Chinese Medicine

traditional Chinese medicine powder

2008-08-01T12:23:00.003-07:00

What You Need To Know About Traditional Chinese Medicine Powders

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, powders are the staple medicines that you’ll be given to take. They can be pressed into pill form or you are to add them to water and drink the mixture. These Traditional Chinese Medicine powders are dried and pulverized herbal pieces, usually of plant parts like roots, leaves or stems. The powders are difficult to distinguish from powders in modern capsules.

Tea, Anyone?

Traditional Chinese medicine powders are still made in ways similar to the traditional methods of thousands of years ago. The botanical pieces are made into a big tea in order to extract the “goodness” from the raw materials. This tea is then dried and concentrated into a sap-like substance. The sap is ground with fine powdered herb and made into the Traditional Chinese Medicine powders distributed around the world. The powders were once called granules, and sometimes TCM practitioners still call them that.

There are a variety of ways to take Traditional Chinese Medicine powders, although you should start with the way suggested by your TCM practitioner. Usually you mix them in water, but some people prefer to mix them in applesauce. Still others put the powder directly on their tongue and wash down with water.

Advantages

Traditional Chinese Medicine powders are flexible enough to be made to your specifications. When you take an aspirin, for example, all that is in the pill or can be in the pill is aspirin. The only way you can change is with a pill-splitter. But your powders can be a mixture of ingredients tailored for you.

The powdered form also lasts longer than the raw botanical and is stronger, so you can take less of a dose than if you just took the raw botanical. Powders are now made in factories, but some are still made the traditional way in small batches. The factory made powder is consistent in strength and is tested for anything harmful like heavy metals or bacteria. Traditional Chinese Medicine powders also have very little smell, unlike the raw plant materials, which can have very pungent odors.

There are more than 5500 Traditional Chinese Medicine powders made. This means there is a good chance that at least one of the powders will work for you. If one powder doesn’t seem to work, you can try another. This is the same as with conventional medicines. Powders usually need to be taken twice a day.

traditional chinese medicine and pregnancy

2008-08-01T12:23:00.001-07:00

Traditional Chinese Medicine and Pregnancy: Concepts and Practice
Health in traditional Chinese medicine is conceptualized as optimal balance between various forces, elements in, and characteristics of our bodies. Forces include blood and Qi (pronounced “chee”, our life force). Characteristics include heat/cold , dryness/moisture, brightness/dimness and movement (upward/downward). Additionally, each of our organ systems is associated with one of the traditional Chinese elements of earth, fire, metal, and water. Our skin, for instance, is associated with metal. Treatments in Chinese traditional medicine include Chinese herbal remedies and acupuncture. The goal of any treatment in traditional Chinese medicine is to restore optimal balance after it has been disrupted.
Traditional Chinese medicine and pregnancy: Treatments
In traditional Chinese medicine and pregnancy, a pregnant woman is thought to have stagnation in the flow of blood and Qi through her body. Acupuncture is thought to help release the available blood and Qi to flow freely through the body and thereby alleviate painful symptoms associated with pregnancy and childbirth such as nausea, heartburn, headaches, constipation, hemorrhoids and backaches.
Moxibustion, a practice to the body and stimulate the flow of blood and Qi, involves burning dried mugwort (artemisia vulgaris/ common wormwood) leaves over the acupuncture points in the body. Moxibustion has been shown to result in decreased numbers of breech births and Caesarian sections. Acupuncture is available from holistic health centers as well as in centers of integrative medicine in traditional hospitals.
The Chinese herbal remedy, Po Chai (“Stomach Curing Pill”) is thought to relieve the nausea of morning sickness. Po Chai includes Bai Zhi/Angelica root (Angelica dahurica), Mu Xiang/Costus root (saussureae radix), Bo He/mint leaf (mentha folium), Chen Pi/citrus peel (citri rubrum exocarpum), Ju Hua/Chrysanthemum blossom (Chrysanthemomi flos), Tian Ma/orchid, Shen Qu/leaven (Gastrodia rhiz), Fu Ling/Hoelin mushroom (poria cocos), Hou Po/magnolia bark (magnolia cortex), Huo Xiang/patchouli (Agastach Pogostemi), Bai Zhu/white Atractylodis, Gu Ya/rice sprouts (oryzae germinantus), Yi Yi Ren/Job’s tears (coicis semen) and Ge Gen/Kudzu root (pueraria radix).
Chinese remedies to prevent miscarriage are selected according to the particular imbalance thought to be threatening the miscarriage. The four main remedies are Shou Tai Wan/Fetal Longevity Pill, Tai Yuan Yin/Fetal Origin Decoction, Bao Yin Jian/Yin Safeguarding Decoction, and Sheng Yu Tang/Sagely Cure Decoction.
These traditional Chinese medicine and pregnancy remedies’ ingredients overlap greatly, but it is the mixture of the ingredients that is thought to be integral to the efficacy of the remedy. The ingredients of the traditional Chinese medicine and pregnancy remedies to prevent miscarriage include, but are not limited to, angelica root, ginseng, peony root, white atractylodes, citrus peel, licorice root, and skullcap.
Herbal remedies for traditional Chinese medicine and pregnancy can be purchased online or at Asian grocery stores. Information can also be obtained by consulting with a professional Chinese Herbologist.
Traditional Chinese medicine and pregnancy: Benefits and Cautions
In traditional Chinese medicine and pregnancy, acupuncture does not have the depressant side effects for either mother or baby that epidurals and pain medications commonly used in Western medicine do have. Additionally, if acupuncture is obtained in a traditional hospital, immediate treatment can be given for any complications that arise during acupuncture. It is vital that pregnant women, who may wish to try herbal remedies involving traditional Chinese medicine and pregnancy consult with their health care provider. Ginseng, one of the ingredients some of the formulations to prevent miscarriage, has been linked to birth abnormalities in rats. Angelica root, another such ingredient, is thought by some Chinese and Western authors to actually promote miscarriage. Many sources recommend avoiding angelica root altogether during pregnancy or if pregnancy might occur.

traditional chinese medicine

2008-08-01T12:22:00.000-07:00

Traditional Chinese Medicine Combines Modern And Ancient Practices

It is difficult to understand the background of traditional Chinese medicine without understanding the origins of medical care over the past several centuries. Many of the ancient medical theories remain a part of traditional medicine, but some of the theories are ignored by modern practitioners. There remains a holistic approach to medical treatment that has served the country well since about 5000 B.C., but traditional Chinese medicine is now infiltrated by some of the modern, western medical beliefs.

There is a belief that the human body works harmoniously with nature and that all body parts work together as one unit. They theory is that in order to treat one function, the entire being has to be treated. In ancient Chinese medicine all illnesses were blamed on the body being out of tune with nature, usually blamed on an evil presence, which was essentially abandoned by traditional Chinese medicine.

Many people in China have access to modern western medical care but for those who cannot afford the treatment, traditional Chinese medicine is their only option. It is considered a more economical method of curing illnesses than the available western synthetic medications. The use of herbal medicine dates back to the first and second century, B.C. and little has changed in the practice and use of botanicals.

Spirits Removed From Classic Medical Practice

As the ancient medical practices began to mature, there were many medical practitioners who believed that the human body was affected by influences other than the environment and classic Chinese medicine cited the theories of Yin or Yang, the five elements, the Zang Fu theory, meridian and the three Jiaos were blamed for every ailment suffered. While the Yin or Yang and 5 elements theories could be applied to situations not involving medicine, the other three theories were strictly used until traditional Chinese medicine was put in place in 1960.

When the western world shunned many of the medical beliefs, mainly due to the theories of evil spirit involvement, Mao Zedong ordered the medical community to standardize the available medical care and the use of traditional Chinese medicine became the norm throughout the country.

However, even practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine, which may include some of the western world’s medical treatments, herbalism is still considered a major part of taking a holistic approach to healing. Herbal medications are less expensive than those from the west and more readily available to the people of China, regardless of their social status.

migraine herbal medicine

2008-08-01T12:21:00.004-07:00

Migraine Herbal Medicine: Fast Relief Today.
Nearly 18 percent of American women will suffer at least one migraine headache in a given year. These painful headaches are often accompanied by nausea and vomiting and/or visual symptoms such as flashing lights or dark circles in the field of vision. Migraine headaches are caused by expansion of the blood vessels in the head. Migraine headaches are prevented by reducing stress, which can lead to the reactive expansion of blood vessels. Migraine headaches are treated, in part, by causing these blood vessels to contract or by simple analgesic effects.
Migraine Herbal Medicine—Common remedies and how to find them
Some migraine herbal medicine supplements have been shown to prevent migraines. Butterbur (Petasites hybridus) rhizome extract, 50 mg or 75 mg/day, has been shown in clinical trials to reduce the incidence of migraines. Feverfew leaves (Tanacetum parthenium), magnesium citrate, chamomile (German chamomile- Matricaria recutita, Roman chamomile - Chamaemelum nobile), and riboflavin (Vitamin B2) are also thought to reduce the incidence of migraines. Long term use of chamomile may worsen seasonal allergies. Also, raw butterbur contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PA), which are associated with liver toxicity. A refined butterbur, without the pyrrolizidine alkaloids, is available under the trade name Petadolex.
Other migraine herbal medicine supplements treat the symptoms once the migraine has materialized. Domestic Cannabis (marijuana) is thought to reduce nausea often associated with migraines. It, however, has the drawback of being illegal in the United States. Willow bark (Salix alba, nigra, purpea) and skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora) are thought to relieve migraine pain. Willow bark has a chemical composition similar to that of aspirin, and should not be used by persons who have a sensitivity to aspirin. Kudzu root (Pueraria lobata) is thought to alleviate the symptoms of menstrual migraine by mimicking estrogen.
Many persons find that oils of lavender, peppermint, eucalyptus, or sandalwood ease migraine symptoms. Extract oils can be created by rubbing the leaves of these plants between your fingers and then applying the oil directly to your forehead.
Most of these migraine herbal medicine supplements are available in tablet form from online suppliers of herbal remedies or from health food and nutrition stores. Skullcap, chamomile, willow bark, feverfew and kudzu root may also be made into a tea or already blended into store-bought herbal teas. Oils of lavender, peppermint, eucalyptus and sandalwood can also be purchased online or from health food and nutrition stores.
Of course, your first consultation about your migraine should be with your health care provider. He or she can insure that any migraine herbal medicine treatments you take are safe and effective and do not interact with any other medications you may be taking. Migraine herbal medicine remedies can be an important component of stress reduction and pain relief from your migraine headaches.

medicine in china

2008-08-01T12:21:00.003-07:00

Learning About Medicine in China

Medicine in China is very different than anywhere else in the world, and the basic premise to medicine in China is that natural, alternative methods of treatment are better than more conservative methods, such as prescription medications which are more popular in Western medicine.

