Chinese Herbal Medicine is one of the great herbal systems of the world, with an unbroken tradition going back to the 2000 years before.

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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.

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Chinese herbal medicine aims to eliminate the root of a disease rather than just its symptoms, thus achieving a state that is truly disease free. The therapeutic intervention is designed to encourage our body’s self-healing process and balances the body’s systems for lasting wellness. 

 

Used correctly, Chinese herbal medicine are safe for children, during pregnancy and while breastfeeding, before and after surgery, for the young and old.

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Chinese herbal medicines are mainly plant based, but some preparations include minerals or animal products. They can be packaged as powder extracts, capsules, tablets, creams or tinctures, depending on the herb and its intended used. During the treatment, the herbal formulas are tailored to the patient’s needs and always adjusted alone the body condition changes.

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Who can have treatment?

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Chinese medicine can be used by people of any age or constitution. I take any previous or current illnesses or medication into account before providing treatment. With suitable adjustments for dosage and with some provisos, children and pregnant women can safely be treated by Chinese herbal medicine.

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Herbal therapy, next to dietary therapy, is perhaps the most widely used Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) treatment modality. TCM relies on herbal therapies both for the treatment of illness and in the optimization of health and prevention of disease.

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How do TCM practitioners use formulations?

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TCM practitioners most often use two or more substances in Chinese medicinal formulations to create a balanced, synergistic effect that reflects the holistic nature of the diagnosis.

 

Although there are literally thousands of traditional herbal formulas for just about every condition imaginable, a formula is almost always modified by the TCM practitioner to suit the subtle nuances of the condition and constitution of the patient, making each formulation highly individualized.

 

Chinese medicinal formulations can be prepared in different ways:

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• Chinese herbal decoctions. The most traditional method of preparing an herbal formula in China, decoctions can involve lengthy preparation and result in "teas" infamous for their strong taste and aroma. For these reasons decoctions are not as popular or as widely used in the west.

• Herbal powders, which can be mixed with hot water to make a tea, are more convenient to prepare and use, and are not as pungent as traditional decoctions.

• Chinese Patent Formulas are pre-made herbal formulations in pill or tablet form and are perhaps the most widely used form of Chinese herbal medicine outside of China.