Natural Health » Chinese Medicine

A Guide to Chinese Herbal Medicine

Jennifer — Sun, 18 Nov 2007 05:02:35 +0000

Chinese herbal medicine is really a major aspect of traditional Chinese medicine and focuses on restoring the balance of energy, body and spirit in one’s life. In Chinese herbal medicine a wide variety of herbs are used and rather than being based on conventional Western concepts of medical diagnosis and treatment, Chinese herbal medicine treats patients on the patterns of their symptoms rather than on the underlying causes.

The aim here is to prevent and treat imbalances with complex combinations of herbs, minerals and plant extracts.

Chinese Medicine

Chinese medicine is one of the oldest types of medicine known to man and has actually been around for almost as long as mankind. The underlying principles here are very unique and innovative and Chinese herbal medicines have proven to be incredibly successful in treating a range of disorders both physical and mental.

Chinese herbs are commonly used to treat disorders such as digestive problems, fatigue, hepatic disorders, cardiovascular disorders, stress, allergies, and autoimmune disorders. The philosophy of Chinese herbal medicine proposes that everything including the organs in the body is composed of five elements, which are fire, earth, metal, water and wood.

This is why the herbs that are used in Chinese herbal medicine are also divided into five, but here the divisions are in terms of taste – sweet, salty, bitter, pungent and sour. All of the herbs used in Chinese medicine are plant based and can be packaged as powders, pastes, lotions, and tablets. Each herb offers its own benefits and healing properties, and it is important to determine which particular herb is going to work best for your condition before trying it out.

Aloe Vera, for instance, works great for skin conditions including redness and itchiness, while ginger is most recognized for being a remedy for appetite loss, indigestion and motion sickness. It is also effective for loosening phlegm, relieving gas, and tightening the tissues of the body.

If you are interested in using Chinese medicine yourself then you will first want to do a bit more research on it so that you can make yourself more educated and find out more about it before including it as a major part of your life. Talking to an herbalist is also ideal, as they are specifically trained and knowledgeable in the area of Chinese herbal medicine and related forms of treatment and will be able to work with you to come up with the most suitable herbal medicine plan.

Ancient Chinese Medicine Involved Maintaining Harmony

Jennifer — Sun, 14 Oct 2007 00:35:49 +0000

More the 2,000 years ago there were many ideas about health in the human body and in ancient China there was the belief that the body had two powers, Yin and Yang and good health depending on them being in harmony. Most of the practices of ancient Chinese medicine revolved around returning harmony to Yin and Yang, becoming one of the oldest known methods of restoring health.

Some of the treatments used in ancient Chinese medicine have roots deep in history as during the Stone Age rocks were used in some medical treatments, leading to the use of acupuncture. It was the theories developed during those times that led to the methods of diagnosing illnesses and in determining cures. By the time the agricultural period began, the use of certain herbs in helping return harmony to the Yin and Yang was already in its infancy. The compounding of the different herbs and other botanicals became more aggressive as more of them were able to be grown.

At the time, ancient Chinese medicine recognized three main causes of illness. Exogenous was disease caused by the over stimulation of emotion such as joy and sorrow and endogenous was due to climate factors, such as extreme heat, cold, wet or dry weather. Intermediate causes of disease were deemed to be caused by injuries such as burns, frostbite or punctures.

Diagnosing Disease Through Primitive Testing

Determining the cause of health issues, ancient Chinese medicine had four areas for determining the nature of the problem. Using inspection, inquiry, auscultation along with olfaction and palpitation, they could determine the nature of the disease. In ancient Chinese medicine, palpitation and inspection of the tongue were considered the most important.

Diseases were then classified as either hot or cold, which described the nature of the disease or injury. Those practicing ancient Chinese medicine, prior to offering botanical compounds for healing, had also to determine the sthenia of the disease. This is determining the severity as well as the asthenia, which is the condition of physical resistance of the disease to determine the proper dosage.

The practices of ancient Chinese medicine using the theory of Yin and Yang are the basis for many medical practices taking a holistic approach to wellness. The botanicals used in ancient Chinese medicine are also part of the naturalist approach to alternative medicine. Many of the botanicals used in early medicine are the root of many modern synthetic medicines.

The Basic Principles of Chinese Medicine

Jennifer — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 03:10:35 +0000

The medical world that most of us are familiar with is relatively new. Conventional, modern medicine has come into its own in the last century, and advances are made almost every day to make this form of medication more effective. However, there is another form of medicine that has been practiced for centuries. Chinese medicine originated in Asia around 4000 years ago, and is still practiced today – not only in the eastern part of the world, but in many areas of the west as well. Since the 1950’s, research in the area of Chinese medicine has been abundant, allowing China to train and equip many more doctors in the fields of allopathic medicine.

