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What-You-need-to-know-about-chinese-herbal-medicine-5a0ccc9f6462b

Chinese herbal medicine has been a healing tradition, tracing all the way back to the third century BC. Because of its high effectiveness, it complements acupuncture and further supports a patient’s healing. Acupuncture benefits are gaining clinical acceptance in the west, and many practitioners use both acupuncture and herbs as an integral part in their treatments.

Similar to acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine uses the concept of Yin and Yang (pronounced yong), as it strives for the fundamental harmony and balance of a person’s chi (qi), or vital life force. When chi is depleted or blocked — just like acupuncture — herbs are used as a clinical strategy dependent on a diagnosis that is based on signs and symptoms that cast an imbalance. It is important to mention that Chinese Medicine, fundamentally, places an emphasis on lifestyle as a prevention of disease or imbalance before it occurs. Health is more than just the absence of disease, and with chinese herbal medicine, this affords the patient an opportunity of optimal health.

What is Chinese herbal medicine?

Chinese herbal medicine incorporates mostly herbs (sometimes animals and insects), and a prescription is put together by a chinese herbalist, most likely your acupuncturist. They will blend a formula specific to your health conditions, that typically involves around 12 herbs. Each herb has its own functions and actions that have been vetted is Asia for over thousands of years.

There are many forms you can take Chinese herbal medicine in, including:

Tinctures

Raw herbs (in a decoction)

Powder

Pills

Your practitioner will guide you through which form is best, and most effective for your diagnosis. Herbal chinese medicine is not a requirement when you see an acupuncturist, but incorporating it can further support and speed healing time.

What does Chinese herbal medicine treat?

The significant aspect of Chinese herbal medicine is that it is able to treat many issues that western medicine has a had time managing with pharmaceuticals.

Chinese herbal medicine supports, but is not limited to, the following conditions:

Skin disorders – eczema, psoriasis, acne, rosacea, and chronic hives.

Gastrointestinal disorders – irritable bowel syndrome, constipation, and Crohn’s disease.

Gynecological conditions – PMS, PCOS, endometriosis, and infertility.

Psychological conditions – anxiety and depression.

Many of these conditions are chronic, or lifetime ailments that create a major complication for western medicine, but is very effective with chinese herbal medicine. The results always depends on patient compliance, in addition to how long and how severe the condition is.

Who can take Chinese herbs?

Chinese herbs can be taken by anyone, regardless of age, however, like any practitioner they will take a complete intake of all your current medications and previous illnesses to decide on the right formula.

Are Chinese herbs safe?

As with most medical modality, chinese herbs are completely safe when prescribed by a trained practitioner. Over thousands of years, chinese herbal medicine has assembled detailed information of the pharmacology of the herbs, with an emphasis on protecting the patient from any adverse situations.

Lee Acupuncture

Lee Acupuncture implements both acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine in treatment. Call today and schedule an appointment!

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