Chinese Herbal Medicine

The art of practising Chinese Herbal Medicine stretches back over more than 5000 years, embracing all the domains of nature.

Contemporary Chinese medicine represents the cumulative clinical experience and time-tested theories of five millennia of continuous practice by traditional Chinese doctors. It is based on observations, experiments and clinical trials of thousands of different plants, mineral and animal substances. It remains the most popular form of medicine in China today.

The major premise of Chinese medical theory is that all the forms of life in the universe are animated by an essential life force or energy called 'Qi'. The herbalist carries out a number of tests and a case history to establish the cause of illness, taking into account the balance of yin and yang, the four ‘airs’ - cold, hot, warm and cool - and the five ‘tastes’ - hot, sweet, sour, bitter and salted. After determining the cause and nature of a patient’s energy imbalances, the practitioner will consider factors such as the season and nature together with the patient’s condition, and prescribe appropriate herbal prescriptions and lifestyle advice.

Herbal Medicine can be helpful in a variety of circumstances. It is often very useful for skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. Disorders of the digestive system can be aided as well as gynaecological conditions. Herbs can also be used for nourishment of the body following ill health, or for maintenance of good health.

A consultation with a Chinese herbalist will include a full examination, with the traditional pulse and tongue diagnosis. Herbs may be in the form of raw herbs which may require boiling, pre-prepared herbal tinctures, or skin creams or soaks.

Please take note of the following information when considering Chinese Herbal Medicine:

• Chinese Medicine can often be more expensive than over the counter drugs because of the cost of producing and transporting the herbs. Herbs vary in price and your practitioner will advise you of the cost.

• The liquid produced by the herbs can often be bitter in taste, especially for those not used to herbs.

• Herbal Medicine can sometimes take longer to work than Western medications.