Chinese Medicine

Chinese medicine is truly one of the greatest herbal systems in the world, and throughout its history it has continually developed in response to changing clinical conditions. It features a very systematic approach and clinical effectiveness and medicine in China includes all oriental traditions emerging from Southeast Asia that have their origins in China.

Chinese herbal medicine is based on the concept of Yin and Yang and is successfully used for a wide range of conditions. In Chinese medicine, health is represented as a balance and rather than just aiming to control or relieve the symptoms of the illness, the point is to look at the patient as a whole and determine the cause of the illness or disease.

This is a much more practical approach to medicine because it looks to improve the patient’s well-being long term, rather than just eliminating the problem at hand. Medicine in China implements a number of different systems, and one of the most performed procedures in Chinese medicine is acupuncture.

Acupuncture involves inserting thin needles through the skin at specific points on the body in order to relieve pain and other symptoms. It is thought to decrease pain by increasing the release of chemicals that block pain. Acupuncture can help with a variety of conditions but in particular is used to treat chronic pain such as headaches, menstrual cramps, low back, and muscle pain.

There are many other systems involved in Chinese medicine as well and which are quickly becoming incredibly popular around the world, particularly in the West where more people are realizing the advantages that more natural methods of treatment have to offer and turning from more conservative, conventional methods to these.

If you are interested in using medicine in China yourself you will first want to make yourself more educated and informed on the matter. You should also speak to your doctor to make sure that you are not putting yourself at any risk. Even better would be if you spoke to an herbalist who will be educated specifically in this area. Although herbs are natural and typically completely safe to use, they are still a form of medicine and so you still need to exercise caution when using them.

history of traditional Chinese medicine

2008-08-01T12:21:00.001-07:00

The Long History Of Traditional Chinese Medicine

Although it might seem new to Westerners, there is a long and respected history of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Westerners tend to look for the newest and most high-tech forms of medicine and ignore anything considered “old-fashioned” (i.e. – useless). But ask yourself – just why is TCM still around if it has had such a long history? It is still being used today because, for many people, TCM works.

Truth In Legend

We are beginning to see that each myth, superstition or legend was founded on truth. There was a city of Troy, for example. “An apple a day keeps the doctor away” is true (as long as it’s a fresh apple and not candied or made into pie filling.) There is more legend than facts that can be proved in the history of Traditional Chinese Medicine, but that doesn’t make the medical system any less effective.

Legends about the origins of the history of Traditional Chinese Medicine state it began over 5,000 years ago. The first written records we have only go back so far as 2,000 years ago, which is still a long time. It is called the Hung-De Nie-Jing (The Yellow Emperor’s Canon of Internal Medicine). This written record refers to much older records about the origins of medical treatments, but those older works have yet to be found.

Some TCM Firsts

The history of Traditional Chinese Medicine is loaded with medical firsts. It is the first to recommend reading the pulse as a key diagnostic tool. It is the first to map acupressure and acupuncture points in order to keep the body working harmoniously. It is one of the first medical systems to emphasize exercise. It provided one of the first detailed looks at human anatomy and the first recorded use of narcotic drugs for medicinal purposes.

The Cultural Revolution

The long, meticulously detailed history of Traditional Chinese Medicine reached a crucial point during China’s Cultural Revolution in 1966 – 1976. In that time, the government wanted China to forge a new identity and obliterate any “old-fashioned” ways – including TCM. Many TCM practitioners were jailed or killed outright.

Fortunately, many TCM practitioners fled China and were given sanctuary in other countries. They have kept the great history of Traditional Chinese Medicine from a needless end. China has since regretted the Cultural Revolution and now welcomes TCM. The World Health Organization (WHO) endorsed TCM as a valid healing system in 1980.

history of Chinese medicine

2008-08-01T12:20:00.004-07:00

Great Doctors In The History Of Chinese Medicine

Although the earliest history of Chinese medicine is indistinguishable from fact, there is a good possibility that the legendary doctors existed in one form or another. Many ancient mythologies like Celtic and Egyptian seemed to base many of their deities on actual people. So legendary doctors described in the history of Chinese medicine are probably based on people who actually lived.

The Founding Trio

The history of Chinese medicine credits three founding fathers, which may or may not have actually lived. They are described as clan leaders, although they seemed to possess incredible medical skills as well. They are named Fu Xi (the legendary author of the I Ching, or Book of Changes), Shen Nong and Huang Di. Fu Xi, a great Chinese folk hero, is credited with the creation of the first acupuncture needles along with his creation of the I Ching hexagrams.

Shen Nong was an emperor thought to have lived over 5,000 years ago. He helped give great gifts to his people through the promotion of farming and agriculture. In legend, he is often called “the Divine Farmer”. But Shen Nung also had a love and insatiable curiosity about plants and what they or couldn’t do. He is credited in the history of Traditional Chinese Medicine as the discoverer of the first herbal medicines. Until writing was developed, Shen Nong’s knowledge was memorized and taught to others to memorize.

Huang Di is another name for the Yellow Emperor, thought to have lived about 2698 to 2596 BCE, is credited with writing the oldest known text in the history of Chinese medicine called Huang-Di Nei-Jing (The Yellow Emperor’s Canon of Internal Medicine) which refers to older texts and older oral teachings. This talked about such (then) mind-boggling things as acupuncture meridians, diagnosis of a sick person and disease prevention.

Bian Que

One of the most interesting legends in the history of Chinese medicine is that of the doctor Bian Que. When the crown prince of the Kingdom of Guo lay dying, Bian Que was summoned. When Bian Que arrived, the funeral preerations for the prince was already under way. Bian Que insisted on seeing the corpse. He claimed the prince was not dead, but in a deep coma. And it was so. The Prince eventually recovered. Whenever Bian Que was hailed to be able to raise the dead, he is reported to have always reminded everyone that the Prince was not dead.

herbal migraine medicines

2008-08-01T12:20:00.003-07:00

The Best Herbal Migraine Medicines

Herbal medicine has been used for ages and no matter what your illness, there is an herb available that will be able to help. Herbal migraine medicines for one are very popular, as the majority of the population suffers from migraines and the option of herbal medicine comes greatly respected.

More and more people are realizing the benefits that herbal medicine has to offer and are turning to it from the more conservative, conventional medicines, namely prescription medication.

Herbal Migraine Medicines

There are a few herbal migraine medicines that you can choose from. Feverfew is one of the most commonly used herbs for migraines, and use of this herb has shown to lead to a reduction in the frequency of migraines, as well as in their intensity.

Feverfew is a member of the sunflower family and has actually been used for centuries to treat migraines as well as an array of other health conditions. As with all types of medicine however there are certain side effects that you may experience as a result of taking feverfew and so it is important that you are aware of these possible side effects before starting yourself on the medicine.

Ginger has shown to be one of the most effective herbal migraine medicines, but know that it is best to use fresh ginger as this has the highest amount of the pungent essential oils that have these active and beneficial properties. Ginger is not only good for migraines but nausea and vomiting as well and if eaten regularly will not only reduce the severity and intensity of present migraines but prevent them from reoccurring in the future.

Another of the most popular herbal migraine medicines is ginkgo biloba, which is effective for mingraines because it helps to promote proper cerebral circulation. Butterbur is also a very popular preventative herbal remedy for migraine and research shows that it may reduce the number of migraine attacks that you experience as well as prevent future attacks.

Herbal medicine is typically very effective but know that if your migraine problem is especially problematic you may have to use herbal medicine in conjunction with other methods of treatment, such as prescription medication, at least until you have your migraines under control a bit more.

Working with an herbalist is going to be very beneficial to you here and you should also do as much research on your own time as you can in order to make yourself more educated and informed on the subject of herbal medicine in general.

herbal medicines and lupus

2008-08-01T12:20:00.001-07:00

The Connection Between Herbal Medicines and Lupus

There are many different herbal medicines that are available and used today, and one of the strongest connections here is between herbal medicines and lupus.

What is Lupus?

Lupus is a chronic inflammatory disease, one that occurs when the body’s immune system begins attacking its own tissues and organs. Lupus can develop in both men and women but occurs much more frequently in women, although no one is quite sure why.

There are a few common signs and symptoms of lupus, including fatigue, fever, weight loss or gain, joint pain, stiffness, mouth sores, dry eyes, chest pains, easy bruising, anxiety, depression, memory loss, and shortness of breath.

Herbal Medicines and Lupus

There are many options when it comes to treating lupus, and herbal medicines and lupus is one of the most popular of all. There are actually a few different herbal medicines that have proven to be effective at treating lupus, one in particular being Echinacea.

