Chinese Herbs
Chinese herbs have been used as a part of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for thousands of years. Many people who usually use western medicine for treating sickness or other health conditions might turn to Chinese herbs as a form of treatment that complements what they have been prescribed by a western medicine professional. Find out more about Chinese herbs and how they can aid in your restoration back to full health and wellness.
Are Chinese Herbs Safe?
Like any medication, western or not, Chinese herbs are safe as long as they are prescribed by a qualified and experienced Chinese herbalist and the patient follows all directions. It is important to understand that herbs can be surprisingly powerful on the body, almost as powerful as pharmaceutical medications, so it’s important to see a fully qualified practitioner before starting treatment.
How Do Chinese Herbs Work?
Chinese herbs are just one essential component of the larger, multidisciplinary treatment system of Traditional Chinese Medicine, which also includes acupuncture, massage, nutritional advice and exercise. This system plays a role in helping restore balance and equilibrium to the body’s opposing forces of energy – commonly known as the Yin and the Yang, which when combined form the Qi and allow it to freely continue flowing throughout the body’s many channels to promote optimal health and wellness.
The Benefits of Using Chinese Herbs as Part of a TCM Program
Seeking the valued assistance of a Chinese herbalist can bring about a wealth of benefits for your health and wellness. Among the advantages are:
- Reduction in inflammation
- Improvement in flexibility and muscle strength
- Enhanced cognitive health
- Minimal side effects
- Improvement in sleep patterns
What Health Conditions Can Chinese Herbs Help to Alleviate?
Chinese herbs have been used to treat a wide range of illness and health conditions, including:
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
- Colitis
- Neuropathy
- Joint pain
- Insomnia
- Stress
- Various pain complaints
Which Herbs Are Commonly Used in TCM?
In most cases, the herbs prescribed by a qualified practitioner or stocked by a Chinese herbalist are plant based. But in preparing them for consumption, additional products can be included such as minerals and animal products. Chinese herbs can be purchased in their original state or in powder, paste, lotion or tablet form, however this is largely dependent on the herb itself and its intended use. When a practitioner prescribes a particular herb or herbal combination, they will have taken into account the Yin and Yang of the patient and how that can affect their healing.
The Five Key Elements of Chinese Herbs
One of the fundamental philosophies of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is that everything is divided into five elements, including the organs of the human body. These five elements are fire, earth, metal, water and wood. They are used to label every facet of a person’s total health, including physical, emotional and spiritual, and they’re often classified according to five main tastes which are salty, sweet, bitter, sour and pungent. These tastes correspond to a particular element and therefore determine which type of herb is better suited to treat a specific health condition or complaint.
Additional Services Available
In addition to providing the expertise of a Chinese herbalist, Melbourne Natural Medicine Clinic also provides a varied range of services for people seeking TCM in Melbourne. Come to us if you need acupuncture treatment for joint pain or another type of natural therapy in Melbourne, such as acupuncture in the Melbourne CBD for back pain.