Chinese herbal medicine

In China, herbal medicine is routinely used in state hospitals alongside modern medicine as a complete medical system to treat disease.

04:38 05 November 2013

Chinese Medicine has been used as front-line medicine by the majority of the world's population before recorded history, and is still the most widely-utilised medical system in the world today.

Chinese Herbal Medicine (CHM) is an ancient system of health care that has undergone continual development over the centuries as the causes of illness that afflict mankind have evolved. In its country of origin it is not an alternative form of therapy, but is used in the state hospitals alongside modern medicine.

Herbs have been used since the dawn of time as medicines and many common drugs are, in fact, made from herbal extracts. The natural chemical properties of certain herbs have been shown to contain of themselves medicinal value.

However, unlike conventional medicine, herbalists use the 'whole' herb or plant rather than isolating and breaking down chemical compounds and then synthesising it. This is because the plant, being a part of Nature, is said to represent perfect balance; healing requires the natural combination of elements in the plant or herb, not just a single chemical within it.

Chinese Medicine is a complete medical system that is capable of treating disease in all its forms. Although your practitioner will treat whatever complaint you have come for, the traditional view places great importance on preventing disease before it occurs.

Chinese Medicine consists of: herbal therapy, acupuncture, dietary therapy, exercise and lifestyle management. Some or several of these may be employed in the course of your treatment.

Chinese Medicine can understand and treat all forms of ill health. The results that can be expected and the length of treatment required will depend on the severity of the disease, it's duration and the general health of the patient.

Chinese Herbal Medicine is probably most renowned in the west for its effects on:

• Skin disease
• Gynaecology
• Digestive complaints
• Respiratory conditions
• Allergies
• Disorders of the immune system
• Pain
• Psychological problems
• Children 's diseases
• Addiction

Chinese Herbal Medicine can be employed by people of any age or constitution. Your practitioner will take any previous or current illness or medication into account before providing treatment. Children and pregnant women can be, and commonly are, cared for by Chinese Herbal Medicine.