What is Chinese Herbal Medicine?
Herbal medicine is a major component of East Asian medicine, a comprehensive health care system used throughout the world today. The eastern approach views the body as a dynamic, interrelated whole, possessing a vital energy or life force called Qi. Health depends on the free-flow of this energy and the interplay of the body, mind and spirit. When disease occurs, specific herbs are chosen to rebalance the energy and this allows the body to heal itself.
Herbs affect the Qi and promote healing in one or more systems of the body. Usually herbs are combined into formulas that address the primary health condition as well as treating the body as a whole.
Are Chinese Herbs Safe?
In the hands of a well-trained herbal practitioner, herbs are effective and safe. Careful attention to dosage and the combination of herbs are covered in most natural medicine programs. To be certain that your doctor is qualified to prescribe herbal medicine, ask if they are certified by the NCCAOM in Oriental medicine or Chinese herbology.
Herbs have a balancing or regulating effect on the body and are usually more gentle than pharmaceutical drugs. Side effects from herbs are possible, but are usually minor. The most common problems are gastrointestinal upset, gas, and bloating. If this or any other problems occur, please discuss with your practitioner.
Herb-drug interactions are rare, however, in order to allow your health care providers to treat you effectively you should inform all of your doctors that you are taking herbs.
How Are Herbs Administered?
Chinese herbal medicine is actually composed of over 5,000 plant, mineral and animal substances. Most herbalists, however, work with 200-300 herbs. The traditional method of preparing herbs is to cook the herbs in water to form a decoction. Depending on your preference, or the recommendation of your practitioner, you may take herbs in a pill form, tincture, powdered or granulated form. Although the taste is sometimes bitter, most people find this acceptable given the health benefits.
What To Expect At An Herbal Consultation
The East Asian Medicine Practitioner will ask a variety of questions regarding your specific complaint and take a full health history. An examination will be performed, including pulse and tongue diagnosis. The tongue and pulse exam is a very classic assessment tool that can help uncover the root cause of your condition.
After completing the evaluation, a herbal formula consisting of a customized blend of herbs will be prescribed. Although Chinese herbal medicine can effectively address a wide variety of conditions, sometimes allopathic medicine may be appropriate. In this case, your herbal practitioner will refer you to your primary care physician.
As in any form of healing, your attitude, diet, determination and lifestyle will affect the outcome of your course of treatment. You are encouraged to actively participate in your healing process to obtain the best results.
Conditions Treated by Chinese Herbs
Chinese herbal medicine is a comprehensive form of medicine that can effectively address a wide variety of conditions. It has a long clinical history of treating acute and chronic conditions. It excels in treating conditions that western medicine has difficulty in treating as well as conditions that do not have a medical diagnosis.
Organic Chinese herbs are also available
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Chinese herbal medicine
