Our Philosophy

Principles in practice, our promise to you

1) 觀其脈證，知犯何逆，隨證治之。

"Observe the pulse and pattern, acknowledge how violations [of the law] cause detriment, then treat according to the pattern."

Inducted from line 16 of the Shang Han Lun 傷寒論, we believe this is the fundamental creed of all Classical Formula practitioners (Jing Fang Jia 經方家). It requires us to attentively seek out your disease pattern through your signs, symptoms and pulse. We are also mandated to understand any previous incorrect treatment you may have received and how they contravene Eastern medicine principles. That information then guides us to apply the governing or appropriate formula to your constitution or pattern. 

​

2) 追求均衡和必要的原則對證開藥。

The principle of proportionality and necessity: if a patient may be treated with five medicines, we will not prescribe a sixth. As each prescription is individualised for the patient, it is at the discretion of the practitioner how large and costly the formula can be. The Classical Herbalist persistently protests against needlessly large formulas. While it may be difficult to perfectly grasp what is 'proportionate and necessary' in the myriad of complex conditions and constitutions, nevertheless it is an ideal we strongly believe in and constantly strive towards. 

​

3) 若藥不見效則推賢讓能。

When we are incapable to help you, or there are better treatment options available, we will yield the floor. The Classical Herbalist understands how difficult and complex suffering can be, and that not all conditions can be treated by us. With continuous technological advancement, there will undoubtedly be areas where Eastern medicine is not your best choice and we do not wish to mislead you into believing that it is. At times, this may mean we can aid you for only part of your recovery, after which we are duty

bound to tell you the limits of our medicine. 

​