Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) is one of the most sophisticated herbal medicine systems in the world. Although CHM is relatively unknown in the West, compared to acupuncture, it is, in fact, regarded as the main part of the Chinese medicine and practised extensively in clinics and hospitals throughout China and Korea, alongside Western medicine.
Like acupuncture, CHM assesses and treats each person as a unique individual rather than being based entirely on a disease or its symptoms. Healing with CHM is based on the restoration of harmony and balance within the body.
Considerable research into many aspects of CHM has been conducted in China and the West, proving its efficacy and merit.
What can Chinese herbal medicine treat?
- Gynaecological conditions: infertility (both for male and female), IVF/ IUI support, low sperm count, endometriosis, PMS (pre-menstrual syndrome), painful and heavy periods
- Gastro-intestinal disorders: irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), chronic constipation, diarrhoea, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease
- Respiratory conditions: asthma, bronchitis, chronic coughs, recurrent colds, allergic rhinitis or hay fever, and sinusitis
- Skin disease: eczema, psoriasis, acne, rosacea, urticaria
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/ME, whether with a background of viral infection or other conditions
- Rheumatological conditions: osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis
- Urinary conditions: chronic cystitis
- Psychological problems: depression, anxiety
- Children's illnesses
✤ Herbal medicine is particularly useful for strengthening the constitution, especially after long-term illness or to supplement blood & Qi (vital energy) after childbirth.
What happens in the treatment?
In my practice, Chinese herbs are normally prescribed alongside acupuncture, within a given session.
After a thorough diagnosis, each person is prescribed an individual formula (typically 10-15 ingredients) correlating to that individu al's pattern of internal disharmony.
- Formulas are crafted together to act synergistically and every ingredient is designed to accomplish a part of the overall process of restoring balance
- On return visits, the herbal formula is adjusted or modified as the patient's condition improves
- Preventive herbal formulas may be used for recurrent respiratory tract infections, ear infections, asthma, allergic rhinitis etc.
- Decoctions, powders, pills, syrups and medicinal wines are all ways to administer Chinese herbs