Near Watsons Bay
Josephine holds a Bachelor of Health Science in Traditional Chinese Medicine (UTS). She is a member of FCMA and ACCMA, and is registered with AHPRA as a Acupuncturist & Chinese Herbal Medicine Practitioner.
Xiao Yao San (Free and Easy Wanderer Powder, also translated as Rambling Powder) is arguably the most frequently prescribed formula in modern TCM clinical practice. Created during the Song Dynasty, its name evokes the carefree wandering described in Daoist philosophy — reflecting its purpose of restoring the free flow of Qi and emotion. It treats Liver Qi stagnation complicated by Blood deficiency and Spleen weakness, a pattern extremely common in modern life where chronic stress coexists with exhaustion and poor digestion.
The formula contains: Chai Hu (Bupleurum, 9g) — coursing the Liver and resolving Qi stagnation; Dang Gui (Angelica, 9g) — nourishing Liver Blood; Bai Shao (White Peony, 12g) — softening the Liver and preserving Yin; Bai Zhu (Atractylodes, 9g) — strengthening the Spleen; Fu Ling (Poria, 9g) — draining Dampness and supporting the Spleen; Zhi Gan Cao (processed licorice, 6g) — harmonising; Bo He (field mint, 3g) — assisting Chai Hu in dispersing stagnation; and Sheng Jiang (fresh ginger, 3g) — warming the middle. The genius of this formula is its simultaneous treatment of root (Blood deficiency, Spleen weakness) and branch (Liver Qi stagnation).
Clinically, Xiao Yao San is prescribed for irritability, mood swings, depression, anxiety, PMS, irregular menstruation, breast distension, headaches, rib-side discomfort, poor appetite, and fatigue — when these symptoms arise from the Liver-Spleen disharmony pattern. The modified version Jia Wei Xiao Yao San (Augmented Free Wanderer, also called Dan Zhi Xiao Yao San) adds Mu Dan Pi and Zhi Zi to clear Heat that has developed from prolonged Qi stagnation, indicated by additional irritability, hot flushes, and insomnia.
Xiao Yao San treats Liver Qi stagnation with Blood deficiency and Spleen weakness — a pattern producing irritability, mood swings, fatigue, poor appetite, irregular periods, breast distension, and rib-side discomfort. It is one of the most commonly prescribed formulas in TCM, particularly relevant for stress-related conditions in modern life.
Jia Wei Xiao Yao San (Augmented Free Wanderer) adds Mu Dan Pi (Moutan bark) and Zhi Zi (Gardenia fruit) to the base formula. These additions clear Heat that develops from prolonged Liver Qi stagnation. It is preferred when the patient also has signs of heat: hot flushes, pronounced irritability, insomnia, headaches, or a red tongue.
Josephine Zhuo (TCM) is an AHPRA registered health practitioner — acupuncturist and herbalist.
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