Kung Fu Herbalism

[Aravi]

Wheres a good starting point for researching the herbalism associated with Kung Fu, with a view of being able to apply it for ones own healing?

[lhommedieu]

The following books are good introductions:

Shaolin Secret Training Formulas, by Bob Flaws (Blue Poppy Press)
Orthopedics and Traumatology Vol 14 of the English-Chinese Encyclopedia of Practical TCM (Higher Education Press, Bejing China)

Best,

Steve Lamade

[shunyadragon]

It's best to study Chinese herbal medicine. The herbal medicine practiced at Shaolin is Chinese herbal medicine.

[Aravi]

Was considering seeking out a Chinese herbal doctor to learn from. Also wanted to know what other resources I could make use of in my research.

[lhommedieu]

Two pretty good overviews:

Chinese Herbal Medicine
by Daniel Reid

Shaolin and Taoist Herbal Training Formulas: For Chi Fung, Meditation, the Internal Martial Arts, and Longevity
by James Ramholz

The one by Daniel Reid is pretty good at explaining the basic theories behind Chinese herbalism. It also profiles Hong Yi Xiang, a Xing Yi teacher and herbal doctor from Taiwan (one of my teacher's teachers).

The one by James Ramholz requires a basic understanding of Chinese herbal formulas to understand why each one works the way that it does. Worth at look at though, for the kinds of formulas that are prescribed for Chinese martial artists.

These, and the two listed above, should help get you started.

Best,

Steve Lamade