Echinacea is a member of the daisy family and is touted as being a remedy for colds or flu. It contains certain substances which have been shown to be capable of strengthening the immune system to fight infection. It is a natural product that is also used to stop itching and soothe the skin. Perhaps most importantly Echinacea has shown to be effective at relieving the symptoms of lupus, which is a great accomplishment in the world of medicine.

Feverfew is another herb included in the herbal medicines and lupus relationship, and is a member of the sunflower family. It is used mainly for headache prevention but has shown to be effective at relieving the symptoms of lupus as well.

Herbal medicines and lupus are usually always successful and effective, but just remember that even though herbal medicines are natural they are still medicine and so you need to use them with caution and be sensible. Follow the recommended dosage instructions and never assume that the more you use the better off you are going to be because in fact the opposite is true.

If you take more medicine than is recommended you are not going to be benefiting but rather may actually worsen the symptoms and end up in more trouble than you were in to begin with. It is easy to see how effective and advantageous herbal medicine can be, just make sure that you are responsible and that you work together with your doctor.

herbal medicine that is like codeine

2008-08-01T12:19:00.003-07:00

Finding an Herbal Medicine That is Like Codeine

Herbal medicine is a complimentary therapy, one that utilizes plants and plant extracts to treat illness and disease. Although herbal medicine has actually been around since the beginning of time, only recently has it become so popular. More and more people are realizing the benefits that more natural, alternative methods of treatment have to offer and are taking advantage of them.

There are many different herbal medicines available today, and like many other complimentary therapies herbal medicine has a goal which is to be holistic, and treat the whole person rather than just the symptoms that they are experiencing.

Herbal Medicine That is Like Codeine

You can find basically any type of herbal medicine that you want, and you can even find herbal medicine that is like codeine. This herbal medicine that is like codeine can be incredibly effective and useful for a variety of health conditions. Herbal medicine that is like codeine basically offers the effects of codeine but is natural and much safer.

Birch leaf is one herbal medicine that is like codeine, and the genus of birch contains about 60 different species of deciduous trees and shrubs. The leaves and bark of the plant are used and in regards to the properties of birch, it is a very bitter astringent tonic that has both diuretic and laxative properties.

This herbal medicine that is like codeine can be used internally as well as externally. It is used internally for rheumatism, arthritis, gout, and water retention, and for external use is most commonly used for psoriasis and eczema and in hair care products.

As long as taken responsibly birch leaf is completely safe but you will want to make sure that you notify your doctor before you begin taking it and especially if you are already on some sort of medication.

Herbal medicine is truly amazing and its beneficial effects are undeniable. More and more people are learning about herbal medicine and the benefits that it has to offer. If you are interested in using herbal medicine yourself you should first learn a bit more about the history of herbal medicine and about the different herbs that are available to use.

This will not only make you more comfortable with the subject of herbal medicine in general but as well it will help you to make more educated and informed decisions on which particular herbs to use for a specific condition.

herbal medicine schools

2008-08-01T12:19:00.001-07:00

The Best Herbal Medicine Schools

If you are interested in getting involved with herbal medicine and even in teaching it, then you are going to have to learn about herbal medicine schools and decide on one to attend. There are actually quite a few different herbal medicine schools around the world that you can go to and so it is important to be aware of the best options and then decide from here.

Clayton College of Natural Health

By far, one of the best herbal medicine schools is Clayton College of Natural Health. They were founded in the year 1980 and it is recognized as being one of the world’s leading colleges of natural health. You can study at the college when and where it is most convenient for you and you are even able to take your exams online or through the mail.

Their offered natural health programs are based on the principle that healing is able to occur naturally in the human body if it is given what it truly needs. With Western medicine the idea is to basically just relieve the symptoms that are associated with the disease, whereas with herbal medicine the goal is to focus on the patient as a whole and treat their entire self, rather than just focusing on the problem at hand.

The Herbal Bear

This is another of the most popular herbal medicine schools, and the classes here range from short one day workshops to a comprehensive six month program for herbal studies. They offer instruction on a variety of herbal medicine and related topics and this includes classes on herbal medicine making, herbs for colds and flu, medical botany, medicinal mushrooms, herbal energetic, and other health related topics.

You can learn everything from spring herb identification, herbal terms and resources, wild food gathering, herbs for the digestive system, making flower essences, plant meditation, herbal harvesting, herbal vinegars, making herbal tinctures, herbs for the nervous system, making herbal salves, making herbal cosmetics, and developing herbal formations.

There are many other herbal medicine schools that you can choose to attend as well, but it is important that you take the time to learn as much as you can about each school and make the most informed and intelligent decision in regards to which is going to be best suited to you and your particular goals. You will have a lot of fun and enjoyment attending an herbal medicine school and will be able to have a wonderful career helping others.

herbal medicine history

2008-08-01T12:18:00.004-07:00

A Detailed Herbal Medicine History

Herbal medicine is a type of medicine that involves the use of herbs for their therapeutic or medicinal value. Herbalists, who are the professionals in the field of herbal medicine, use the leaves, flowers, stems, berries and roots of plants to help prevent, relieve and treat illness.

Herbal medicine is now one of the most popular types of medicine in the world, and has proven time and time again to be effective at treating a variety of health conditions. Herbal medicine history is very important to be educated on, because if you understand the history of herbal medicine you are going to benefit even more from what it has to offer.

Herbal Medicine History

When it comes to herbal medicine history, one of the first things you should know is that herbal medicine is the oldest form of healthcare known to mankind. The use of plants in healthcare is actually older than recorded history and although there are many differences in herbal medicine today compared to previous times, the basics still remain the same.

Modern herbal medicine takes a more syncretic approach, and most of the traditional herbs used today are aromatics.

One of the earliest forms of herbal medicine in herbal medicine history was marshmallow root. Marshmallow root is a common grass that is chewed for upset stomachs and is now used for an array of other ailments as well.

Remember that even though herbal medicine is natural and safe, you still need to be aware of herbal medicine history and consult with your doctor before going ahead with it. Even better you may want to speak to an herbalist who is someone that is experienced and knowledgeable in this field specifically.

Herbal medicine is still a form of medicine after all and therefore you need to proceed with caution and make sure that you follow the recommended dosage instructions.

Today herbal medicine is considered as being a complimentary type of therapy, and is used to treat a variety of illnesses. Herbal medicine is very much alive in the world today and is now more popular than ever before.

There is great importance behind the history of herbal medicine and in particular by understanding the history of herbal medicine you will be able to make better use of the different herbs that are available at your disposal. By choosing herbal medicine over more conventional methods of treatment you will be benefiting greatly and it can help not only to relieve your present ailments but prevent sickness in the future as well.

herbal medicine for menopause

2008-08-01T12:18:00.003-07:00

Using Herbal Medicine for Menopause

Herbal medicine has been around and been used for ages, and for the treatment of a variety of health conditions. Regardless of the specific illness or disease you are suffering from there is an herbal medicine that can help relieve your pain, and one option in particular is herbal medicine for menopause.

Herbal Medicine for Menopause

When it comes to herbal medicine for menopause there are a few different options that you have to choose from. Dong quai and ginseng have both proven as being incredibly effective for hot flash relief, and practitioners believe that they work by putting mild plant estrogens or plant hormones back into the system, thereby helping to offset menopause’s estrogen deficit.

St. John’s Wort is another commonly used herbal medicine for menopause, and in particular it has been shown to have benefits for the psychological symptoms that are experienced around menopause. Women tend to get rather emotional when they are going through menopause, and St. John’s Wort is one herbal medicine that is able to help relieve this emotion, namely anxiety.

If you are more interested in using a combination of herbs for relief of your menopause, then you may want to consider using an herbal medicine for menopause such as MellowPause, which features black cohosh as one of its main ingredients. Because black cohosh has mild estrogen like effects it is able to bind to estrogen receptors without actually raising estrogen levels in the body. This in turn results in lowering the estrogenic activity of the body in general.

Taking herbal medicines for menopause can be very advantageous, and you can feel safe in knowing that you are not consuming any harsh or unknown ingredients. Rather you are using safe, plant-based medicines that are natural and effective and which are not going to harm you or come with any of the negative, uncomfortable side effects that most prescription medications do.

Even though herbal medicine is natural and safe, you still want to go through your doctor before starting yourself on any herbal medicines in order to ensure that you are choosing the right herbs for your particular condition, menopause or other, and to make sure that you are not putting yourself at any risk.

You have to remember that just because herbal medicine is considered as being much safer than conventional medicine it is still a form of medicine nonetheless and needs to be used with caution and care.

herbal medicine for depression

2008-08-01T12:18:00.001-07:00

Herbal Medicines for Depression - are they Effective?

It is believed that in America approximately twenty million people in any year experience depression. There are currently numerous medications that doctors can prescribe to help reduce and perhaps eliminate depression in patients. Therapy is also used alone or is combined with depression medications which can be an effective combination. Some people choose to take herbal medicine for depression for a variety of reasons.

St. John’s Wort – Herbal Medicine for Depression

This is one of the more common and well known herbal medicines used for depression. St. John’s Wort is a plant and the flowers from the plant are used to produce the herbal medicine. There is scientific evidence that shows that St. John’s Wort is actually effective in helping patients who have mild or moderate depression. There have been two major studies performed on the effectiveness of St. John’s Wort on people who have to deal with major depression and both studies found that the herb was no more successful in treating the patients’ major depression than a placebo.

St. John’s Wort a somewhat popular herbal medicine used for depression does have unwanted side effects including sensitivity when exposed to sunlight, anxiety, dry mouth can occur, some people feel dizzy, fatigue occurs, headaches are experienced, gastrointestinal problems have been reported and sexual dysfunction. It can have negative effects on the way your body processes some drugs including slowing down or increasing the speed of processing drugs. Some of the drugs that are known to be affected by St. John’s Wort include Irinotecan, Indinavir, Warfin, birth control pills and anitidepressents. Researchers are not quite sure of the possible harmful long term effects from taking the herb. Research shows that you might have to take the herb for about four to six weeks before it will help you with your depression.

