A Heart Approach to Gynecology: Fu Ke Xin Fa Yao Jue

The Fu Ke Xin Fa Yao Jue, the gynecology section of the imperial compilation known as the Golden Mirror of Orthodox Medicine,
translated by Shen Yu and edited by Michael Helme, Robert (Bob) Damone and Eric Brand.
Compared to other classics on gynecology, this work was both a relatively late arrival and relatively brief.
Nonetheless, it rapidly gained favor among physicians.
It is distinguished by its concise and well-expressed insights, which were presented in verses complemented by annotations.
The text was highly regarded because it was a rigorous and scholarly work that covered a wide variety of gynecological issues in a manner that allowed the key clinical points to be rapidly assimilated. Furthermore, the formulas contained within were effective and were based upon generations of experience. The Chinese name for this text includes the phrase xin fa, which means heart approach.
A heart approach refers to an understanding that comes after a long period of thought about problems.
In the six-volume gynecology section, the most common topics related to women’s health are presented.
Chapters are structured with verses followed by annotations and are dedicated to menstruation, fertility, pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care.
Altogether, 161 classical formulas and their variations are presented.
Focusing on identifying yin and yang patterns of illness based on presenting signs, the Fu Ke investigates women’s health in a clear and systematic way, epitomizing the unique and sophisticated philosophy and style of Chinese medicine, drawing from major medical classics and presenting information in a concise way for easy learning. It is a unique text that represents the pinnacle achievements of Chinese medicine prior to the modern era. However, it is not just a medical classic of the past. It is also a useful text in the modern day.
It covers conditions that are timeless and common, and provides insights into the evolution of Chinese medical theory.
It offers the reader a glimpse into history and culture while simultaneously offering clinically useful tools for the modern day. By following the instructions of the authors, readers will understand how to utilize many classical formulas.

Eric Brand, M.S., L.Ac., is a graduate of Pacific College of Oriental Medicine. Brand is a fluent Chinese speaker with extensive experience studying in mainland China and Taiwan. He completed a prolonged internship at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital in Taiwan, and he has participated in numerous projects related to Chinese medicine translation, herbal research, and TCM politics. He is the co-author of Concise Chinese Materia Medica and he has edited a variety of modern classical texts. Eric Brand has a passion for Chinese herbal pharmacy, and he travels extensively to study with experts in the field of herbal authentication and quality discernment. In addition to being the founder of Legendary Herbs, he works at Blue Poppy Enterprises as an author, lecturer, and herbal medicine specialist, and in the past he has worked as an instructor and clinical supervisor at the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine in San Diego, California. Brand is a TCM advisor to the American Herbal Pharmacopoeia and the Co-Chair of International Affairs for the AAAOM, and he constantly has too much on his plate on both sides of the Pacific-Ocean.