Chinese herbal medicine is one of the great herbal
systems of the world, with an unbroken tradition going back to the 3rd
century BC. Yet throughout its history it has continually developed in
response to changing clinical conditions, and has been sustained by research
into every aspect of its use. This process continues today with the development
of modern medical diagnostic techniques and knowledge.
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.
Chinese medicine includes all oriental traditions emerging from Southeast
Asia that have their origins in China. Practitioners may work within a
tradition that comes from Japan, Vietnam, Taiwan or Korea. It is a complete
medical system that is capable of treating a very wide range of conditions.
It includes herbal therapy, acupuncture, dietary therapy, 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 Chinese medicine,
is based on the concepts of Yin and Yang. It aims to understand and treat
the many ways in which the fundamental balance and harmony between the
two may be undermined and the ways in which a person's Qi or vitality
may be depleted or blocked. Clinical strategies are based upon diagnosis
of patterns of signs and symptoms that reflect an imbalance.
However, the tradition as a whole places great emphasis on lifestyle management
in order to prevent disease before it occurs. Chinese medicine recognises
that health is more than just the absence of disease and it has a unique
capacity to maintain and enhance our capacity for well being and happiness.
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 which 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.
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
for treatment of Hepatitis C, and supportive treatment may be beneficial
in the 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
Psychological problems (e.g. depression, anxiety)
Children's diseases
Many of these conditions, especially in their chronic forms,
create great difficulty for conventional medicine, whilst Chinese herbal
medicine has a great deal to offer. The results that can be expected and
the length of treatment required will depend on the severity of the condition,
its duration, and the general health of the patient.
Any RCHM member will be happy to discuss their experience
of treating your type of problem with you before you commit yourself to
treatment.
