Chen Rui-Chun’s use of Wu Ling San

By Zhèng Yàn-Huá

Translated by Eran Even

Professor Chén Rùi-Chun (1936-2008), originally from Tong Gu county in Jiang Xi province, was a well known classical formulas (jing fang) specialist whose impressive career as a clinician, scholar, and clinical adviser spanned well over 50 years. In order to truly understand the clinical application of Wu Ling San (Five-Ingredient Powder with Poria), Dr Chén would often emphasise that one must begin from the perspective of the patho-mechanism and not be limited by the Shang Han Lun’s ( Discussion of Cold Damage) concept of water amassment. This would provide more varied opportunities to use this formula. I was fortunate to have had the opportunity to study with Dr Chén and observe his extensive use of this formula. The following are just a few examples illustrating these ideas.