge can be seen as turbid dampness, which represents waste elimination from the body. A deep pulse indicates water retention, while a weak pulse suggests a deficiency of fluids within the blood vessels.

Additional Insight：

The Fu Ling and Bai Zhu syndrome can also be considered a Shao Yang state. In such cases, certain body areas lack fluids. Though Fu Ling is known for promoting urination, it often treats dizziness related to Shao Yang syndrome. The treatment of Shao Yang disorders is typically downward-draining rather than sweating because there isn’t sufficient body fluid to induce sweating.

Shao Yang conditions primarily cause dizziness.

Tai Yang conditions mainly cause pain, such as headaches, body aches, joint pain, back pain, and lumbar pain.

The deep pulse suggests water retention.