Physiomedicalism

Historical - Foundational - Pragmatic

Explore the roots of modern Western herbalism and its pioneering figures.

The Pioneers and Foundation of Western Herbalism

*This class is a complement to Vitalism: The History of Herbalism, Homeopathy, and Flower Essences by Matthew Wood.

The roots of modern western herbalism can be found in the grounded and empirical practices of the late 1700s through the early 1900s in Thomsonianism and Physiomedicalism, which placed great importance on the powers of observation and monitoring their effects on the vital force present in the human body. Physiomedicalism and its forebear Thomsonianism gave us the great fever doctors who pragmatically used “what worked,” integrating Native American medicine and Pioneer medicine. Even before the naming of the immune system, it was monitored and aided by practitioners of this era, using thermoregulation through sweat, steam, and herbs. Observation of the actions of the herbs defined the six tissue states that we use in Western herbalism today: excitation (hot), depression (cold), contraction (tense), relaxation (loose), atrophy (dry), and stagnation (damp, toxins).

Some of the topics covered are: Samuel Thomson - Thomsonianism, Just say no to poisonous plants!, Lobelia, Mrs. Benton, Sweat lodge, Thermoregulation (observable arm of the immune system), Vital force, Physiomedicalism, Albert Haller, Alva Curtis, Contraction and relaxation, and Tissue States.

This Comprehensive
Course Includes:

Support Materials

Vitalism: The History of Herbalism, Homeopathy, and Flower Essences by Matthew Wood
(needs to be purchased)

Video

1.5 hours of teaching

Certificate

Certificate included
(see more below)

Pay Once = One Year Access

1 year to view and review content, ask questions and discuss

This is for you if you...

You enjoy history and understanding the roots of herbalism
You’re looking for a way to describe the condition of the body in a practical and energetic way
You enjoy engaging problem-solving and powers of observation

Upon completion, you will...

Know the history of the people who contributed to the Physiomedicalism
Increase your understanding of how the six tissue states describe the vital force and the state of a person’s health.
Get to know the immune system using the principles of thermoregulation

Teacher

Matthew Wood, MS

Matthew Wood has been a practicing herbalist for over forty years. He is an internationally known teacher and author with more than ten books to his credit. Matthew has an MSc in herbal medicine from the Scottish School of Herbal Medicine (accredited, U. of Wales). He lives in the Midwest. 

Certificate Included

  • How to Get a Certificate

    • Complete course materials
    • Pass the test with a grade of 70% or better
    • Save or print your certificate!


    Available with subscription and individual course purchases.

  • Accreditation hours

    This course is a total of 2.5 accredited hours
    • .25 hours Materia Medica
    • 2.25 History, Philosophy, and Therapeutic Paradigms and Applications (Including Energetics) of Various Systems of Herbal Medicine


    *Please check with your accrediting agency whether they will accept accredited hours or certificates from the Matthew Wood Institute of Herbalism
Write your awesome label here.

Physiomedicalism

Dive deep into the practical and energetic foundations of herbal medicine.
Looking For A DEEPER JOURNEY INTO HERBALISM?

Check out our certificate courses!