Chinese Herbal Medicine is an ancient system of healing and an integral part of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) along with Acupuncture, Qigong, massage and dietary advice. The beginnings of Chinese Herbal Medicine can be traced back five thousand years, which makes it one of the oldest and time-proven health care systems in the world.

Chinese Herbal Medicine views disease in patterns of disharmony of hot or cold, dry or damp, excess or deficient and so on. It considers the nature of the disease and how it affects the person, not just the disease itself. Herbs are chosen not merely based on their pharmacological effects as in western herbal medicine, but how the body responds to the herb. To illustrate, you might have a persistent virus which could be considered as a damp and cold condition.The herbs prescribed would not only be of an immune boosting nature, but would also be warming and drying to counter the nature of the problem. Another example would be, two patients presenting with a headache; one may be due to an excess condition referred to as ‘liver yang rising’, while the other may be caused by deficiency of ‘kidney essence’. In each case, treatment approach and herbs prescribed would be completely different.

Chinese Herbal Medicine involves the use of plant parts such as leaves, flowers, twigs, roots, barks, peels, fruits and fungus. Some mineral and animal substances are also used, although substances derived from endangered species are not imported into Australia and are substituted in traditional formulas that call for them by substances with similar actions.

what happens during a chinese herbal consultation?

Prescribing Chinese Herbs is a personalized process and requires an in-depth and detailed diagnosis. The initial consultation begins by taking a full case history of past and present ailments. Diagnosis involves all five senses through observation, asking, listening, smelling and palpation. The practitioner uses pulse diagnosis which utilizes a fine tuned touch to differentiate various patterns of disharmony by palpating the qualities of the radial pulse. Tongue diagnosis is also used through careful observation of colour, shape, texture and geography of the tongue to determine the body’s state of health.

This differential diagnosis provides a clear picture of the nature of the complaint and its underlying pattern of disharmony, enabling the practitioner to prescribe a formula not only tailored to the dis-ease, but the patient’s unique response to it. Over the course of treatment the patient is carefully monitored and, as the condition changes and improves, the formula may be altered accordingly. Chinese Herbs are often prescribed along with acupuncture as both modalities are based on the same treatment principles and diagnosis and form a highly effective approach for many acute and chronic conditions.

what are chinese herbs effective for?

Chinese Herbal Medicine provides effective treatment for a wide range of health disorders as well as assisting with general health maintenance and disease prevention. The following list outlines some of the many conditions Chinese Herbal Medicine effectively treats:

how are chinese herbs taken?

While some individual herbs can be used as foods and added to soups and teas, most Chinese herbs are skillfully combined into potent formulas of typically 8-15 different herbs. Dried herbs are boiled up in water to make a so called ‘decoction’ or they can be more conveniently ingested as granules, powders, tinctures or pills. Chinese Herbs can also be applied externally in creams, pastes and plasters.

At ‘The Healing Point’ we stock over 250 single granulated herbs of the best export quality grown in China. Such an extensive range of single herbs not only enables our practitioners to prescribe many traditional and time-proven formulas, but also allows for tailoring formulas to your specific condition by adding, omitting or changing individual ingredients. Granulated herbs are dissolved in boiling water and consumed like a tea. We also stock a range of patent herbal pills which are convenient and effective for certain conditions.

how long will I need to take chinese herbs?

Duration of a course of Chinese herbs varies greatly. Determining factors are the nature of the complaint, whether it is acute or chronic and the general state of health and lifestyle of the patient. While an onset of a cold may be averted by taking herbs 3-5 times a day for 1-3 days, many more deep-seated internal conditions require long-term treatment ranging from several weeks to several months. For most conditions Chinese herbs are taken 2-3 times a day and are easy to fit into a daily routine.

can chinese herbs be taken alongside other medicine?

Chinese herbs may be safely taken in conjunction with most prescription drugs without experiencing side effects. Please make your herbalist aware of any medication or other herbs you may be taking to ensure full safety. In many cases taking Chinese herbs may be able to reduce the intake of prescription drugs in conjunction with careful monitoring by your GP. Chinese herbs are also effective in counteracting side effects and aiding recovery from conventional medical procedures such as chemotherapy, radiation and surgical interventions.

practitioners

Sono Michetti B.Ac.Fellow.AACMA

Suzanne McDonald MHlth Sc.TCM,DipCHM,Ac.BAcC,RCHM,AACMA

Danielle O'Reilly Adv.Dip.TCM

Sophia Moermond Adv.Dip.TCM, Dip.App.Sc.Naturopathy

fees

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