In this course, we will begin by learning a traditional methodology for abdominal palpation specifically focused on the application of herbal formulas, primarily from the Shang Han Lun. This approach, known as kanpo, originated in Japan, but has become widespread in recent years. Following an orientation to abdominal palpation, course participants will learn how to understand the information gleaned through the exam. Using case histories and reference to the original source texts, we will explore a method for using the abdomen to inform our understanding of the Shang Han Lun and then use the Shang Han Lun to help us understand the abdomen. During this two-day course, we will have time for palpation practice, in-depth discussion, and case analysis. Participants are encouraged to bring cases to the course for class discussion. 

Instructor: Craig Mitchell has been practicing East Asian medicine since 1993. His co-translation of the Shang Han Lun (On Cold Damage) is widely recognized as an important work advancing modern understanding of this foundational text. Craig has been seeing patients, teaching, and writing for the last 30 years. For the last 20 years, he has been involved with the Seattle Institute of East Asian Medicine, as a teacher and director. Through his more than 20 years of teaching, Craig has developed an ability to explain difficult concepts in understandable language and to bring the medical insights of the Han Dynasty forward into the modern era.