In this on line course we will look into several pathologies common to our women patients and the relationship of these pathologies to insulin resistance. The two main pathologies we will look at will be Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome and Obesity. Most texts, treatment protocols and teachings on these topics focus on Phlegm and on Spleen weakness and dampness being the root of the Phlegm. Yet, this simplistic view leaves us at a loss in the clinic when most our PCOS and obese patients show no clear signs of either Spleen weakness or dampness (except for the excess flesh). In fact, many of the patients have red tongue bodies and show signs of either excess or deficient heat as well as blood stasis. How then can we understand the formation of ovarian cysts combined with weight gain, hirsutism and amenorrhea common to many PCOS patients? How do we understand obesity in these cases? When there are clear signs of heat and dryness, how can we give parching and drying prescriptions typical for phlegm damp treatments?

We will also untangle the patho-mechanism of the principle patterns of PCOS and obesity. In addition, we can then develop effective treatment protocols that clearly match our patient's presentation and are then much more effective than simply tonifying the Spleen and transforming dampness. The implications of this understanding goes far beyond the treatment of obesity and PCOS into effective treatment for the most common mechanisms for hypertension, type 2 diabetes and atherosclerosis. Heart disease and stroke are the number one cause of death in US women so the development of skill in this area is key for any practitioner who focuses on women's health.