Chinese herbal medicine is an integral component of a larger healing system called Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), which also includes acupuncture, massage, cupping, Gua sha, dietary advice and exercise. Chinese herbal medicine is one of the oldest (and most popular) forms of health care. While the scientific study of herbs in the United States began just over two centuries ago, herbs and botanicals have been used for thousands of years in Asia to treat a wide range of health problems. The underlying principles of TCM are much different than traditional Western notions about illness, health and the inner workings of the body. TCM relies on herbal therapies both for the treatment of illness and in the optimization of health and prevention of disease.
Herbal medicine has a great deal to offer when used to facilitate healing in chronic, ongoing problems. It can also treat a variety of conditions usually treated with pharmaceuticals and prescription medicine including:
colds
digestive disorders
insomnia
headaches
arthritis
skin disorders
asthma
infertility
hormone imbalance
pain
insomnia
viral and bacterial infections
Herbal medicine refers to the use of a plant’s seed, berries, roots, leaves, bark or flowers for medicinal purposes. Chinese herbal medicines are primarily plant based, but some preparations may include minerals or animal products. They can be administered as powders, pastes, liniments, tablets or syrups, depending on the intended use of the herb.
Herbs can act on the body as powerfully as pharmaceutical drugs and should be treated with the same caution and respect. Herbs should only be prescribed by a TCM practitioner with adequate training and certification. A formula is modified by the TCM practitioner to suit the subtle nuances of the condition of the patient, which makes each formulation highly individualized.
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