Omega -3 Fatty Acids

This is a variety of the good fat that is required for normal brain functions. The human body does not produce this substance. Some studies have shown a connection between having al low level of Omega 3 fatty acids and depression. Some researchers and doctors suggest that the patients’ anti-depression medicines will work more effectively if taken with Omega -3 fatty acids. You can find the substance in fish oil pills. You can choose to eat colds water fish such as sardines, salmon and anchovies in order to increase your level of Omega 3 fatty acids.

Sam –e

Sam-e also known as S-adenosyl-L-methionine is considered a chemical and it is found in our bodies. Researchers believe it can increase the amount of serotonin and dopamine you have in your body and these increases can help reduce your depression. Sam-e is an over the counter product.

Studies have shown that people who are on anti-depressants don’t receive the full effect of the medications if they have a lower than normal level of foliates in their system. Increasing your foliate level with supplements or by eating foods containing foliates such as green leafy vegetables, beans, some fruits and vegetables and fortified grains. Talk to your doctor before you take herbal medicines for depression.

herbal medicine

2008-08-01T12:17:00.004-07:00

Herbal Medicine Takes Healthcare Back To Its Roots

Long before modern medicine began compounding chemicals to take the place of hard to find herbs and other botanicals, herbal medicine was the only available type of medical treatment. Through centuries of trial and error herbs were used to treat a plethora of illnesses and injuries and throughout the period, different plants were found to be better on certain ailments than others. For example, the aloe vera plant was found beneficial for burns and punctures all the while aiding the natural healing process.

Many of today’s medical breakthroughs are the result of the study of herbal medicine and when some of the ingredients were proven to be too hard to come by, scientists began working in the laboratory to develop synthetic versions of the plant’s phytocemicals hoping to duplicate the results. Many of today’s medicines are successful in offering hope to the ill or injured, but many synthetic compounds also have side effects not usually seen in those used in herbal medicine.

Partly due to the presence of side effects and possibly due to a distrust of modern medicine, herbalists continue to practice herbal medicine with the admonishment that by curing illnesses with products made with natural ingredients offers a safer means of taking care of their patients.

Ancient Civilizations Counted On Herbal Medicine

Throughout history, ancient civilizations in Egypt, India and China used herbal medicine for all illnesses as well as for taking care of their injured warriors. Over the years they perfected their practices but unfortunately, most of the botanicals that were compounded were not written down and subsequent generations had to rely on the memories of their elders to carry on the practice of herbal medicine in those cultures.

Some of the more modern methods used in herbal medicine can be traced back to the Chinese who continue to use many of their ancient methods today. By adopting many of their medical practices, herbalists are using only natural ingredients in their medications as well as in many of their practices. Techniques such as acupuncture and massages using the essential oils of plant have their roots in herbal medicine and for many there is no reason to adapt to the newer medical technology.

Most practitioners of today’s modern, or more traditional medical practices shun the use of herbal medicine in favor of those that have been proven in laboratory tests. On the other hand, herbalists remain convinced that the proof that their techniques work is in the number of patients they have been able to help without side effects.

herbal hemorrhoids medicine

2008-08-01T12:17:00.003-07:00

Take These Herbal Hemorrhoids Medicines And Call Me In The Morning

There are worse things in life, but when you have hemorrhoids (piles), it’s hard to think of any. Although some people are perfectly fine treating themselves with over the counter creams, some aren’t. Some people want a more natural solution with less chance of side effects from manufactured creams. They also don’t want the hemorrhoids to ever return. This is why traditional Chinese herbal hemorrhoids medicines are popular.

Causes Of Piles

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has been used as far back as the third century BCE. It is a holistic approach to healing combining a good diet, healthy exercise, acupuncture when necessary and herbal healing. According to TCM, there are five reasons why a person gets hemorrhoids. Herbal hemorrhoids medicines are then given once the cause has been diagnosed. The causes are:

Intestinal wind, which is when there is rectal bleeding, but hardly any pain.
Dry intestine, which is another way of saying chronic constipation.
Too much damp heat, which causes the swelling and pain of hemorrhoids.
Spleen deficiency, which is especially dangerous because the patient might eventually experience a prolapsed hemorrhoid.
Blood stasis, which is another way of saying blood circulation problems, such as a risk of blood clots.

Treatment

It is not recommended to fool around with herbal hemorrhoids medicines on your own. You really need the help of a trained doctor in TCM. Although herbs are from nature, they are still medicines and need to be treated with respect. The herbs used are safe, but occasionally they cause allergic reactions or clash with prescription medicines. When you go to see a TCM practitioner, you need to tell them about all of the medicines, herbs and vitamin supplements you are taking.

The herbal hemorrhoid medicines are usually given as pills, ground powders to mix in water or in topical ointments for you to apply. Be sure to follow the directions carefully. You might need several visits to the TCM practitioner before you are cured. Check with your health insurance to see who gets to foot the bills.

How To Find A TCM Practitioner

You can ask your regular doctor for a referral to a qualified TCM practitioner in your area. You can also check with the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM), through writing or through their website. A licensed practitioner doesn’t have to be of Oriental descent in order to become licensed and distribute herbal hemorrhoids medicine.

herbal and natural medicine

2008-08-01T12:17:00.001-07:00

Herbal and Natural Medicines – Should You Try Them?

Herbal and natural medicines are becoming increasingly popular and they have been used longer than any other variety of healthcare products. Just about all societies throughout history have known about and have successfully used herbs as well as natural substances to cure ailments and reduce unwanted symptoms associates with health problems. The pharmacopeia that was developed in the nineteen hundreds is primarily based on natural and herbal remedies.

Plant substances or synthesized plant compounds are found in approximately twenty-five percent of the total amount of prescription drugs that are used in the United States. Researchers estimate that approximately eighty percent of the people in the world use some form of herbal and natural medicines. Pharmaceutical companies are constantly researching and looking for plants that can be used to create new and better medicines for the public.

Research on Herbal and Natural Medicines

There has not been enough research completed so far on a lot of the herbal and natural medicines, however an increasing amount of research studies are now being conducted and more will be occurring in the future due primarily to the popularity of remedies made from herbs and other natural sources in the United States and all over the world. Some herbal and natural medicines do have unwanted side affects and some can be harmful. If you do use them please follow the directions that come with the products.

Popular Herbal and Natural Medicines

St. John’s Wort is a being used to help people who have minor to moderate depression problems. Some herbal medicines have been used to combat diabetes and high levels of cholesterol. Based on a few studies artichokes may have the ability to reduce cholesterol levels. Some herbalists believe that Echinacea can reduce the amount of time you have a cold and can also reduce the symptoms, however some research suggest that the amount required to fight a cold is higher than the dosage that most manufacturers of the product recommend you take. There has not been research performed to find out the possible side affects of these higher than generally recommnended dosages.

If you like garlic then go ahead and put plenty in your meals because research has shown that it can help to reduce high cholesterol levels. People have been using Nigella Sativa also known as black cumin for all types of problems including pulmonary infections, influenza, a variety of allergies, coughs and dealing with stomach aches. Some herbalists believe that oregano might be useful in battling multi-drug resistant bacteria. Some believe green tea may inhibit growth of breast cancer cells. There are many other herbal and natural medicines that are being used throughout the world but if you decide to try some of these products you should discuss them with your doctor before using them.

herbal alternative medicines

2008-08-01T12:16:00.004-07:00

Treating Your Dog With Chinese Herbal Alternative Medicines

Treating animals with Chinese herbal alternative medicines is nothing new in the Orient. Traditional herbal remedies and acupuncture meridian charts have long been developed for dogs as well as people. Dogs are treated as livestock in China, and only occasionally as members of the family. But livestock have traditionally seen to be incredibly valuable; so many centuries have gone into the making of Chinese herbal alternative medicine for farm animals, including dogs, to protect valuable property.

Finding a TCM Vet

There are some illnesses that will always work better with a traditional vet, such as for healing traumatic injuries, but some maladies seem to recover better under Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). TCM includes acupuncture, acupressure and herbal alternative medicines. Canine arthritis, for example, seems to lessen after TCM treatments when all conventional treatments have failed. Unlike humans, dogs often take a nap during acupuncture treatments.

Modern veterinarians are opening their minds more to cooperating with herbal alternative remedies than doctors are for human patients. But do not seek to replace traditional medicine completely with TCM. For your dog’s best health, you need to seek a balance of both conventional and herbal alternative medicines.

If your vet does not know of any TCM or holistic vets in your area to recommend, you need to get online to do some research. Yes, you can spend hours bent over phone books and animal care magazines, but you want to find herbal alternative medicines for your dog in your dog’s lifetime. The best place to check is the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association website.

Veterinary Tui Na

You might have difficulty finding “TCM vet”, but you may have better luck looking for a “Tui Na vet”. They mean the same thing, but Tui Na is the usual name for this specialized branch of TCM medicine. The Tui Na vet does not have to be Chinese in order to know what they’re doing. “Tui Na” means “push pull lift” (roughly translated) and getting their hands on your dog is part of the treatment.

As well as prescribed herbal alternative medicines, your dog will most likely undergo a lot of therapeutic massage. The massage or manipulation helps with the diagnosis, and also to see if any acupuncture is necessary. A good Tui Na vet will teach you any massage or acupressure points on your dog to administer pain relief at home. Your dog may need periodic treatments, depending on the ailment.

herbal alternative medicine

2008-08-01T12:16:00.003-07:00

The Advantages of Herbal Alternative Medicine

There are the more conventional methods of treatment that you can use and then there is herbal alternative medicine. The idea behind herbal alternative medicine is that you can treat your health condition without having to use prescription medication or other drugs.

