CHINESE HERBAL MEDICINE

Proper prescription can enhance and extend the effects of an acupuncture session

What is Chinese Herbal Medicine?

Chinese herbal medicine is one of the great herbal systems of the world, with an unbroken tradition going back to the 3rd century BC. Yet throughout its history, it has continually developed in response to changing clinical conditions and has been sustained by research into every aspect of its use. This process continues today with the development of modern medical diagnostic techniques and knowledge.

The systematic approach and clinical effectiveness has for centuries had a very great influence on the theory and practice of medicine in the East and more recently has grown rapidly in popularity in the West. It still forms a major part of healthcare provision in China and is provided in state hospitals alongside western medicine. Chinese herbal medicine, along with the other components of Chinese medicine, is based on the concepts of Yin and Yang. It aims to understand and treat the many ways in which the fundamental balance and harmony between the two may be undermined and the ways in which a person’s healing capacity or vitality may be depleted or blocked.

Herbal Medicine and Modern Pharmacology

There is a growing body of research that indicates that traditional uses of plant remedies and the known pharmacological activity of plant constituents often coincide. However, herbal medicine is distinct from medicine based on pharmaceutical drugs. Firstly, because of the complexity of plant materials, it is far more balanced than medicine based on isolated active ingredients and is far less likely to cause side-effects. Secondly, because herbs are typically prescribed in combination, the different components of a formula balance each other, and they undergo a mutual synergy that increases efficacy and enhances safety. Thirdly, herbal medicine seeks primarily to correct internal imbalances rather than to treat symptoms alone, and therapeutic intervention is designed to encourage this self-healing process.

Are herbs safe?

Chinese herbal medicines are very safe when prescribed correctly by a properly trained practitioner. Over the centuries doctors have compiled detailed information about the pharmacopeia and placed great emphasis on the protection of the patient. Allergic type reactions are rare and will cause no lasting damage if treatment is stopped as soon as symptoms appear