|
|
Chinese Herbalism
Find a Chinese Herbalist in your area using the box on your right.
Chinese herbalism is a natural therapy with a very long tradition that goes back as far as the 3rd century.
In the 16th century a definitive work on Chinese Herbalism contained nearly two thousand substances and 10,000 individual prescriptions. Chinese herbalism has developed over the years and now utilises over 6,000 herbs, minerals and animal derivatives.
As with most Eastern philosophies, Chinese herbalists base their advice around the concept that health depends upon the flow of chi (life energy) around the body. So any remedies suggested are as much about each individual as the condition itself and the aim is to regenerate the body's organs and systems.
The system is highly refined and extremely complicated as it takes into account many principles and factors. Chinese Herbalists will make observations of for example your pulse and will note your general appearance, your size and shape and general demeanour, they check the colour of your face and examine your tongue - it's colour, coating and condition. Close examination of your face and posture are important in revealing the state of the Shen (spirit), they will listen to your breathing patterns and speech and will ask questions about your lifestyle, health and medical history. The eventual prescription could contain as many as twelve different herbs which are usually taken as an infusion.
Many western medicines have their foundation in traditional herbal medicine, for example ephedrine has been used extensively in the more natural form of the ma-huang herb. A derivative of the ancient Chinese remedy liquorice has been approved in Europe for the treatment of gastric ulcers. But of course these synthetic products may not be so well assimilated as a “food state” herbal supplement.
Most practitioners of Chinese Herbal Medicine will have completed a course in acupuncture before becoming a herbalist, and will be able to offer this as part of your treatment, if required. Chinese herbs are very safe when prescribed correctly by a properly trained practitioner. Allergic reactions are rare, and will cause no lasting damage if treatment is stopped as soon as symptoms appear.
Chinese Medicine can often prove useful in cases where conventional medicine is not effective, results that will depend on the severity of the condition, its duration, and the general health of the patient. Some of the commonest conditions treated are Skin disease, including eczema, psoriasis, acne, rosacea, urticaria, Gastro-intestinal disorders, including irritable bowel syndrome, chronic constipation, ulcerative colitis, Gynaecological conditions, including pre-menstrual syndrome and dysmenorrhoea, endometriosis, infertility, Hepatitis and HIV: some promising results have been obtained for treatment of Hepatitis C, and supportive treatment may be beneficial in the case of HIV, Chronic fatigue syndrome, Respiratory conditions, including asthma, bronchitis, and chronic coughs, allergic and perennial rhinitis and sinusitis, Rheumatological conditions (e.g. osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis), Urinary conditions including chronic cystitis, Psychological problems depression, anxiety, stress.
|
