Glossary

The Eight Methods are ways of using herbs to affect the body that were grouped and defined by Cheng Guopeng 程國彭 (Illuminating Medicine, Yi Xue Xin Wu, 医学心悟, 1732) based on the earlier Eight Formations developed by Zhang Jingyue 張景岳 (1637) and analysis of earlier classical treatments. They are:

1. 汗 Han: Sweat
2. 吐 Tu: Vomit
3. 下 Xia: Purge
4. 和 He: Harmonise
5. 溫 Wen: Warm
6. 清 Qing: Clear
7. 消 Xiao: Reduce
8. 補 Bu: Supplement