A New Alternative Medicine - Chinese Herbal Medicine

Chinese herbal medicine is a health care system which has been around since ancient times. It is also known by the acronym CHM. As the causes of illness that afflict mankind have evolved in time, CHM has also undergone developments continuously. Along with modern medicine, state hospitals in China use herbal medicine for various ailments and diseases.

All forms of diseases can be treated by Chinese herbal medicine. The traditional view in Chinese herbal medical system is to prevent diseases before they occur.

The majority of the world population uses Chinese herbal medicine since ancient times and it still is the most extensively used medical system. In comparison to commonly produced pharmaceutical drugs, Chinese herbal medicine rarely gives an adverse reaction.

Depending upon the disease’s severity the duration of the medication is expanded to get the best results and cure. Allergies, digestive disorders, respiratory conditions pertaining to respiratory tracks, immune system disorders, pain, problems due to psychological disorders, children’s diseases and gynecological problems can be effectively treated using Chinese herbal medicines. Find more info at www.onlinepharmacyresource.info

People of all ages and constitution can take Chinese herbal medical treatment. Symptoms of current illness and previous history will be taken into consideration by the practitioner before prescribing the medicine. Even pregnant women and children can be given treatment using Chinese herbal medicines.

Traditional and modern versions of Chinese herbal medicines are available in number of formats. At first the unusual taste of the herbal medicine will be difficult to adjust to, but quickly the patients will get used to the taste. Chinese herbal treatment does not have any standard price structure. Nowadays many health insurance companies are covering herbal treatment too.

Colonic dialysis therapy is a form of treatment in Chinese herbal medicine which enables the body to eliminate toxins effectively and quickly and helps to overcome addictions.

PLA Institute of Drug Dependence Treatment and Rehabilitation is doing research to observe the effects of using colonic dialysis therapy in persons addicted to heroin and to find out whether this treatment can help them abstain from the craving for heroin.

An evaluation of an ancient Chinese remedy for dermatitis was done by doctors at the Royal Free Hospital in London. A mixture of 10 herbs was prescribed to a group of forty adult patients with longstanding and widespread atopic dermatitis in a trial which lasted 5 months. Over an eight week period each patient was randomly allocated to receive either the herbal remedy or a similar tasting placebo. This was followed by a four week wash-out period. 31 patients completed the study and showed a continued and rapid improvement in the extent of redness of skin (erythema) and surface damage during the time they were taking the prescribed Chinese herbal medicine. The research concluded that the remedy is effective in treating adult atopic dermatitis.

Chinese Traditional Herbal Medicine

A country of 1.3 billion people and still counting. A country with some 35,000 plant species, 5000 of them are used in its traditional medicine practice. A walk inside a Chinese medicine hall would make you either greatly impressed or utterly confused. You can feast your eyes with all kinds of dried herbs.

Herbalism in China has been long practiced since 5000 years ago. Some historians mentioned that the Golden Age of Chinese medicine was during the days of the Han Dynasty, incorporates with acupuncture, massage and energy therapy.

There's 2 'Bibles' on Chinese herbal medicine namely Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing. The 1596 book called Ban Cao Gang Mu are the most prominent recordings, which are still imparting their influences until today.

The two main system acting as its backbone, Yin and Yang and the 5 elements (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water). Yin denotes 'negative', 'passive' and 'internal' whereas Yang denotes 'positive', 'active' and 'external'. Yin organs are heart, liver and spleen. Yang organs are stomach, intestine, bladder nad gastrointenrinal. Besides organs, symptoms treatments based on Yin and Yang, herbs are prescribed on its effects on the Yin and Yang.

Additionally, herbs are categorized by its 5 tastes (sweet, bitter, sour, salty, acrid). Yet, it is not implying that these are the actual taste of the herbs. Instead, there represents their healing properties. Together with 'Temperature' of the herbs (warm, hot, cool, cold), all herbal prescriptions are administered by their specific taste and temperature (ie 'cold' conditions are treated using a 'hot' symptoms).

At Present, many universities in China are now teaching and researching in Traditional Chinese Medicine. It has also made its way across the world's continent. In 1995, the French government signed an agreement with the Chinese government to establish a hospital on Paris, offering acupuncture and traditional Chinese herbal medicine This shows the promising future and recognition of Chinese medicine in the health treatment system.

Herbal Medicine from China

Chinese Herbal medicine is a component of Traditional Chinese Medicine which also includes the practice of acupuncture and Tuina (massage). Herbal medicine has been used in China for centuries and is backed by a long and rich history of development, use and research.

Chinese herbal medicine is unique in that the diagnosis and treatments are based on the theories of traditional Chinese medicine. The common cold, for example, may be diagnosed as "wind-cold invasion" and herbs which dispel wind and warm cold may be prescribed. Herbs administered within Chinese herbal medicine are usually raw and cooked into a tea, in a powder form and taken with hot water or in a pill form.

While a Western doctor sees a cold as a cold, a CTM practitioner looks at his overall health and well-being. The latter finds out if his patient's Yin and Yang and his other vital forces are in balance, or if he is deficient in one or the other. In CTM theory, Yin and Yang are the two opposing principles in nature, the former female and negative, the latter male and positive.

The CTM doctor's prescription addresses the patient's particular deficiencies. To him, a cold is not just a cold, caused by an external virus. It is also contributed by his own body's deficiencies, which have left him vulnerable.

By comparison, the CTM language of Yin, Yang and the five elements is too simple and limiting. But the medicinal herbs work wonders, especially when used in combination. They are the best heritage in CTM.