Herbal Medicine

The origins and basics of Chinese herbal medicine

Often referred to as TCM, Traditional Herbal Medicine dates back as far as 2000 BC and has survived to the present day, though there is a matter of contention regarding the exact date of the beginning of structured and standardized thought in Chinese medicine.

Up until 1973 it was thought that the origins of Chinese medicine could be dated back to before the Qin dynasty (221BC – 206BC). However, after the 1973 discoveries of medical classics such as the Huangdi neijing were actually assembled much later. It is now thought that what is known as TCM was not properly formed until later on in history.

At the heart of TCM is the notion that in order to cure the body of an ailment the flow of Qi (or Chee) must be flowing correctly. Qi is the life force or energy flow thought to be within the human body and also the mind, and is said to flow through 12 channels or 'meridians'. These 'meridians' do not in any way refer to the anatomical composition of the body that Western medicine focuses on, however, the 'meridians' do match up to the major organs, roles and systems like the liver and bladder. It is thought that if the flow of Qi is not balanced then this will lead to under active systems within the body culminating in illness.

Unlike Western medicine, TCM does not focus on the specific diagnoses of the disease, but rather on the condition of the Qi. Diagnosis is carried out through attention to pulse, the general appearance of an individual and also looks at his/her tongue which is thought to be another signifier of the condition of a person's Qi.

Linked to the concept of Qi, is also the notion of Yin and Yang looking at the body in terms of a microcosm of the universe and it is the organs and purposes of those organs which have Yin and Yang elements. The organs of the body relate closely to one another and are seen in terms of elements; water, wood, fire, earth and metal. For diagnostic purposes if a person has a heart problem (fire), then there may very well be a causal problem with the kidneys (water).

To a Westerner, the concept of Qi may seem a little unbelievable because Western medicine contrasts greatly from TCM practises; however TCM has been proven to be very effective, though it is not wholly understood in the West. This misunderstanding is due to the fact that only a few ancient texts on TCM have been translated and there are only a small number of specialists who can actually read these ancient texts and provide dependable research on TCM. In the UK, there is actually no official training in TCM so with little to no qualifications, practitioners in the field can set up shops and give out treatments to anyone; it is important to ask the practitioner about their qualifications.

Herbal Medicine

Around six thousand different types of herbs are used in herbal medicine. From these there are different formulas that are assembled to treat specific ailments, though these formulas do depend very much on the individual's distinctive condition.

Plants are predominantly used in Chinese medicine, though animal and insects are also used (e.g. scorpion, lizard), though not so much in the UK.

Herbal remedies usually come in dried form which the patient brings home and adds to water to take, however herbal medicine does also come in ointment, powder and tablet form.

Herbal remedies are generally used in treating conditions such as eczema, but it is also believed to help in the treatment of such serious diseases as Parkinson's along with acupuncture and prophylactic exercises.