The Foundation

Chinese medicine is primarily based in Taoism, which is a combination of religion and philosophy. Taoism is rooted in the natural and observable laws of the universe and man’s relation to that universe. This belief system has led to five basic principles of Taoism that are found in Chinese medicine. The first is that there are natural laws that govern the universe, and we are all subject to those laws. The next principle is that the universe is in an organized, harmonious state. The third principle is that because the universe is dynamic, change is a part of it.

The next principle of Taoism that is rooted in Chinese medicine is that all of life is interconnected. This is why Chinese medicine applies a whole system approach to treatment of the body. Finally, Taoism subscribes to the belief that humans are intertwined with nature. This means that environmental factors can affect your health – in both positive and negative ways. It is these five principles that govern the way that Chinese medicine is approached and administered. With this type of treatment, the entire body is considered, in addition to the mind and spirit in order to achieve wholeness and health.

The Treatment Options

There are many components to Chinese medicine, and each has their place at different times and for different conditions. Some of these treatments include acupuncture, herbal medicine, diet and other means. In many cases, treatments will be used in tandem for maximum effectiveness, such as using herbal remedies to support acupuncture treatments. Many people find that Chinese medicine will work when conventional methods of treatment may not. Others realize that the holistic approach to wellness is the most effective route to good health. Whatever your reason, it is possible that this age-old form of medicine might be the best choice for you in achieving optimum wellness.

Chinese Traditional Medicine Powder Can Be Especially Useful For Clearing Phlegm

Jennifer — Wed, 14 Mar 2007 03:11:42 +0000

There are many uses for Chinese traditional medicine and it is common to take them in different forms including tablets and pills and even in powder form, and you can choose the type of form you want though not every different Chinese traditional medicine is available in the form that you may want. Nevertheless, you could choose Chinese traditional medicine powder for clearing out phlegm and sore throats.

Opens Up Orifices And Normalizes Qi

If you do choose to opt for Chinese traditional medicine powder you will find that it is very useful in opening up the orifices and for normalizing the qi as well as helps to reduce inflammations, and the Chinese traditional medicine powder is also useful for settling your bothersome cough while it also helps to expel phlegm, and in fact, Chinese traditional medicine powder is very useful in getting rid of phlegm that is present in good measure while it also helps to settle breathing that is too hasty and where there is also a lot of panting that are results of bronchitis which in turn could be acute and even chronic.

Before choosing to use Chinese traditional medicine powder, it is important to realize what ailment is bothering you and to also consider your age as well as constitution all of which will help establish whether use of Chinese traditional medicine powder will be beneficial or not. Once you find that you must take Chinese traditional medicine powder, you must then establish the correct dosage and mostly when the condition is serious enough to warrant it, you may choose to take fairly larger doses which will also prove beneficial in case the problem is especially stubborn especially in young patients as well as those who are very strong.

Obviously, you will need to take smaller doses if the problem is relatively mild and also when you are fairly advanced in age, or particularly frail, or if the user is a child or woman in pregnant stage. You also should first get the doctor to prescribe the Chinese traditional medicine powder and also the correct dosage and it is the doctor who is the best person to advice about taking the medicine in powder form rather than as tablets or capsules; more so, at the beginning of the treatment stage which must then be closely monitored through having regular consultations. And, as your condition improves or worsens, you can alter the dosage of the Chinese traditional medicine powder to suit the state of your problem.

Chinese Herbal Medicine Protects, Prevents and Heals

Jennifer — Wed, 14 Mar 2007 03:09:11 +0000

When most of us think about taking medication, it is generally the kind that is prescribed by a doctor or purchased over the counter at the neighborhood pharmacy. However, there is a whole world of medication that is used in many cultures in place of or alongside conventional, modern medications. These formulas fall under the category of Chinese herbal medicine, and they have been used successfully for centuries to effectively treat and prevent many types of conditions and illnesses. Today, Chinese herbal medicine is still used, usually under the guidance of a doctor or professional that specializes in this discipline of medicine. Often the herbs are given in a combination, and sometimes the herbal medications are combined with other treatments that are typical for Chinese medicine, like acupuncture or massage. To understand how Chinese herbal medicine is used properly, you must first understand the principles of the human body that this type of medicine subscribes to.

The Components of Chinese Medicine

First, the body must function in a harmonious relationship of mind, body and spirit to achieve optimum wellness. In addition, the body is divided into five organ networks, which are responsible for different parts of the body as well as a variety of functions. When one of these networks is out of balance, the body can suffer in physical, mental or emotional ways. The purpose of Chinese herbal medicine is not to merely treat symptoms, like many of our medications today are designed to do. Instead, Chinese herbal medicine is used to cure the body, bring it back into balance, and give it the environment necessary to heal itself and achieve optimum wellness. This is most often done through a combination of herbs that will address different issues within the body and work in harmony to heal the entire unit.

