Fall 2027 - Shang Hun Lun

Study Group

Register

The NYKI study group was set up some years ago to support graduates of the Kampō Internship Program in their ongoing practice and development. It operates as a monthly online forum allowing students and practitioners from around the world to come together to discuss clinical and other issues relating to Kampō learning and practice. The study group is led by Nigel Dawes, L.Ac. and facilitated by Rande Lucas, L.Ac. with a didactic portion to each meeting but with plenty of opportunity for collegiate discussion and interaction. The group meets monthly on a Monday evening, NY time, starting in September and running through to May each year. The group is open to students and graduates of the NY Kampō Internship Program.

Kampo Online Study Group

Shang Hun Lun

Fall 2027

I invite you to explore the history and clinical application of the Shang Han Lun within the Koho Kampo tradition. The aim of this series is to clarify the application of Shang Han Lun theory in herbal medicine while distinguishing it from its use in acupuncture and philosophical frameworks. Together, we will examine each stage in terms of its anatomical relevance, disease pathomechanisms, and the clinical evidence that defines its Sho (pattern), as well as how these stages interact and overlap in practice.

Before each session, I will provide a list of formulas to be covered so that you can prepare in advance and reacquaint yourself with the formulas and their respective Sho in relation to the stage under discussion.

As with previous series, I am grateful to the High Desert Hari Society for hosting and managing registration. Please use the button above to register online through their website.

Meeting 1 / 9.28.26

On cold damage

The text and its significance in Kampo

Meeting 2 / 10.19.26

The warp and weft

The proportions and flow of the six divisions

Meeting 3 / 11.16.26

Taiyang formula patterns

External Yang surface defense (skin, muscles, joints, external orifices)

Meeting 4 / 12.14.26

Yangming formula patterns

Internal Yang surface defense (the gut)

Meeting 5 / 1.25.27

Shaoyang formula patterns

The Yang spaces in-between (interstitial spaces / fascia)

Meeting 6 / 2.22.27

Taiyin formula patterns

Internal Yin surface defense (mucosal lining of the gut & respiratory tract)

Meeting 7 / 3.29.27

Jueyin formula patterns

Internal Yin interior defense (the blood)

Meeting 8 / 4.26.27

Shaoyin formula patterns

The Yin spaces in between (endocrine, reproductive, urogenital, cardiovascular, metabolic)

Meeting 9 / 5.24.27

The SHL revisited

Infectious disease and Internal Medicine – reclassifying formulas according to the six divisions

Schedule

  • “Nigel presents herb study in a clear and very usable way. Always with the addition of Fukushin diagnosis, constitution, presentation of symptoms and his extensive clinical expertise. I have been studying with Nigel for a number of years now and am always looking forward to Kampo Study Group to learn more about the clinical applications of formulas in different disease processes. Even though I have attended the certificate workshop several times, I feel some of the real clinical pearls come out in the study groups where there are case studies and group discussions. It's always better each time with Nigel and I am grateful for his continued passion and interest to keep refining the materials for the best use. I highly recommend the Kampo Study group no matter where you are in the world!! “

    Rande Lucas, LAc

  • “These study groups have been an excellent opportunity for me to reinvigorate my study of Kampo medicine. After each class I am inspired to redouble my efforts in the clinic to diagnose and prescribe within the Kampo framework. Nigel lectures provide valuable insights into the formulas and their clinical applications and I appreciate Nigel’s passion and continued dedication to spreading Kampo. I highly recommend the study group for anyone interested in Kampo medicine.”

    Ehrland Truitt, DOM Item

  • “Studying Kampo Medicine with Nigel Dawes of The New York Kampo Institute is a completely new venture for me and living on another continent makes learning a little more challenging. With so much to learn in the two year Kampo medicine course, joining the study group felt like a natural complement. Thanks to the combined effort of The High Desert Hair Society and The New York Kampo Institute, studying Kampo Medicine was fun. The Study Group consisted of monthly zoom meetings that I found added context to what I was learning. The curriculum is set out for the year, so no surprises. During each session you have the opportunity to engage with the group as if you are in a ‘virtual’ classroom. Nigel encourages engaged discussion on topical issues, relevant questions about formulas and clinical cases. He is always prepared with notes and quizzes sent prior to the meetings and slide presentations during the meetings for clarity and direction. The High Desert Hari Society made it easy to catch up on missed study groups thanks to the audio that followed in my email inbox that same week. I feel I have had a jump start with my monthly study group and would happily continue it as a graduate for the essential contact with like minded practitioners for honing my skills as a practitioner.”

    Tracey Winter (BHSc Acu.)