Chinese Herbs: a Natural Solution

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Chinese Herbs: a Natural Solution

 

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With a history of over 5,000 years, is a highly

organized system to health and prevention. Recently, there has been

a growing interest and acceptance of .

 

Since November 1997, the National Institute of Health (NIH), issued

a statement recommending Acupuncture (a discipline of Chinese

Medicine) as an effective form of treatment, with less side effects

than many conventional therapies.

In this article we will answer some frequent asked questions about

and Chinese herbs.

 

How does compare to Conventional Medicine?

 

Conventional Medicine views the body in parts and treats symptoms

within isolated parts of the body.

 

views the body holistically, as a microcosm or

entity. With consideration to the interrelation of each part of the

body, its diagnosis surveys the whole body and treats the ailment.

 

To give an analogy, think of each part of the body as a team member.

 

Once a ailment is identified, Conventional Medicine concentrates and

treats one team member. This individualized treatment may cause

disharmony in the team.

 

On the other hand, focuses on the whole team to

resolve the problem. This teamwork approach harmonizes the team to

work in unity.

 

Moreover, ¹s approach differs from conventional

medicine because it concentrates on treating the underlying

conditions of a ailment to balance the body; rather than targeting

an isolated part of the body and directly treating the symptoms.

 

For instance, in conventional medicine, we often hear about the

search for the magic bullet to cure a disease.

 

The magic bullet implies a fast and aggressive eradication of a

disease on one part of the body. For , the magic

bullet does not target only one part of the body, rather it examines

the whole body, to locate and resolve the underlying conditions,

thereby treating the ailment.

 

How does approach health?

 

Conventional Medicine¹s approach to health is a direct treatment of

symptoms and diseases. Indeed, we are all taught to go to our doctor

when we are sick, not when we are healthy.

 

On the other hand, the emphasis of is on

prevention, as well as treatment of ailments. Chinese take herbs and

cook with herbs when they are healthy to maintain their health, as

well as visit their doctor when they have minor ailments.

 

Chinese believe that minor ailments must be treated at the onset, to

prevent the development of a more serious disease. For example, most

of us do not consider a spraining ankle serious enough to warrant a

visit to our doctor. However, treats a sprain

seriously because that sprain has the potential to result into

rheumatoid arthritis in the future.

 

What are the basic principles of ?

 

The basis of is the balance of Yin and Yang. Yin

and Yang are polar opposites, like night and day and are co-

dependent, i.e., Yin is necessary for Yang to exist, and vice versa.

Optimal health is dependent on the balance of Yin and Yang. Where

there is an imbalance, ailments arise.

 

Another key principle in is the concept Chi

(pronounced chee). Chi is best defined as metabolic or vital energy,

i.e., an energy force that animates life and allows us to breath.

Chi is the energy that pumps the oxygen through our blood, and flows

through the veins. The proper flow of Chi is important for good

health. When there is a deficiency or obstruction in the flow of

Chi, ailments arise.

 

What is Chinese Herbal Medicine?

 

Chinese herbal medicine is a highly sophisticated practice of

formulation and therapy, that uses over 6,000 natural elements.

Chinese herbal medicine is the most widely practiced disciple of

medicine in Asia. It administers balanced multiple herbal formulas

developed to correct imbalanced of Yin and Yang and the flow of Chi

within the body, thereby assisting in the treatment of ailments.

 

Do Chinese herbs have side effects?

 

Conventional drugs are intended only to treat isolated part of the

body, without consideration of the whole body. However, drugs do

affect the whole body, which results in serious side effects. In

Chinese herbal therapy, herbs are combined and formulated to treat

ailments or imbalances, with the intent to affect the whole body.

Chinese Herbal formulas are botanically composed to work

collectively with the whole body to treat the underlying conditions

where ailments arise. Nonetheless, there can be some mild adverse

reactions, like gastrointestinal disturbance, when herbs are taken

on an empty stomach. If such a reaction occurs, it can be prevented

by taking the herbs after a meal.

 

Are Chinese herbs effective?

 

Chinese Herbal Medicine is a discipline that has derived from

thousands of years of practice. In fact many popular pharmaceutical

products are derived from herbs that originated in Asia. In recent

years, pharmacological testings on hundreds of herbs have

demonstrated that many herbs have a physiological activity that

supports the traditional use of the herb. At present, there is much

research throughout the world on Chinese herbs, like Ginkgo Biloba

and Ginseng that validate the traditional Chinese use of the herb.

 

Are there Chinese herbs that can assist with Stress?

 

Many herbs for stress may give us the sedative effect. Chinese herbs

like Jujube fruit can assist with the tensions of stress without the

drowsiness or sedative effect. Jujube works by promoting better

circulation and enabling the body to have a better tolerance of

stress. Like most Chinese herbs, jujube is best used in a multiple

formulation. For example, Stress Away by Neo€Concept is a Chinese

herbal formula that is formulated with Jujube.

 

How can Chinese herbs help with digestion?

 

If you suffer from indigestion, reflux, gas, bloatedness, or just

poor digestion, herbs like Ginger and Licorice have long been known

to assist with the dissipation of gas and soothe the digestion

track. Chinese herbs like Atractylodes can assist to harmonize the

stomach and spleen. Neo€Concept Gastro Ease is natural herbal

formulation that assist with healthy digestion. It is multi herbal

balanced formulation that combines ginger, licorice atractylodes,

and other Chinese herbs. Gastro Ease assist to promote healthy

digestion by assisting on the underlying conditions to balance the

digestion system and work with the flow of Chi or movement in the

body, to assist with healthy digestion.

 

What are some women¹s Chinese herbs?

 

Chinese herbalism has address women¹s issues long before modern

medicine recognized the women suffered from monthly discomforts. In

Asia, Dong Quai is the most widely used Chinese herb for women¹

health. Dong Quai tonify's to the blood and supports muscular

relaxation. Considered a phyto-estrogen, Dong Quai can assist with

the hormonal imbalances of monthly cycles.

 

Bupleurum is another Chinese herb that has historically supported

women through the month. Bupleurum is a Chinese herb that may assist

with irritability and mood swings. (see Neo€Concept Monthly Relief)

 

What Chinese herbal formula addresses headaches?

 

Recently, a Chinese Acupuncture clinic in New England administered a

Chinese herbal formula that can assist with the conditions of

migraine, tension, and cluster headaches. The migraine suffers that

used this formula over 70% of them felt that this formula assisted

them with their condition. The herbal formula was administered

continuously for the duration of at least a month and continued in

application as needed. The Chinese herbal remedy was formulated to

assist with easing tensions and promote the flow of Chi in the body

to balance the system. (see Neo€Concept Head Relief)

 

How long do I have to take Chinese herbs?

 

We are conditioned to think expedience is effective. When we take a

drug we want to feel or see the results immediately. What many of us

do not realize, is that expedience tends to shock the natural

balance in our body, which may contribute to the side effects. With

Chinese herbal therapy, the uses of herbs tend to take a longer

duration, as its emphasis is to work gently on the underlying

imbalance of the body. Although Chinese Herbal therapy may be

administered for a longer duration, it is a more natural and balance

approach to health.

 

Author: Phyllis Tan, Neo Concept Company

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