“The ancients said that ‘the written language is used to convey the Dao.’ If we wish to understand the Dao, we must first know and understand Chinese characters.” — Liu Lihong, Classical Chinese Medicine

Classical Chinese medical texts describe each zangfu not simply as physical organs, but as energetic systems — as ministers and officials with specific duties, relationships, and responsibilities within the body’s inner government.

Each zangfu has its own unique cluster of Classical Chinese terms that express its function with precision and depth. For instance, the spleen is not merely “tonified” — it is “firmed” (固脾 gù pí), pointing to its stabilising role. These terms are not poetic flourishes, but vital clues to how the ancients understood physiology and pathology. They shape how we diagnose, how we treat, and how we understand health and dysfunction.

In this course, we return to the Classical sources to explore the original characters, terms, and metaphors used to describe each zangfu system. Through close reading and guided interpretation, we will uncover how these characters reveal the deeper nature, spirit, and function of each organ — and what happens when that balance is lost.

In this course, Deborah guides you through key classical texts — including Suwen chapters 2, 4, 5, and 8 — to uncover the deeper meanings embedded in the characters associated with each of the twelve zangfu. This is a unique opportunity to deepen your clinical understanding by reconnecting with the classical Chinese language of medicine. You’ll come away with a clearer sense of how the zangfu truly operate — and how to work with them more precisely and effectively in clinic. Whether you’re a recent graduate or an experienced practitioner, this exploration will bring fresh insight into diagnosis and treatment, helping you see your patients with new eyes.