The History

For thousands of years now herbal alternative medicine has been around and been used by people around the world. It involves plants, herbs and spices to treat illness and disease and promote well being in general. It is truly the most sensible and natural type of medicine in the world.

Unlike with traditional medicine, where you are typically forced to stay on a strict regimen of pills or other expensive treatment schedules, you are able to implement these alternative medicines which have a variety of disciplines and focus on the whole body and the whole well being of the patient rather than just on the treatment of the symptoms.

Basically Western medicine aims more at just treating the symptoms of whatever illness the patient is suffering from, but with Eastern medicine the focus is on the entirety of the patient and on making them completely healthy rather than just relieving the symptoms of the ailment.

Aromatherapy is one of the most commonly used systems in herbal alternative medicine, and many people worldwide have reported relief for specific illnesses and conditions when using aromatherapy. This therapy involves breathing in or bathing in certain essential oil mixtures and some people even notice results after the first treatment.

Magnet therapy is another of the most popular options in herbal alternative medicine, and involves the use of specially formed magnets to tender muscles and swollen joints.

There are so many different areas to choose from, alternative medicine and contemporary medicine as well, and so a lot of people find it very confusing and even overwhelming just trying to determine which particular method of treatment is going to be best for them. It is important that you work together with your doctor so that they can properly assess and diagnose your condition and help you determine which particular method of treatment is going to be best suited to you and most apt to help heal you.

Herbal alternative medicine has proven time and time again to be incredibly effective, and the most favorable thing about it is that it is so natural and you do not have to worry about filling your body with harsh chemicals and byproducts.

guava herbal medicine

2008-08-01T12:16:00.001-07:00

The Importance of Guava Herbal Medicine

Guava herbal medicine has been around and been used for ages, and although it has proven time and time again to be incredibly effective and successful at treating sickness and disease, it is important that you take the time to learn about guava and understand what it has to offer before using it yourself.

Guava is known for being one of the most popular therapeutic plants in the Philippines. It is used as an antiseptic, astringent and anthelminthic, and kills bacteria, fungi, and ameba. The fresh leaves of the plant are used to facilitate the healing of wounds and cuts and are also very effective for toothaches.

Health Benefits

The health benefits of guava herbal medicine are truly incredible, and in particular it contains quercetin which is an antioxidant that blocks enzymes that are responsible for building sorbitol, the sugar that forms the cloudy white clusters that cause cataracts. Guava is also rich in folate which helps to fight bad breath that causes gum disease gingivitis.

Guava herbal medicine is only one aspect to Chinese medicine however, and there are many other options as well when it comes to herbal medicine. Besides guava herbal medicine one of the most popular herbal medicines is green tea. Green tea has been around and been used for ages but only recently has it really come into serious popularity.

Green tea medicine has shown to have even more health benefits than guava herbal medicine, and this is largely due to the catechins that are found in green tea. These catechins, otherwise known as polyphenols, have been shown in recent studies to fight viruses, slow aging, and have a beneficial effect on health in general. Green tea helps to reduce high blood pressure, lower blood sugar, and even fight cancer.

There are also many powerful antioxidants found in green tea, one in particular being epigallocatechin gallate which is at least 100 more times effective than vitamin C and 25 more effective than vitamin E when it comes to protecting cells and DNA from damage linked to illness and disease.

Herbal medicines are extracts from plants and flowers that are used to treat and prevent illness, and they have been used for a wide range of different conditions, including headaches, depression, PMS, and insomnia. Just make sure to remember that herbal medicine, although natural and basically completely safe, is still a form of medicine and so you have to use it with caution and follow recommended dosage instructions.

diet herbal medicine

2008-08-01T12:15:00.004-07:00

A Guide to Diet Herbal Medicine

There are a few different types of herbal medicine that you can use, diet herbal medicine being one of the most popular options. Diet herbal medicine basically involves the different herbs that are helpful for weight loss, and so if you are struggling with your weight and trying to find an effective and successful way to shed those extra pounds, diet herbal medicine is definitely something you should consider.

Diet Herbal Medicine

When it comes to diet herbal medicine, there are a few herbs in particular that have shown as being effective for weight loss. Green tea is one herb that is used for weight loss and green tea is finding its way into more and more weight loss supplements these days, for good reason.

Green tea can be an incredibly valuable asset in the quest to lose weight and is definitely not just another fad. Green tea has been enjoyed by people around the world for centuries now and besides weight loss it has also proven to help with a variety of other health ailments as well. It helps by increasing your energy and metabolism, controlling your appetite, burning fat safely and effectively, lowering cholesterol, increasing thermogenesis and more.

St. John’s Wort is another of the most commonly used herbs in weight management and it is also a tonic that helps to strengthen the nervous system. This herb works by ensuring a steady supply of the neurotransmitters that are necessary for proper function of the human body. Oat straw is another herb that will be useful to you here, and when taken regularly it can not only help you to shed body fat but also to feel healthier and happier in general.

Although there are a lot of mixed messages surrounding the use of diet herbal medicine, they can really be incredible allies in your fight against fat. Especially when used in conjunction with other weight loss techniques, namely eating a healthy, well-balanced diet and getting regular exercise, you will not only be able to lose those unwanted pounds but just as importantly keep it off in the future.

Herbs can be incredibly useful in your fight against fat but remember that you should work together with a doctor or even better an herbalist in this situation so that you can get the best possible results and make sure that you are not putting yourself at any risk. Even though herbs are natural they are still a form of medicine and so you need to be cautious and take the proper dosage amounts.

concepts of herbal medicine

2008-08-01T12:15:00.003-07:00

Concepts of Herbal Medicine and History

The concept of herbal medicine that evolved in China over the years has some striking differences when compared to herbal medicine principles that were developed throughout the years in Europe. The most notable difference is that in the European and Western tradition they use single herbs as medicines while in China they combine herbs when preparing herbal medicines. In the Western concept of herbal medicine the focus is placed on specific diseases and health problems and an herbal medicine is prepared to fight the disease and reduce unwanted symptoms. The Chinese concept requires the herbal practitioner to create a healing process for the specific individual rather than a specific disease.

Chinese Herbal Medicine – History

Going back to ancient times, Chinese herbalists prepared remedies which included herbal medicines and magic. It is believed that during the twelfth century that the principles of Chinese medicine began to be utilized in the practice of herbal medicine. This application was developing and the theoretical base was being discussed and evaluated during the fourteenth century and through the nineteenth century. During the twentieth century the theories of diseases from the Western World were studied and applied by the Chinese to the concepts of Chinese herbal medicines in various ways. Currently in China the ideas of traditional herbal medicine are typically combined with modern drug treatments.

Concepts of Chinese Herbal Medicine

When you study the principles of traditional Chinese medicine you discover the notion that a person will live in good health when the body is in balance and the energy in the body is not obstructed and is freely flowing throughout the body. Chinese use the term “Qi” which is considered to be the life energy that stimulates the human body. When the Chinese mention balance and the body they are referring to the “yin” and “yang” which are thought of as the forces of opposition found in the vast universe. Yin and yang can be seen in simplistic examples such as damp versus dry or cold versus hot.

If outside influences or internal problems cause the yin and the yang in the body to get out of balance disease and illness can occur. Chinese herbalists attempt to discover the factors that have lead to this out of balance situation and try to bring the body back into balance. Chinese traditionalists pay close attention to the pulse and use palpating techniques on parts of the body and ask their patients numerous questions.

In the Chinese concepts of herbal medicine herbs are used to treat just about all diseases that Chinese herbalists encounter. They may also suggest what to eat for meals, suggest changes in life style including having your bed facing the south and not to the north and they will probably promote exercise. The concepts of herbal medicine are still used today although in many cases they are combined with modern medicines and treatments.

Chinese medicine sinus infection

2008-08-01T12:15:00.001-07:00

Repulse The Invaders With Chinese Medicine For Sinus Infections

Sometimes modern medicine scoffs at alternative medical systems that have been in use for thousands of years, like Chinese Traditional Medicine. For example, in Chinese medicine, sinus infections are caused by “invasion of negative influences” (rough translation). With Chinese medicines fighting sinus infections are similar to repelling an invading army from the land. But, if you think about it, an invasion of your body is exactly what has happened.

Identify The Invaders

You usually don’t have to be a doctor to know what invading army is marching around your body. This is usually a bacterial infection, or even irritants like cigarette smoke. Your body’s natural defenses are to make incredible amounts of mucus so the infection is pushed out. With Chinese medicine, sinus infections are given an additional boost out of the body.

With Chinese medicine, your sinus infection is placed into a category and that category is treated. You are also expected to actively participate in your wellness. You will advised to use steam healing, such as hot showers or sticking your nose over a steaming hot cup of tea, to fight the invasion. Once your sinus infection’s pattern is identified, then specific herbal treatments, acupressure and even acupuncture are administered.

In Chinese medicine, sinus infections fall into one of these patterns:

“Wind-Heat of Lung”, caused by weather changes
“Stagnated Heat of Gallbladder” because of emotional upset
“Damp Heat of Spleen/Stomach” which can be cured by eating a healthy diet and cutting out greasy and spicy foods
“Deficiency Cold of Lung Qui”, which means a chronic lung condition
“Deficiency of Spleen”, which means the patient has emotional and personal issues and probably a poor diet

Acupressure Points

Acupressure will often be administered to help give you relief. A good traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner will teach you how to do the acupressure yourself. You start massaging these points very slowly in a clockwise direction. Gradually add pressure. The relief won’t kick in until about a quarter of an hour after the massage.

