Focus on Chinese Herbal Medicine

What is Chinese herbal medicine?

Chinese herbal medicine is one of the great herbal traditions of the world with a recorded history of more than 2,000 years. It uses the same theory and diagnostic principles as those used in acupuncture. Because of its systematic approach and clinical effectiveness it 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.

Who can have Chinese herbs?

People of any age or constitution can have Chinese herbs. Your practitioner will take any previous or current illness or medication into account before providing treatment. Where appropriate Chinese herbs can even be used to treat children and pregnant women (with suitable adjustments to dosages).

What does treatment involve?

Treatment with herbs involves the combination of different herbs tailored to the requirements of each person. They are designed to restore the natural balance within the body.

What does the treatment involve?

During the initial consultation you will be asked questions about the symptoms you are experiencing, your medical history and about other aspects such as sleep, diet and your emotional state. Your tongue will be looked at and your pulse will be taken. This information leads to a diagnosis and from this a treatment plan can be determined.

What are the herbs like?

Herbs are now available in a number of formats, both traditional and modern. The traditional method is to boil a mixture of dried herbs to make a tea. The herbs are also now commonly prescribed as freeze dried concentrated powders. I use over two hundred herbs plus some non-plant materials such as shells. Different plant parts are used including the flowers, stems, leaves and roots. This can make for some rather bitter tasting decoctions, but most people get accustomed to them quickly. Herbs are usually taken internally although there are some external preparations such as those used to treat skin disorders.

How much do the herbs cost?

The price of herbs varies according to the preparation you receive. Concentrated powders (which usually last around 10-14 days) cost £15. A month’s supply is therefore around £30. Dried raw herbs typically cost around £25 for 10-14 days. A month’s supply is therefore around £50. You will be advised as to which preparation is the most appropriate for you. Occasionally patients require herbal powders to be encapsulated and there is a slight extra charge for this service.

How long will you have to take herbs for?

This will depend upon the nature, length and severity of your complaint. For acute problems you may only need to take herbs for a few weeks, many chronic problems may also be resolved within a few weeks whereas other chronic conditions may benefit from herbs taken daily over several months.

Are herbs safe?

Chinese herbs are very safe when prescribed correctly by a properly trained practitioner. Over the centuries doctors have compiled detailed information about the pharmacopoiea 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. All members of the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (RCHM) give guidance on this to all patients.

Endangered Species

The RCHM is greatly concerned about the threat to wild animals and plants that have come as a result of the growth in demand for traditional medicines. The RCHM strongly condemns the illegal trade in endangered species and have a strict policy prohibiting the use of any type of endangered species by any of its Members.

Herbal Medicine and Modern Pharmacology

There is a growing body of research, which 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 formulae 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.

Treatment Information

Acupuncture and herbs can help with most health problems including:

Circulatory problems such as; Cold extremities, Palpitations, Varicose Veins.
Gastro-Intestinal disorders such as; Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Chronic Constipation, Ulcerative Colitis, Crohn’s Disease, Chronic Diarrhoea, Peptic Ulcers.
Gynaecological disorders such as; Pre-Menstrual Syndrome (PMS), Dysmenorrhoea, Endometriosis, Fibroids, Infertility, Menopausal problems.
Musculo-Skeletal disorders such as; Back Pain, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, Frozen Shoulder, Hip and Knee Pain, Osteoarthritis Repetitive Strain Injury, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Sciatica, Sports Injuries, Tennis Elbow.
Mental – Emotional problems such as; Anxiety, Depression, Insomnia and Stress.
Nervous System disorders such as; Bell’s Palsy, Headaches, Migraines, Nerve Pain, partial weakness after a stroke, Trigeminal Neuralgia.
Pregnancy problems such as; Back Ache, Morning Sickness.
Respiratory disorders such as; Asthma, Bronchitis, Chronic Coughs, Common Colds, Hayfever, Sinusitis.
Skin problems such as; Acne, Eczema, Psoriasis. Urticaria.
Other problems which respond well to acupuncture include; Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Allergies, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Cystitis, High Blood Pressure, Tinnitus, Vertigo.