Chinese Herbs

Traditional Chinese Medicine is a branch of medical practice that originated about 2000 years ago. Its principle is based on a form of energy known as “Qi” (pronounced as “chee”) that flows through the body along pathways known as meridians. They believe that if this energy flow is blocked or unbalanced in any way it could result in illness. The different techniques used by the Chinese manipulate this energy.

History of Chinese Herbal Medicine

The history of traditional Chinese Medicine can be traced back to as early as the 14th century. Primitive human beings from this era were in direct contact with the environment and soon learned some plants were toxic and some were not. Later on, many locally grown herbs were categorized with respect to the remedies they could offer for certain medical conditions.

As Chinese medicine evolved over time, these herbs began to combine with different animal, human and mineral products to bring about a positive treatment for diseases. Typically, one batch of herbal medicine contains about 9 to 18 ingredients. All of these forms of treatment were recorded and are still used today by practitioners of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

How it Works

Chinese medicine works on the belief that an individual (microcosm) is a fundamental part of nature (macrocosm). These Chinese ancestors studied the common patterns in the environment with respect to the internal environment of the human body.

Treatment through herbal medicine is categorized according to the Four Natures.

  • Hot
  • Warm
  • Cold
  • Cool

Diseases that are “cold” are treated through hot and warm herbs and diseases that are “hot”, are treated through cool herbs.

Another form is the Five Flavor Classification;

  • Acrid
  • Sweet
  • Bitter
  • Sour
  • Salty

Substances may also have more than one flavor, or none (i.e., a “bland” flavor). Each of these flavors corresponds to a specific organ, which in turn corresponds to one of the Five Phases, i.e. the Five Elements;

  • Metal
  • Water
  • Wood
  • Fire
  • Earth

According to these classifications, an effective system for the diagnosis of disease was recorded throughout history. These age-old techniques are now surpassing the modern medicinal treatments as more and more people are opting to resort to natural remedies for the treatment of their diseases.

Traditional Chinese Medicine for Overall Health

Chinese Herbal medicine uses strong and effective herbs for the treatment of a variety of health related issues. It has been established that Chinese herbs improves overall health by strengthening the immune system, reducing inflammation,  as well as relieving insomnia, anxiety and various other diseases.

The goal of treatment by Chinese medicine is to promote an overall wellness within the body that is in harmony with the environment around us. There are other methods of Traditional Chinese Medicine that combine with herbal medicine to achieve overall wellness. Some of these methods include acupuncture, diet food that maintain yin and yang balance, massage and Qi gong, which is meditation through different breathing movements.

At our center, we are proponents of the use of natural herbal remedies to treat various ailments. After a thorough initial evaluation Chinese herbs are often prescribed as an adjunct to acupuncture treatment.  Feel free to call us or email us with questions. You may book an appointment by calling 786-537-7022!