At the University of Westminster I teach formulas on the MSc Chinese Herbal Medicine course. This professional entry course is designed for acupuncturists who want to extend their practice repertoire to include the other major system within Chinese medicine. The course is also suitable for Chinese herbal medicine practitioners wishing to gain an advanced academic award.
The aim of the course is the modification of classic formulae to create new formulae which address complex patterns of illness. Phytochemistry and pharmacokinetics are integrated into the understanding of the energetic interactions of herbs. The educational philosophy that underpins this course is that of experiential and self-directed, reflexive learning that develops intellectual and research skills at Masters level. The Polyclinic is the primary focus of the course spread and acts as the focus of professional development. The Polyclinic and dispensary in the University is a busy central London facility which attracts a wide range of patients.
I bring to the teaching of formulas on this course an emphasis on strategic thinking as key to effective clinical practice and an understanding of formulas and strategies as historically situated and emergent. This allows for a more meaningful understanding of how formulas have been used and modified in different contexts of clinical practice and, by implication, how they can be adjusted to work most effectively in meeting the needs of our patients today.