What is Chinese Medicine?

Chinese herbal medicine is one of the great herbal systems of theworld, with an unbroken tradition going back to the 3rd century BC. Yetthroughout its history it has continually developed in response tochanging clinical conditions, and has been sustained by research intoevery aspect of its use. This process continues today with thedevelopment of modern medical diagnostic techniques and knowledge. 

Because of its systematic approach and clinical effectiveness it hasfor centuries had a very great influence on the theory and practice ofmedicine in the East, and more recently has grown rapidly in popularityin the West. It still forms a major part of healthcare provision inChina, and is provided in state hospitals alongside western medicine. 

Chinese medicine includes all oriental traditions emerging fromSoutheast Asia that have their origins in China. Practitioners may workwithin a tradition that comes from Japan, Vietnam, Taiwan or Korea. Itis a complete medical system that is capable of treating a very widerange of conditions. It includes herbal therapy, acupuncture, dietarytherapy, and exercises in breathing and movement (tai chi and qi gong).Some or several of these may be employed in the course of treatment

Chinese herbal medicine, along with the other components of Chinesemedicine, is based on the concepts of Yin and Yang. It aims tounderstand and treat the many ways in which the fundamental balance andharmony between the two may be undermined and the ways in which aperson's Qi or vitality may be depleted or blocked. Clinical strategiesare based upon diagnosis of patterns of signs and symptoms that reflectan imbalance. 

However, the tradition as a whole places great emphasis on lifestylemanagement in order to prevent disease before it occurs. Chinesemedicinerecognizes that health is more than just the absence of disease and ithas a unique capacity to maintain and enhance our capacity for wellbeing and happiness.

Herbal Medicine and Modern Pharmacology 

There is a growing body of research which indicates that traditionaluses of plant remedies and the known pharmacological activity of plantconstituents often coincide. However, herbal medicine is distinct frommedicine based on pharmaceutical drugs. Firstly, because of thecomplexity of plant materials it is far more balanced than medicinebased on isolated active ingredients and is far less likely to causeside-effects. Secondly, because herbs are typically prescribed incombination, the different components of a formulae balance each other,and they undergo a mutual synergy which increases efficacy and enhancessafety. Thirdly, herbal medicine seeks primarily to correct internalimbalances rather than to treat symptoms alone, and therapeuticintervention is designed to encourage this self-healing process.

What can Chinese Medicine treat?

Chinese medicine is successfully used for a very wide range of conditions. Among the more commonly treated disorders are: 

Skin disease, including eczema, psoriasis, acne, rosacea, urticaria 

Gastro-intestinal disorders, including irritable bowel syndrome, chronic constipation, ulcerative colitis 

Gynaecological conditions, including pre-menstrual syndrome and dysmenorrhoea, endometriosis, infertility

Hepatitis and HIV: some promising results have been obtained fortreatment of Hepatitis C, and supportive treatment may be beneficial inthe case of HIV 

Chronic fatigue syndromes, whether with a background of viral infection or in other situations 

Respiratory conditions, including asthma, bronchitis, and chronic coughs, allergic and perennial rhinitis and sinusitis 

Rheumatological conditions (e.g. osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis) 

Urinary conditions including chronic cystitis

Diabetes, including treatment and prevention

Psychological problems (e.g. depression, anxiety) 

Are herbs safe?

Chinese herbal medicines are very safe when prescribed correctly bya properly trained practitioner. Over the centuries doctors havecompiled detailed information about the pharmacopoiea and placed greatemphasis on the protection of the patient. Allergic type reactions arerare, and will cause no lasting damage if treatment is stopped as soonas symptoms appear. 

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