WHAT IS CHINESE HERBAL MEDICINE?

Added: (Tue Nov 10 2009)

Pressbox (Press Release) - Holistic therapies like acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine have been around for more than two thousand years and are proven to be effective in treating an extensive range of conditions. Many people are already aware of the benefits of acupuncture and the conditions it can treat effectively. Although less is known about the practice, Chinese herbal medicine is increasing in popularity with many acupuncturists prescribing herbs as an integral part of treatment.

What is Chinese herbal medicine?

The tradition of Chinese herbal medicine dates back to the Third Century BC. Throughout its history, the practice 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 advancing knowledge.

Chinese herbal medicine looks at the whole person, not just a set of symptoms and is therefore a very different practice to Western medicine. Along with the other components of Chinese medicine, treatment with Chinese herbs is based on the concepts of Yin and Yang and the ways in which the fundamental balance and harmony between the two may be undermined. Diagnosis through pulse and tongue analysis – play a key part in Chinese herbal medicine practice - which is based around an in-depth understanding of how the body uses energy, how imbalances can affect its performance and how individual herbs can correct these imbalances.

What can Chinese herbal medicine treat?

Chinese herbs often play a significant part in the healing process and in some cases where chronic forms of certain conditions are difficult to treat with conventional medicine, Chinese herbal medicine can make a significant difference. Skin diseases such as eczema and psoriasis respond dramatically to Chinese herbs because although the appearance of these conditions may be external, the actual cause originates from inside the body.

Gynaecological conditions – especially infertility – also benefit enormously from the addition of herbal medicine. In fact, Chinese herbs are used more in gynaecology and infertility than in any other medical conditions. They are also often used after bouts of Chemotherapy to help repair the immune system and restore energy.

How are Chinese herbs prescribed?

Chinese herbs are available in a number of forms - both traditional and modern. The traditional method for taking Chinese herbs is in the form of pills or as a tea made from a mixture of dried herbs that have been boiled in water. Herbs are now commonly prescribed as freeze-dried powders or tinctures. Although they taste unusual to begin with, the vast majority of people get used to the taste very quickly.

Are Chinese herbs safe?

When prescribed correctly by a trained and properly qualified practitioner, Chinese herbs are very safe. It is usually only when people consult with those who are not properly trained, rely on practitioners who do not speak proper English (and may therefore miss a key factor in diagnosis), or mix Western and Chinese medicine without informing the practitioner, that problems arise.

Over the centuries doctors have compiled detailed information and placed great emphasis on the protection of the patient. Allergic-type reactions are rare and will cause no lasting damage if treatment is stopped as soon as symptoms appear. All members of the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (RCHM) provide guidance on this to their patients. They are also bound by the regulations of a professional body and hold professional insurance.

The provision of good quality authenticated herbs is also very important to protect public safety, and the RCHM works with the main suppliers and Kew Gardens in order to ensure that the products used by its members meet the highest standards.

How do I ensure that Chinese herbs haven’t been made using endangered species?

Members of the RCHM are bound by a code of ethics and good practice and are prohibited from using any type of endangered species in herbal prescriptions. They always provide guidance on how to take herbs and what to look out for in case of an adverse reaction – although this is very rare – and they only use RCHM approved suppliers. They are therefore able to ensure that the herbs they prescribe are of the highest quality and totally safe to use.

For information on the RCHM, please visit www.rchm.co.uk.

For more information on LCTA, please visit www.lcta.com or call 020 8446 3332.

For further press information, interviews or pictures, please contact Jane Nead on pressinfo@holisticpink.co.uk