What is Chinese herbal medicine?
Chinese herbal medicines are mainly plant based, but some preparations include minerals or animal products. They can be packaged as powders, pastes, lotions or tablets, depending on the herb and its intended use. Different herbs have different properties and can balance particular parts of the body. Prescribing a particular herb or concoction of herbs means the practitioner’s diagnosis has to take into account the state of the patient’s Yin and Yang, and the elements that are governing the affected organs.
Are Chinese herbs safe?
Chinese herbs can act on the body as powerfully as pharmaceutical drugs and should be treated with the same caution and respect. Some herbs can be toxic in high doses, while others can cause allergic reactions. Make sure your practitioner is fully qualified. Never abandon your regular medication or alter the dose without the knowledge and approval of your doctor.
Your practitioner might advise you to make specific changes in your diet, such as avoiding spicy foods or alcohol. Foods are believed to either ‘heat’ or ‘cool’ the constitution, making dietary changes an important part of the healing process.
What are the benefits of Chinese herbs?
Acupuncture is a common complementary therapy that can help people manage many different conditions. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) states that acupuncture can effectively assist in the treatment of low back pain, neck pain, knee pain, osteoarthritis (OA), migraine, fatigue, peripheral, neuropathy, and tendinopathy.
Chinese herbs can help everyone, but especially people who have hard-to-diagnose problems or syndromes. Conditions that may be helped by Chinese herbs include:
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Allergies.
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Autoimmune disorders
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Cancer treatment side effects
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Diarrhea and constipation
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Digestion issues
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Infertility
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Irritable bowel syndrome
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Immune system regulation
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Menopause
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Menstrual or endometriosis pain
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Persistent fatigue