These points are at the groove beside the widest point of your nostrils; the bottom edge of your nasal bones on each side of the nose; and a reflexology point on your hand traditionally called “Hegu”. To find Hegu, turn your palm down and close the thumb to the index finger. This causes a mound of muscle. The highest point is Hegu. You can also look this up online for a quick refresher.

chinese medicine for weight loss

2008-08-01T12:14:00.004-07:00

The Effectiveness of Chinese Medicines for Weight Loss

Some Chinese medicines are promoted as having the ability to help people loose weight by primarily causing peoples’ metabolisms to act more efficiently. Other types of Chinese medicines for weight loss are thought to assist the human body in processing fat substances in a more effective manner as well as stopping the accumulation in the body of unhealthy fats. Another variety of Chinese medicines for weight loss act to provide a boost to the metabolism.

Herbs that can help the body from developing fatty deposits are immature citrus peel, magnolia bark and citrus aurantium. Herbs that are thought to have the ability to improve the functioning of your metabolism and increase your energy are astragalus, atractylodes and ginseng. Some herbalists also recommend cinnamon, ginger, eucommia bark and epimedium. With the increase in your level of energy it will be easier to partake in workouts and this will assist you in losing undesirable weight. These herbs can be helpful for people who seem to gather unwanted weight in the stomach area.

Chinese Medicines for Your Emotions

Some Chinese medicines for weight loss are affective by supposedly reducing stress, depression, anxiety and other types of emotional conditions that can cause people to over eat. This category of herbs includes mint, magnolia bark and biota seeds. Some herbalists recommend bitter herbs such as coptis and Chinese rhubarb that are considered useful in detoxification and they supposedly lower inflammatory and acidic situations in your body which seem to cause people to desire large amounts of food. These herbs might not be found in your basic grocery store so you will probably have to do some research in order to find out where you can purchase them in your area or perhaps you would prefer the convenience of buying them on the internet.

Bao He Wan for Weight Loss

Bao He Wan is a Chinese medicine for weight loss which some people suggest might help you loose weight by reportedly improving your digestion system. It is sold as a wafer. It includes Shan Zha which helps the body digest meats and fatty substances, Shen Ou to increase you digestive systems’ ability to digest alcohol and rice, it also contains an herb named Lai Fu Zi which improves the digestion of starchy items and a couple other helpful herbs. This product does have some unwanted side affects.

A lot of the Chinese medicines for weight loss have not been scientifically proven in independent laboratories to be effective in helping people loose weight so use your judgment before you try these products and consult with your doctor. Chinese medicines taken for weight loss will not solve your weight problem unless you stick to a healthy diet and exercise because they are not going to perform miracles for you.

chinese medicine for migraine

2008-08-01T12:14:00.003-07:00

Using Chinese Medicine for a Migraine

Chinese medicine has proven time and time again to be incredibly valuable and effective and is able to treat a variety of health conditions. Chinese medicine for a migraine has proven to be very successful, and so if you suffer from migraines and have tried other methods of treatment before with no success then you may want to make Chinese medicine the next step.

Chinese Medicine for a Migraine

Chinese medicine for a migraine has been used for centuries now, and there are a few products in particular that you will want to check out if you are interested in trying Chinese medicine for a migraine for yourself.

Head Q

This is one Chinese herbal product that you can use to relieve the pain caused by your migraines. Specifically, it is used to improve blood circulation and relieve inflammation. The ingredients include magnolia bark, angelica root, siler root, curcuma tuber, and feverfew herb.

Head Clear

Another great product is Head Clear, which is great not just for migraines but for all types of congestion in the head. It is used for pain, swelling and inflammation of the head, neck, eyes, and throat, and can be used for migraines as well as for hay fever, toothache, facial neuralgia and influenza.

A few of the ingredients in this product are Bai Zhi, Bo He, Chai Hu, Gan Cao, Gao Ben, Ge Gen, Ge Hua, Huang Ju Hua, Zi Su Ye, Qiang Huo, Lian Qiao, Sang Ye, and Zi Su Ye.

Head Relief

Another Chinese medicine for a migraine that you can use is Head Relief. It is a Chinese herbal formula that has been tried and tested for years now and was created as an herbal alternative to the more commonly used over the counter analgesics such as acetaminophen and aspirin.

Chinese medicine has been around and used for centuries now and has proven to be incredibly effective in treating sickness and disease. Even for people who have tried various treatment methods to no avail, Chinese medicine can be successful and not only treat present health conditions but prevent reoccurrences as well.

Before you start taking any Chinese medicine you should do some research and make sure that you are as educated and informed on the matter as possible. Chinese medicine is natural and safe but is still a form of medicine and you need to be cautious and responsible. Make sure that you still work together with your doctor so that they can keep an eye on your progress.

chinese medicine for anxiety

2008-08-01T12:14:00.001-07:00

Using Chinese Medicine for Anxiety

Chinese medicine has been around almost since the beginning of time, and is still widely practiced by many people, not only in China but around the world. Chinese medicine is very effective for almost all ailments and disease, one in particular being anxiety. One of the most favorable things about Chinese medicine is that it uses more natural, alternative methods of treatment rather than the more conventional options such as prescription medication.

Chinese Medicine for Anxiety

When it comes to Chinese medicine for anxiety, you first need to understand how the state of anxiety is considered in the East. Anxiety in Chinese medicine is described as being a state in which the spirit is not firmly housed because the heart energy is disturbed. Medication and breathing exercises are considered as being two of the best options for treatment in Chinese medicine for anxiety.

With Western medicine the more commonly used methods of treatment would involve such things as meditation, hypnosis, and prescription medication. With Chinese medicine the idea is that rather than looking at the disease itself and focusing on that, you look at the patient and consider them as a being as a whole.

The basis with Chinese medicine for anxiety and other health ailments and conditions, is that the best idea is to go with natural methods of treatment rather than more conservative ones. This way you are not putting harsh chemicals and byproducts into your body and the premise is that you can use natural methods of treatment but still get better.

Acupuncture is one of the most popular options when it comes to Chinese medicine for anxiety, and acupuncture is a treatment which actually dates back thousands of years, and which has become especially popular in recent years. It involves the use of fine needles which are inserted into the surface of the body with the intention of alleviating the patient’s pain and healing their illness.

It is important to know that if you are interested in Chinese medicine but your condition is especially bad or perhaps you just do not want to rely on Chinese medicine alone, then you do always have the option of using Chinese medicine in conjunction with other treatments.

It is important to work together with your doctor and this way they will not only be able to properly assess and diagnose your condition but as well keep an eye on you and your progress to make sure that you are making improvement.

chinese medicine balls

2008-08-01T12:13:00.003-07:00

Shopping for Chinese Medicine Balls

Chinese medicine is one of the most widely practiced herbal systems of the world and in Chinese medicine the body is viewed as a microcosmic universe and the inner organs and their functions are classified according to their yin and yang properties.

In Chinese medicine health is more than just the absence of disease and is an ancient system of health care that has truly undergone continual development over time. It is a complete medical system that is capable of treating disease in all its forms, and is more popular and commonly practiced now than ever before.

There are several concepts in particular that are included and considered as being a major part of Chinese medicine, including herbal therapy, acupuncture, dietary therapy, exercise, and lifestyle management.

There are many different pieces of equipment that are implemented in Chinese medicine, and Chinese medicine balls in particular are commonly used in the treatment of sickness and disease. There are many varieties of these Chinese medicine balls, but all are beneficial to health and general well being.

Where to Shop

If you are interested in purchasing some of these Chinese medicine balls, then there are many fabulous options available to you here. For one you should know that the Internet is going to be one of the best resources to you bar none. With the Internet you are able to browse through literally hundreds of different companies in a matter of minutes, something that you would not be able to do otherwise.

One company in particular that offers Chinese medicine balls is the Wenzhou Chinese Medicine Mechanical Equipment Factory, which was established in 1983 and which offers all types of Chinese medicine equipment, including Chinese medicine balls.

The Wellness Shop is another great option available to you here and they offer a variety of products for you to choose from, all at very competitive prices. Chinese medicine can be incredibly valuable and effective at treating all sorts of health conditions.

Although Chinese medicine is natural and safe, it is still a form of medicine nonetheless and so you need to make sure that you exercise caution and take care when using Chinese medicine. It is necessary to follow proper dosage instructions and work together with your doctor in order to ensure that you are making progress and that your condition is improving. The goal of Chinese medicine is to improve your well being overall rather than just treat the disease at hand, and so it is much more practical than other methods of treatment.

chinese medicine

2008-08-01T12:13:00.001-07:00

Chinese Medicine Focuses On Treating Environmental Balance

The theories behind medical care in China are based on three distinct types of Chinese medicine, ancient Chinese, classic Chinese and Traditional Chinese medicine. Although during the nationalist government in China banned the use of classic medicine for about 30 years until Mao Zedong figured out the continued ban on this practice was not serving the people of China and in 1960 10 medical doctors were assigned the task of reviewing and standardizing the practices.

For the most part Chinese medicine consists of the theories behind the cause, the diagnosis and treatment of any ailment, which can include herbal medicine, acupuncture and massages. The belief is that all of the different bodily functions are interrelated and they all work in harmony with the environment. It is through the interaction with the environment that causes one of more of the systems to malfunction.

The approach of Chinese medicine could be confused with many holistic practices that believe that treating the whole body is the only way to heal what may be wrong with an individual. There is more that goes into diagnosing an illness in Chinese medicine than traditional western medical tests. Although some of the practitioners of traditional medicine in China are beginning to see the advantages of using some of the western technology.

Chinese Practices Believed Better Than Some Western Treatments

While modern western medical care is slowly making inroads into Chinese medicine, many believe that many of the traditional methods offer more relief and better treatment than the practices used in the west. This is especially true of most of the typical, short-lived illnesses such as a clod or the flu. Herbal medications used to supplement other Chinese treatment methods have shown to be superior to the western medications.

