When we talk about “classical formulas” (经方, jing fang), we’re referring to time-tested herbal prescriptions in Chinese medicine, proven effective through centuries of clinical use.
The word “经” (jing) has two layers of meaning:
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Classic — derived from ancient medical classics such as Huang Di Nei Jing (《黄帝内经》Yellow Emperor's Inner Canon), Shang Han Lun (《伤寒论》Treatise on Cold Damage), and Jin Gui Yao Lue (《金匮要略》, Essentials from the Golden Cabinet).
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Experience — refined and standardized through countless real-life cases by generations of physicians
Some well-known examples include:
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Gegen Tang (Kudzu Decoction): for colds and neck stiffness
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Xiao Chai Hu Tang (Minor Bupleurum Decoction): for alternating chills and fever, chest fullness
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Si Wu Tang (Four-Substance Decoction): for nourishing women’s blood and regulating cycles
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Si Jun Zi Tang (Four Gentlemen Decoction): for strengthening the spleen and boosting energy
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Ma Huang Tang (Ephedra Decoction): for colds with fever and no sweating
These formulas first appeared in Shang Han Lun (《伤寒论 Treatise on Cold Damage and Miscellaneous Diseases by the famous Eastern Han physician Zhang Zhongjing in the 2nd century CE — more than 1,800 years ago — and are still widely used today.
They’re known as “classics among formulas — enduring and timeless.”
How Did Classical Formulas Originate?
In ancient times, doctors didn’t have lab tests or medical devices. They relied on observation, inquiry, and accumulated experience — the art of looking, listening, asking, and feeling the pulse.
Zhang Zhongjing lived during an era of epidemics. He carefully observed thousands of patients, identifying patterns and correlations among symptoms, and developed a systematic approach called pattern differentiation and treatment (bian zheng lun zhi).
He discovered that:
“A consistent set of symptoms can often be treated with a consistent combination of herbs — with predictable results.”
He documented these effective combinations, forming the classical formulas we know today.
For instance:
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Taiyang pattern (early-stage cold with fever, headache, no sweat) → Ma Huang Tang
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Shaoyang pattern (alternating chills and fever, chest fullness, poor appetite) → Xiao Chai Hu Tang
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Taiyin pattern (abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea) → Li Zhong Tang
You can think of these formulas as standardized treatment protocols, much like modern medical guidelines — but with greater flexibility, since Chinese medicine adjusts formulas based on each person’s body constitution, environment, and season.
The Unique Strengths of Classical Formulas
1. Systemic and Holistic Regulation
Classical formulas don’t target just one symptom — they restore overall balance of the organs, Qi, blood, Yin, and Yang.
For example, someone who often feels fatigued, has poor appetite, and catches colds easily might not have a clear diagnosis in Western terms — yet classical formulas can help restore vitality.
2. Personalized Precision
Even for the same illness, one person might feel chills and have a runny nose, while another has a dry throat and cough.
Chinese medicine doesn’t treat them the same — each receives a tailored formula for their pattern.
3. Gentle and Balanced
Most formulas use ingredients to balance each other’s effects and minimize side effects.
4. Prevention and Treatment
Many formulas not only treat illness but also maintain health.
For example, Si Jun Zi Tang strengthens digestion and prevents fatigue,
while Yu Ping Feng San boosts immunity and helps prevent colds.
5. Modern Integration
Modern pharmacological research shows that the multi-component structure of these formulas works synergistically,
influencing immune regulation, inflammation, and neurological balance —
a concept that aligns closely with modern systems medicine.
In Summary
Classical Chinese herbal formulas are not mystical “ancient secrets.”
They are scientifically grounded models of health regulation, developed through centuries of observation, reasoning, and clinical experience.
They remind us that:
“The human body isn’t a machine — it’s a self-healing ecosystem.”
Today, as we face modern challenges like stress, insomnia, poor digestion, and weakened immunity, these Chinese formulas offer a gentle yet effective way to restore inner harmony and rhythm — and that is the true beauty of traditional Chinese medicine.