Replenishing Jing: Treating Loss of Libido, Menopausal Syndrome and other Hormonal Deficiencies with Herbs and Essential Oils

Course language: English with German translation
Interpreter: Werner Freystätter
Script: in English

Course description

Protecting inherited Jing and nourishing postnatal Jing is a fundamental concept in Chinese culture and medicine.  The problem of Jing deficiency in the West is increasingly apparent and often seen in disorders of hormonal deficiency, such as loss of libido, menopausal syndrome, amenorrhea and depression.  Hormones and neurotransmitters are in fact the most important substrate of Jing in the body.  The fundamental treatment for these is to support the Jing with remedies that have shown to exert a hormonal effect, as well as with remedies that specifically nourish Spleen-Intestines Blood.  Treating the deepest level of physiology, the body's Jing Qi, allows us to go to the root of many chronic Blood and Qi imbalances and achieve better and more permanent results. 

Studies show that almost 50% of women of all ages report concerns of decreased sexual desire or an inability to achieve orgasm, as well as related vaginal problems such as dryness and pain; these symptoms are widespread and not confined to menopause itself. Despite this, they are often not voiced in the clinic, remaining a source of personal shame and stoic social embarrassment.  In addition, these problems contribute not only to a reduced quality of life, but also create emotional stagnation and mood disorders, i.e. Shen disturbance, including depression and guilt, as well leading to vaginitis, amenorrhea and infertility.  Clearly, loss of libido and these later outcomes should be taken seriously and treated as important conditions Jing-hormone deficiency.

In this seminar we will explore the key patterns of hormonal Jing imbalance that can lead to these problems, combining Six Condition and Zangfu diagnosis. Certain Chinese and Western herbs and essential oils have shown to be hormonally active in clinical practice, and so able to modulate Jing Qi.  In granule, tincture or essential oil form they can be highly effective for treating the hormonal imbalances and their pattern of symptom expression.  Used correctly, they can often provide improvement in libido and arousal, amenorrhea, vaginitis and menopausal symptoms.  Likewise, they can also treat related mental-emotional and physical dysfunctions, including depression and other mood disorders. Examples of herbal formulas designed specifically for treating these conditions will be presented.

In this innovative seminar we will explore ...

• The three components of sexual response and the common consequences of sexual distress: loss of libido, fatigue, vaginitis, depression, and eventually infertility
• The neurochemistry of sexuality: the four types of female sex drive, and the network of hormones and neurotransmitters, or Jing Qi, that fuel them (DHEA, oxytocin, estrogen, progesterone, testosterone and other peptides)
• The two primary and five associated patterns of hormone imbalance that lead to psychosexual distress
• The specific functions and effects of each hormone in Chinese medicine terms
• Why and how a dysbiosis of the gut microbiome, or turbid-damp in Chinese medicine, is almost always a co-factor in sexual dysfunctions
• Vaginitis as the result of both hormonal deficiencies and a dysbiosis of the vaginal microbiome
• Treatment strategies using clinically valuable essential oils and herbs that replenish particular hormones, boost libido and manage mood disorders
• Spotlight on important hormonally active essential oils such as Geranium, Coriander seed, Rose and Black spruce, as well as potent mood modulators such as Jasmine absolute, Neroli and Ylang ylang no. 1
• Spotlight on important hormonal herbs such as Paeonia Bai shao, Epimedium Yin yang huo, Serenoa Saw palmetto, Turnera Damiana, Withania Ashwagandha and others

What past students have said ...

"I really appreciate how Peter explains things from the functional medicine point of view and correlates it with Chinese Medicine concepts. It makes everything feel more whole. Thank you!"
    – Jennifer Carino LAc 

"I appreciated the great detailed information about common gynecological hormonal syndromes. It really helped me understand these common conditions in my patients."
Tracy Soltesz LAc

"I would definitely recommend it. This is the most useful class I have taken in over a decade of practice. I really appreciate the comprehensive treatment approach with herbs, oils, foods, etc. being provided. Peter is a very knowledgeable, thorough and generous instructor."
Sarah Adcock LAc

"This seminar is an amazing synthesis of different approaches to treatment! The addition of Western and Chinese herbs for modulating hormones is invaluable. The copious written material is organized in such a way that it’s easy for me to quickly reference in my clinic. Thank you!"
Tina Dreisbach ND, LAc

"I’m very impressed with Peter’s incredible knowledge, experience and depth of understanding – thank you for all the research and insights, and the easy-to-follow organization of the gynecology seminar notebook." 
Amielle Moyer LAc

An introduction to the therapy of acupuncture points with essential oils in English

Prerequisites

Basic knowledge of Chinese medicine

Certificate

All participants will receive a certificate of the “Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Klassische Akupunktur und TCM e.V.”