The spread of Chinese medicine throughout its population is thought to have been done to take medical care to the poorer members of its society who could not afford nor visit practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine. Additionally, traditional practices were embraced by many people who did not fully believe that illnesses were caused by evil or by other spirits. Possibly due to interpretational errors, some of the writings made other countries suspicious of the practice of medicine in China, thereby preventing its spread to other lands.

Despite the fact that during the 1700’s acupuncture was widely accepted and used in England, the misunderstanding of the holistic approach of Chinese medicine and the beliefs that it focused on ridding the body of evil to effect a cure, made acceptance more difficult in western cultures.

Chinese herbal medicines for your children

2008-08-01T12:12:00.004-07:00

Don’t Be Scared Of Chinese Herbal Medicines For Your Children

One of the shortcomings of conventional medicines is that they often have harsh side effects. For example, the overuse of antibiotics can make a child more susceptible to illnesses like ear infections. Another is that they treat your child (and you) like a machine and not like people. Although you should not seek to replace your conventional pediatrician, you can certainly look into synthesizing Chinese herbal medicines for your children for their care.

What Aliments Respond To TCM

There are some aliments and long-term conditions that seem to respond very well to Chinese herbal medicines for your children. These include asthma, diabetes and juvenile arthritis. Chinese Traditional Medicine (TCM) has realized that children have different health needs than adults for thousands of years. Chinese herbal medicines for your children seek to have the child’s body go back to a normal balance.

TCM Powders

Chinese herbal medicines for your children are often given to you in powdered form. This powder is then mixed in applesauce or a drink and administered twice a day, or whatever the TCM practitioner recommends. The powders themselves are usually odorless, have very little taste and can be stored over very long periods of time. They are also tailored to meet the individual health needs of your child.

Chinese herbal medicine powders for your children are made from dried extractions of natural botanical material (roots, stems, leaves and the like). They are now often made in modern, sterile laboratories. The plant material is boiled until a sap like substance is made. This substance is then dried and ground up to make the powders. They are far more potent than the original material it came from.

You Take An Active Role

Unlike conventional medicine, where you depend entirely on their wizardry, you are part of your health solution in TCM. Pediatrics in TCM looks at treating children in four ways – through proper diet, herbal medicines, Chinese massage (Tui Na) and acupuncture. Your child will also be expected to learn how to handle stress and to regularly exercise.

Most children like the TCM sessions like Tui Na massage or acupuncture. The needles are incredibly thin now and insertion can barely be felt. Sometimes Chinese Herbal medicines for your children are burnt near the child during these sessions. Don’t be alarmed. These burning herbs will not be put on the child. They seem to activate the emotions and self-esteem of the child to help give their natural immune system a boost.

chinese herbal medicines

2008-08-01T12:12:00.003-07:00

Even Coca-Cola Is Looking Into Chinese Herbal Medicines

Even though Coca-Cola’s “secret formula” is about 120 years old, they still are looking to push the boundaries of food and beverages can do for you. And if they can make a few bucks helping you get healthy, why not? Coca-Cola can be found in almost every country on the planet and is especially thirsty for the lucrative Chinese market. In order to be more Chinese, they are looking into the ancient system of Chinese herbal medicines.

Beijing Base

In mid October of 2007, Coca-Cola announced grand plans for its Beijing base, incorporating the modern taste and convenience of Coca-Cola with traditional Chinese herbal medicines. The plan is to have many combinations of these herb powders in the Coca-Cola, giving, what Coke’s vice president and chief scientific officer says, “the insights and benefits of [traditional Chinese herbal medicines to consumers all over the world.”

The Beijing base was opened in 2004 in order to start research on how to make healthier Coke. Chinese herbal medicines contained the knowledge while Coke contained the marketing power and the money. In this way, Coca-Cola hopes to not only promote holistic health, but corner the market in it.

Is This A Good Idea?

Combining Chinese herbal medicines into Coca-Cola is theoretically possible. And it would make taking the Chinese herbal medicines a bit more palatable. It is hoped that the cost of the Chinese herbal medicine-formulated Coca-Cola can be much less than the small batches of pricey medicines currently available.

Most Chinese herbal medicines are distributed not as raw botanicals, but as a concentrated powder form made from extractions of the raw material. This not only makes the medicine last longer, but makes it easy to mix in water, applesauce or tea. Since the powders are already used in liquids to administer, why not stick it into Coca-Cola?

The question is whether the Chinese herbal medicines powders will still be as effective in the planned line up of Coke drinks than taken as it is now. Coke plans to do a lot more research before putting any drinks on the market. Unlike most governments, Coca-Cola has the money for intensive research.

Coca-Cola isn’t just limiting production ideas of a new Chinese herbal medicine drink line to just fizzy soft drinks. They are also looking at the possibility of marketing ready made teas, bottled water, juices and energy drinks. Coca-Cola knows that people are being more health conscious and might turn from carbonated soft drinks altogether in the near future. Perhaps Coke needs to survive with the help of Chinese herbal medicine.

chinese herbal medicine

2008-08-01T12:12:00.001-07:00

Chinese Herbal Medicine Supplements Many Western Treatments

The use of herbs for medicinal purposes have been around since people began keeping track of illnesses and the effective healing capabilities of several botanicals. Even today Chinese herbal medicine remains as a supplement too many conventional treatments used on Chinese patients. For those without the resources to make western medicines available, Chinese herbal medicine may be the only treatment they receive.

In recent years many studies in various countries around the globe have tested Chinese herbal medicine for it healing affects for a variety of illness. While many of the patients in study groups have experienced improvement over prolonged and controlled test periods, there were often complications with patients taking conventional medicine at the same time. Ironically, the use of Chinese herbal medicine was recommended to be discontinued while the patient was treated with synthetic drugs, even though research showed that the herbal medication alone would not cause the same response.

A study from the University of Texas confirmed that Chinese herbal medicine was successful in offering relief for rheumatoid arthritis in its study patients, with the herb performing as an anti-inflammatory. It has been credited with offering the same relief realized by patients taking steroidal drugs, without the side effects.

Herbal Interaction With Drugs Is Questioned

While debate continues on the safety of many products used in Chinese herbal medicine, there have been cases in which people have suffered serious complications when mixing herbs with conventional medicine. The use of herbal medications is not controlled by the United States government and few cases of the natural products causing problems have been reported.

However, studies have shown that Echinacea when used for more than eight weeks could cause toxins in the liver and should not be taken with anabolic steroids. Feverfew is another botanical used in Chinese herbal medicine for migraine headaches but studies indicate a reaction with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs could cause a negative interaction.

St. John’s Wort, often used for anxiety and stress should not be taken with medicines such as Prozac and Paxil, patients taking prescription warfarin should not combine it with herbs that affect bleeding such as feverfew, garlic, and ginseng as unexpected, uncontrolled bleeding could result. These tests and histories show that herbs used in Chinese herbal medicine may have side effects if used with conventional synthetic drugs, but do not indicate their use by themselves pose any danger to the patients. Continuing studies are being conducted to prove their effectiveness as well as their safety.

books on herbal medicine

2008-08-01T12:11:00.002-07:00

Books on Herbal Medicine: Suggestions for your Reading
Herbal medicine is one of the hot topics of the past 20 years. As consumers, you might be wondering where to go next for information. A brief list of books on herbal medicine with short descriptions is presented below. Some of the most thorough guides are rather expensive, but should be available at local public and university libraries. Several low-cost, but well-researched and thorough books on herbal medicine are also include on the list.
General reference books on herbal medicine
The People's Pharmacy Guide to Home and Herbal Remedies by Joe and Terry Graedon. Published in 1999 by Graedon Enterprises, New York. This book is a reference guide to the home and herbal remedies used in the United States, Europe and Australia. It includes descriptions of each herb’s active ingredients, common uses and proper dosage, potential side effects, and interactions with other drugs. Price: $7.99 USD
PDR for Herbal Medicines (4th Ed.) by Thompson Healthcare. Published in 2007 by Thompson, Montvale, NJ. This book describes over 700 herbal remedies and their therapeutic uses in terms of both Western and Chinese medicine. Entries include information about chemical composition and clinical mechanisms, dosage, side effects, potential interactions with other drugs as well as scientific research on safety and efficacy. Also includes color photographs of some herbs. Price: $59.95 USD.
Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database (9th Ed). Published in 2006 by Therapeutic Research Faculty, Stockton, CA. This item definitely appears to be the top-of-the-line in books on herbal medicine. Over 2000 pages of entries include information on pharmacological mechanisms, clinical uses, scientific and alternate names. Additionally, the authors create a research-based safety and efficacy rating for each herbal medicine and each associated clinical use. Extensive citations to scientific research literature are provided. Price: $92.00 USD. The database is continually updated and web and PDA access can also be purchased.
Special topic books on herbal medicine
Pocket Handbook of Chinese Herbal Medicine by Zong Lan Xu. Published in 2000 by Wacloin International, Inc. Commonly used Chinese herbal medicine remedies are indexed by their Chinese names, English names, and their mechanism of action in the traditional Chinese Medicine. Price: $24.95 USD.
Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica (3d Ed) by Dan Bensky. Published in 2004 by Eastland Press. This reference guide describes the proper therapeutic use of herbs commonly used in Chinese traditional medicine. Entries include information about the theory underlying the mechanisms of action of the herb in the theory of Chinese traditional medicine. Price: $125.00 USD.
Herbal Medicines in Pregnancy and Lactation: An Evidence-Based Approach by Edward Mills, Jean-Jacques Doquoa and Dan Perri. Published in 2006 by Informa Healthcare. USD. This guide includes detailed research-based information about safety and risk issues regarding the use of herbal medicines by pregnant or nursing women. Price: $129.00