Because there is generally a combination of herbs in Chinese herbal medicine that are prescribed at one time, professionals in Chinese medicine may use a variety of templates to determine which herbs will work best together. One such template uses the Chinese government, which consists of a monarchial system. This means that there is a King herb that is used to treat the primary issue. The next herb is the minister herb, and this choice will address the top imbalance as well as the secondary imbalance that the body is suffering from. The next herb prescribed is often referred to as the assistant herb, and the purpose of this one might either be to strengthen the potency of the king herb or to reduce toxicity. Finally, the messenger herb will help to focus the effectiveness of the other herbs exactly where they need to go.

Chinese herbal medicine is a complex process of diagnosis and treatment with a delicate balance of the proper herbs. For this reason, it is always best to consult an experienced professional for advice on Chinese herbal medicine instead of trying to administer these substances on your own.

Traditional Chinese Medicine: The Quest to Achieve Harmony

Jennifer — Wed, 14 Feb 2007 03:38:57 +0000

Traditional Chinese medicine has been around for centuries – about 40, to be exact. This is one of the oldest forms of medications known to mankind, and has grown to include western regions in addition to the Asian countries where it originated. This type of medicine in practiced worldwide, particularly in the Asian countries, some parts of Russia and Europe, and the United States. Since the 1950’s, additional research has been done in the realm of traditional Chinese medicine, allowing for more doctors to be trained in these disciplines. The philosophy behind this type of medicine originates in the idea that the body is several different components that are created to work together in a harmony of mind, body and spirit. When harmony is achieved, optimum wellness is the result.

Constituents of the Body

According to traditional Chinese medicine, there are five constituents of the human body that must be kept in harmony for health to be achieved. Just like nature combines air, sea and land, the body is made up of the components Qi, blood, moisture, spirit and essence. These constituents are regulated by five systems of the body, which are known as the organ networks. The kidney network is responsible for the essence of the body, which includes reproduction, growth and regeneration. The heart network is responsible for much more than the cardiovascular system – it is also in charge of the spirit, which in turn is responsible for the mind.

The spleen network in traditional Chinese medicine is responsible for foods, fluids and ideas. This means that concentration issues as well as many digestive problems can be attributed to this network. The liver network is another very important component of the whole body, since it is responsible for regulating the flow of Qi and the storage of blood. Finally, the lung network has the job of setting the body’s rhythm and promoting inspiration. It is important to have all of these networks functioning together in harmony for optimum wellness. However, when there is an issue, these are the networks that are used to pinpoint the problem and determine the best course of treatment.

Diagnosis of health issues in traditional Chinese medicine is systematic, and includes an exam that will observe color and form on the body, as well as feeling the pulse at each wrist. The data from the exam will be combined to determine a diagnosis and the best course of treatment. Treatment in traditional Chinese medicine will include steps to bring balance and harmony back to the body, and may incorporate massage, acupuncture, herbs, diet and exercise.

Understanding Gallbladder Chinese Medicine

Jennifer — Sun, 14 Jan 2007 03:15:01 +0000

The gallbladder is the small pear-shaped organ that is located in the human body, connected to the liver and concentrates bile, the basic function of the gallbladder is to store bile and concentrate. There are many different health problems that can occur with the gallbladder, which is where gallbladder Chinese medicine comes into play.

Problems With the Gallbladder

One of the most commonly experienced gallbladder problems is gallbladder disease, and although there is no particular known cause of the disease, there are a few different risk factors that are associated with the disease, including but not limited to: obesity, alcohol intake, non-fat diets, constipation, diabetes, estrogen intake and birth control bills, females especially those who have had children, and diseases such as chronic inflammatory bowel disease and Crohns disease.

Gallbladder Chinese Medicine

When it comes to gallbladder Chinese medicine, the results are incredibly effective and Chinese herbal medicine in general is actually considered as being one of the great herbal systems of the world. Because of its particularly systematic approach and clinical effectiveness, it has for ages had a great influence on the theory and practice of medicine in the East.

This type of medicine is one which includes all oriental traditions emerging from Southeast Asia that have their origins in China, and together, along with various other components of Chinese components, is based on the concepts of the Yin and Yang.

Other Treatment Options

There are going to be cases in which gallbladder Chinese medicine is not going to be enough however, and this is when other forms of treatment are going to have to be implemented. The first step will typically be to have extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy to shatter the stones in the gallbladder, and this is a noninvasive procedure that works by using sound waves.

The next step will generally be to undergo endoscopic retrograde sphincterotomy, a procedure that opens up the soft tissues and fibers of the ducts thereby allowing the stones to pass out into the intestine. Your doctor may also recommend that you have a cholecystectomy, which is the removal of the gallbladder, and this can be done through a laparoscopy, which is a small tube that allows the surgeon performing the procedure to be able to visualize the inside of your abdomen or through an abdominal incision.

Trying gallbladder Chinese medicine first is not a bad idea necessarily but you are just going to have to make sure that you inform your doctor that you are doing this so that they can keep an eye on your progress and see if you need further treatment.