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Eight Methods
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| The seven types of formulas can be used in Eight Methods: 1. Han (perspire), 2. Tu (induce vomiting - not in the case of horses), 3. Xia (purge), 4. He (harmonize), 5. Wen (warm), 6. Qing (purify or refresh/clear heat), 7. Xiao (disperse), 8. Bu (tonify). |
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| Going back to the exhausted horse, one will use a "big" formula and also a formula with the method of tonification. There are many formulas to tonify, and the tonification will depend on the individual case. For example, is it the Yang aspect, which is more related to the functioning of the body and the spirit? Or is there a lack of or too much heat? Or is it the Yin aspect which is more related to the matter (Yin) of life, such as building the blood or building the muscles. If a horse sweats too fast or too easily, one should use a formula which will tonify and also cool down - a Yin formula. There are also formulas that can tonify the blood and help its circulation and these formulas should not be too Yang or too Yin. |
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| Each Yao has a different dosage within each formula. For specific Yao, we must use a small dosage. For others, we must use a high dosage. It is also important to understand the use of Chinese Yao. In general, it should be used only when the horse is sick. If the horse is a high-level athlete, then some formulas can be used as part of a prevention and maintenance program. |
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The Five Tastes
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| The taste of Yao is very important. Each taste reinforces the action of a Zang (see article: Chinese Physiology & Philosophy) and is related to the other Zang by the Five Elements cycle. It is because different types of Yao have different types of Qi that they are able to deal with different diseases. |
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| It can be said that acidity goes to the tendons, bitterness enters the Xue (blood), sweetness enters the flesh and muscles, pungency enters the Qi, and saltiness enters the bones. Often, a diseased organ may be diagnosed by a sudden craving for its particular taste. The pungent/spicy flavor disperses, the sour flavor gathers together, the sweet |
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