Exploring Traditional Chinese Medicine

Chinese Traditional Medicine (TCM) is an intricate system that has been developed over thousands of years that utilizes herbs as the primary means of maintaining health. Traditional Chinese herbal dietary supplement are extremely effective and very safe.

It is common knowledge that many medicines we use today originate from plants found in nature. There is a wealth of knowledge in natural remedies that deliver safe and effective treatment. As conventional practice races to collect and record this knowledge, what is indisputable and historically proven is that people have benefited from this knowledge and are living proof that natural remedies are a proven alternative.

Although new to the US, herbs like Ginkgo and Ginseng have been used by Chinese for over 4,000 years. As proven effectiveness of Chinese herbal therapies gain recognition, an increasing number of well known institutions are recommending Chinese herbal remedies. For over 5,000 year, Chinese medicine has developed into a complex system of prevention, health and herbal therapy. Unlike many traditional based medicines, Chinese herbal medicine has a continuous clinical recorded history of over 3,000 years of safe and effective use. An evolving discipline, Chinese medicine has an established and recognized scientific and pharmacological understanding of herbal medicine.

In recent years, Chinese herbal medicine has made many advancements in medical research. Indeed, studies published in medical journals, like the Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA), have reviewed the effective of Chinese herbal remedies.

Chinese Herbal Formulas

Huang Ti, (the "Yellow Emperor") 2600 BC, is the one who wrote what is believed to be the earliest Chinese medical text and introduced the principles of Yin and Yang. Many of the herbs - ginseng, ma huang, gingko biloba - that have been used in Chinese medicine for 3,000 years are now familiar to Western medicine and are used by millions of Asian, European and African people all over the world. The Chinese even pioneered the use of an herbal anesthetic in AD 208. The techniques of Chinese medicine were widely disseminated beginning in the sixth century by Buddhist monks who traveled all over Asia. The Japanese and Korean Buddhists became particularly adept practitioners of Chinese medical techniques.

Chinese herbal medicine is empirically based. It is the accumulated knowledge of more than four thousand years of practical experience. Based on ancient literary records, we now know that back in 1100 BC during the West Zhou era, Chinese medicine had already developed into different branches, including disease therapy, ulcer therapy, diet therapy and veterinarian medicine. According to TCM - Traditional Chinese Medicine, poor health is a result of a person's body being out of balance and herbs are used to bring the body back into balance and restore Qi (pronounced chee) energy.

The master herbalist responsible for these formulas has made an exhaustive study of the pharmacology and principles of Chinese - Oriental herbal medicine for over 20 years, and is introducing the following Chinese herbs and formulas for your health and well-being for both men and women.

Facts about Traditional Chinese Medicine History and Development

We all know that China has had an organized society of people able to read and write for over 5,000 years. What we don't sometimes appreciate is the fact that they have had their fair share of inquiring scientific minds at work all this time. This has resulted in a well-recorded archive of Chinese medical knowledge that has grown and developed into the world's most advanced system of natural medicine. Over the centuries, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has evolved complex methods of diagnosis and treatment tailored to the individual's subtle patterns of disharmony. This allows it not only to treat fully manifest diseases, but also to assist in maintaining health and balance to prevent illnesses from occurring.

Today we are able to benefit from this legacy of China's 5,000 year investigation into unlocking the secrets of nature. TCM has come down to us with a detailed theory and philosophy together with a comprehensive and subtle system of diagnosis. Treatment in TCM consists of three main modalities: 1) herbal medicine, 2) acupuncture and moxibustion, 3) massage and manipulation. By far the major component of Chinese medical therapy is herbal medicine. This may come as a surprise to us in Australia, where acupuncture was the first modality to be introduced and practiced by non-Chinese practitioners. There are several thousand different medicinal substances used by Chinese herbalists, most of which are derived from plants. Minerals and animal parts are also used, however most of these are restricted by the Australian health authorities, specifically those that may be toxic, or that may involve the destruction of an endangered species.

In modern China, TCM is both taught as well as practiced alongside orthodox Western medicine. All of the major hospitals have Western and traditional Chinese departments, and patients are often referred from one department to the other. Thus Chinese patients are able to receive the best that each system has to offer, with combined Chinese herbal and Western drug therapy in serious cases. This has proven to be an extremely successful approach, with remarkable results being achieved in such areas as cancer care, recovery from stroke, arthritis, skin diseases, heart disease, chronic degenerative diseases, post operative care, etc.

TCM in Australia

In the last three decades there has been a steady growth of TCM in Australia. Several major universities now offer degree courses in TCM. Chinese herbal medicines have been subject to clinical trials for treating conditions such as hepatitis-C, irritable bowel syndrome, menopause, heart disease, etc. In recent years an increasing number of doctors regularly refer patients to qualified TCM practitioners and many people have found help and relief with TCM after the failure of conventional methods. Recognition by government has resulted in higher standards for practitioners and consistent quality and purity of the Chinese herbal medicines that are imported into this country. Now, more than ever before, it is possible for patients to make an informed choice and have the benefit of well trained TCM practitioners and high quality medicines

In Chinese Herbal Medicine, most prescriptions are comprised of a formula of many herbs. The formula prescribed for an individual patient is usually a traditional recipe with a few modifications to address the unique manifestation of the patient's syndrome. In addition to the Materia Medica, there is a large formulary, comprised of hundreds of formulas, organized by category. Most formulas are comprised of 6-18 herbs. Traditionally, some formulas were delivered in decoctions (teas), some were given as pills, some as powders, and even some as wines. Each method of administration has certain effects; for example, hot teas are quickly absorbed, whereas pills are slowly digested. Honey pills, because of their sweet nature, are tonifying.