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| flavor slows down, the bitter flavor strengthens, and the salty flavor softens. This understanding of the body in relation to the tastes is valid for any mammal. When a formula is the right one for the horse, the improvement can be seen in a matter of days - in some cases even overnight, depending on whether it is a chronic or a sudden condition. |
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| Tastes can be used to nourish the organs and therefore the body, or to tonify or calm down certain aspects of the functioning. The following table explains attractions and contradictions of tastes and organs. Because Chinese medicinal formulas are based on tastes - and even though some cases may appear to have the same symptoms - the dosage may be different for each individual case. It becomes very complicated, and that is why each Chinese medicinal formula is always made of at least four different Yao (medicinal herbs) with each herb playing a role. Of course, in each formula the strongest Yao plays the role of the emperor; then the other Yao play the role of the minister(s), the assistant(s) and the messenger(s). |
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Acid
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Bitter
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Sweet
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Pungent
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Salt
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Liver
Wood
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•
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Heart
Fire
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•
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Spleen
Earth
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•
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Lungs
Metal
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•
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Kidneys
Water
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•
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| The knowledge provided here comes from discourses by Prof. Leung Kok Yuen that have been translated by the European University of Chinese Medicine. We thank Prof. Leung Kok Yuen for sharing his wisdom and experience, and for maintaining Traditional Chinese Medicine at its purest form. |
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