Chinese Herbal Medicine

Chinese herbal medicine is the use of prescribed formulas as a daily support towards resolving conditions.

A medicine practised for over 3,000 years

Chinese Medicine (CM) has been practiced in China for over 3,000 years.

This long history doesn’t mean CM is either simplistic or backward in comparison to modern biomedicine.

Sustained by centuries of empirical clinical evidence, CM has evolved into a complete and highly-nuanced system that offers a coherent alternative to the Western medicine’s view of how and why we get ill.

How the herbs are prescribed

A prescription of herbs is arranged through a renowned Chinese Herbal pharmacy (Balance Healthcare) suppliers of the highest quality pure granulated herbs. This means no packers or added substances. There is no need to cook the herbs.

Formulas are usually taken once or twice on a daily or every other day basis according to the individual instructions for each patient.

A prescription that changes with you

Unlike western drugs, these medicines are reviewed every few days to respond to adjustments as the herbs are digested and integrated. Herbs are removed as they are no longer needed.

Formulas will be modified in accordance with changes in the condition towards a return to health.

Graduating from treatment, through herbs or acupuncture is the ultimate aim.

The branches of Chinese Medicine

The branches of Chinese Medicine are profound enablers to assist in the process of returning to health.

This holistic principle forms the foundation of a set of complementary practices that together comprise the CM system:

• herbal medicine
• acupuncture (including cupping, gua sha and moxibustion)
• dietary therapy and lifestyle advice
• bodywork techniques known as Tuina
• movement disciplines (Qi Gong being the ‘skill’ within the Martial Arts)

Designed not only to cure but also to prevent illness, these practices share a focus on re-establishing and supporting connection, balance and order in the body.

Chinese Medicine today

CM continues to be practiced as primary healthcare in much of South-East Asia; and in state hospitals throughout China, where it enjoys an equal and pragmatic relationship with the newer system of Western orthodox medicine.