What is Chinese herbal therapy?
Chinese herbal medicine is an essential part of traditional Chinese medicine. Used in China for many centuries, it is one of the most effective treatments for some acute and chronic conditions.
Unlike synthetic Western pharmaceutical prescriptions, Chinese herbal formulas are made from organic substances and rarely elicit side effects. They have been proven safe during thousands of years of use.
Herbal formulas are designed to strengthen and support the body, regulate the function of internal organs, or clear the body of excess conditions such as when you are having a cold or experiencing fever or pain. The formula prescribed by the traditional Chinese medicine practitioner is specific to the patient and not to the condition, which is another difference with Western medicine. The effectiveness of prescribed formulas is a differentiating factor among practitioners for their experience and quality of their diagnostic. Herbal medicine allows the benefits of the healing process to continue between patient visits.
For more information on traditional Chinese medicine, click here.
What conditions are best treated with Chinese herbal therapy?
Chinese herbs can address unhealthy body patterns that manifest in a variety of symptoms and complaints. Chinese herbal therapy aims to help you regain homeostasis, or balance, in your body and to strengthen your body’s resistance to disease. In addition to providing effective treatments for health disorders that manifest in a variety of symptoms and complaints, Chinese herbal medicine may also be used to strengthen your body’s resistance to disease and assist with general health maintenance. By regaining balance in your body and enhancing normal body functions, the immune system is boosted and a general sense of well-being promoted.
A snapshot of conditions typically treated with Chinese herbal medicine includes:
- Insomnia and fatigue
- Loss of appetite and common digestive disorders
- Constipation and diarrhea
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Common cold and influenza
- Chronic headaches
- Skin disorders
- Fluid retention
- Anxiety, depression and stress
- Allergies
- Rheumatoid and osteoarthritis
- Premenstrual syndrome and painful menstruation
- Excessive menstruation
- Infertility
- Impotence and prostate disorders
- Disorders associated with menopause
- Sleep disorder
Chinese herbal therapy can also be a valuable additional therapy following a cancer treatment to aid the body’s recovery from the after-effects of chemotherapy and/or radiation.
Some herbal formulas may not be appropriate or need to be modified if you are pregnant, trying to conceive, or catching a cold. Please make sure to let us know if you are in one of those situations.
The information provided on this site is for reference only and should not be taken as medical recommendations or professional guidance.