The Expectant Mother's Guide : To Prescription and Nonprescription Drugs, Vitamins, Home Remedies, and Herbal Products by Donald L. Sullivan. Published in 2001 by St. Martins. This guide includes information about safety and dosage of herbal supplements during pregnancy and breast feeding. Price: $14.95 USD.

arthritis and chinese herbal medicine

2008-08-01T12:11:00.001-07:00

Arthritis and Chinese Herbal Medicine: Relief from the Gardens of Asia
Millions of Americans suffer daily pain and stiffness in their joints from arthritis. Over-the-counter remedies abound, but few Americans may know about the many herbal remedies the Chinese have used to centuries to relieve the pain of arthritis.
The Philosophy of Arthritis and Chinese Herbal Medicine
Chinese herbal medicine views disease as an imbalance between major forces in our body—organ systems, heat versus cold, and the blockage of the flow of blood, and Qi (pronounced “chee”), the life force. Chinese herbal medicine views arthritis as restriction of the flow of blood and Qi due to an over-abundance of cold.
Arthritis and Chinese Herbal Medicine—Common remedies and how to find them
Arthritis and Chinese herbal medicine remedies are available in extremely complex formulations. The most common formulations are Si Miao Wan, Guan Jie Yan Win, and Du Huo Ji Sheng Wan. Most of these formulations are available as teas, extracts or tablets, which you can purchase online, from supply stores for traditional Chinese medicine, or from Asian grocery stores. Arthritis and Chinese herbal medicine formulations usually include some or all of the following herbs: Yi yi ren (Coix lachrymal jobi/Seeds of Jobs Ears seed), Fang ji (Stephania tetrandra root) , Cang zhu (Atractylodes lancea rhizome),Hai tong pi (Erythrina variegata/coral bean bark),Gui zhi (Cinnamomum cassia/cinnamon twig), Xiang jia pi (Periploca sepium root-bark), Huai niu xi (Achyranthes bidentata root),Qin jiao (Gentiana macrophylla/bitter root) ,Wu zhu yu (Evodia rutaecarpa fruit) ,Huang qin (Scutellaria baicalensis/skullcap root) , Du huo (Angelica pubescens root) , Sheng jiang (Zingiber officinale rhizome/ginger root) , Sang ji sheng (Taxillus chinensis twig/Mulberry twig, Shu di huang (Rehmannia glutinosa roo)t, Dang shen Codonopsis pilosula root), Fu ling (Poria cocos fungus), Du zhong (Eucommia ulmoides bark), Bai shao (Paeonia lactiflora root), Fang feng (Ledebouriella divaricata root), Gentiana macrophylla root, Chuan xiong (Ligusticum wallichii rhizome/lovage root), and Gan cao (Glycyrrhiza uralensis root/licorice root).
You should learn both the Chinese, and where available, the English and the scientific names of the Chinese Medicine remedies for arthritis. This way, you will be able to communicate both with merchants and your health care provider. Of course, your first consultation about your arthritis should be with your health care provider. He or she can insure that any arthritis and Chinese medicine treatments you take are safe and effective and do not interact with any other medications you may be taking. We wish you well on your healing journey.

anxiety herbal medicine

2008-08-01T11:48:00.001-07:00

Anxiety Herbal Medicine: Did You Know It Could Help?
Anxiety is one of the most common problems in the United States today. It affects nearly 40 million Americans. Symptoms include feelings of panic and doom, rapid breathing, tightness in the chest, nausea, diarrhea, and frequent urination. Common treatments include psychotherapy and prescription medication. However, many herbal remedies are available at your corner drug store and maybe as nearby as your own garden.
Anxiety Herbal Medicine—Common remedies and how to find them
The most commonly used herbal remedies are Valerian root, Kava Kava, Chamomile, Lavender, and Peppermint. You can purchase these extracts in tablet form at most drug and grocery stores. These same stores will usually carry the extracts in herbal teas. Health food stores will usually offer these remedies as ground or crushed herbs with which you can brew your own teas.
Let’s learn a little more about each of the anxiety herbal medicine remedies:
Valerian root
Valerian root is available as tablet, herb or tea. You should take it shortly before bedtime. Most professionals believe that it is safe for short-term use. If you brew your own Valerian tea, use 1 teaspoon of ground Valerian root per pint of boiling water. You should probably add a little honey, lemon, licorice or peppermint to the tea. Most people find that Valerian by itself tastes awful. You should also keep your Valerian root away from your cats. Valerian is similar to catnip. If your cats find your Valerian stash, they will have a wonderful time, but they might not leave you enough Valerian root for your tea.
Kava Kava
Kava Kava is an anxiety herbal medicine remedy from the South Pacific. It is available as a tablet, herb or drink, or can be chewed raw. Like Valerian, it is taken shortly before bedtime. However, government agencies have raised safety concerns about liver toxicity in long term used of Kava. Although Kava is widely used, you might wish to avoid it.
Chamomile
Chamomile is our common ragweed flower, but brewed in a tea, it is quite calming. You can purchase the herbal tea ready made, or brew your own with one ounce of dried Chamomile blossoms for each pint of boiling water. It may aggravate your seasonal allergies if you use it long term.
Lavender
Lavender is an anxiety herbal medicine known and used for centuries in Western Europe. Dried lavender flowers can be brewed in teas; Use 2 teaspoons of dried flowers per pint of boiling water. Also, the oils from the flowers, leaves and stems can be used as topical remedies. One on-the-spot, anxiety remedy is to pluck several leaves from a lavender plant, grind the leaves between your thumb and forefinger, and then rub your forehead with the lavender oil you just extracted. You can then enjoy the soothing lavender smell every time you inhale.
Peppermint
Peppermint can relieve the upset stomach that comes with anxiety. Dried peppermint leaves can be brewed in a teas, and like lavender, the oils extracted from them can be used as topical remedies.
Of course, your first consultation about your anxiety should be with your health care provider. He or she can insure that any anxiety herbal medicine treatments you take are safe and effective and do not interact with any other medications you may be taking. Start feeling better today.

ancient medicine

2008-08-01T11:47:00.002-07:00

Ancient Medicine Helps Modern Patients

For our ancestors, Nature was the supermarket, pharmacy and school. By observing Nature and making experiments with items found in Nature, our ancestors were able to find medicinal herbs to help cure their ailments. Unfortunately, most of these ancient medicine herbal systems have been lost to time or are being associated with black magic. Fortunately, a couple of the systems have survived and adapted to modern times. One of these systems is called Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).

Wisdom Proven Over Time

In TCM, the knowledge of how to use ancient medicine is what is old – not the age of the medicine themselves! TCM practitioners usually are schooled in acupuncture and the ancient medicine of herbs. Although it is true that animal parts are used in TCM, including parts of endangered animals, this practice is being stamped out. TCM now concentrates on acupuncture, herbs and exercise systems like tai chi. TCM is used to treat the whole person, not just a one body part.

One of the Western doctors who champions a synthesis of ancient medicine with modern medicine is bestselling author Dr. Andrew Weil. He says in many of his writings that the human body has self healing potential untapped in the West. Although he urges people to go to an allopathic (conventional) doctor right away if they develop any sudden or drastic symptom, he also recommends holistic ancient medicine such as TCM to help get you healthy and keep you healthy.

What Is Holistic Medicine?

Holistic medicine is a drastically different method of healing than the allopathic way of healing that most Westerners are familiar with. With allopathic healing, you only go to the doctor when something is wrong and depend entirely on the doctor’s bag of tricks to get you better.

In holistic healing, a patient is seen as not a set of symptoms that need curing, but as an entire person. Yes, the symptoms still need relief, but maybe they could be prevented from recurring through lifestyle changes. A holistic doctor, such as a TCM practitioner, spends a lot more time getting to know their patients than an allopathic doctor. What you eat, how you exercise and how you handle stress are all taken into account to help you get better.

In old China, doctors were only paid when you were feeling well, and weren’t paid when you were sick. That was because doctors wee seen as those who could prevent illness rather than cure illness.

ancient chinese medicine

2008-08-01T11:47:00.001-07:00

ancient chinese medicine

ancient china medicine

2008-08-01T11:46:00.002-07:00

A Guide to Ancient China Medicine

Ancient China medicine has been around since almost the beginning of time, and it is still widely used around the world today. Traditional ancient China medicine uses the physiology and pathology of the human body, and highlights two features in particular. The first is a holistic vision and the second is the treatment of identifying causes.

Ancient China medicine is truly unlike any other type of medicine in the world, and is especially different from medicine in the Western world. Practitioners of Chinese medicine states the disorders of diseases in terms of the patterns that they display, and there are eight fundamental patterns that are recognized, which are interior, exterior, heat or cold, excess, deficiency, Yin and Yang.

A Unique System

Ancient China medicine is truly unique, and a system of medical theory unlike any other. It is respected around the world and consists of a five-phase theory which is made up of five elements, wood, fire, earth, metal and water. The belief here is that the patient’s body should be viewed as an organic whole rather than as individual parts.

Therefore the main goal is not just to cover up the disease or lay the emphasis on the disease itself but rather to consider the patient as an organic whole and find out the cause of the problem so that a proper solution can be found, thereby not only eliminating the problem at hand but also preventing the disease from reoccurring in the future.

Treatments in ancient China medicine are very different than those in the West, and there is much less reliance on more conventional methods such as prescription medications. Massage, acupuncture and manipulation of body parts are more commonly used forms of treatment, and so natural is really the way to go in Chinese medicine. Ancient Chinese medicine also often includes treatments such as special diets to treat illnesses.

This is why it is the preferred choice of a large number of people around the world, as more and more people are becoming aware of the dangerous effects that many medications have and in turn are turning to natural, alternative methods of treatment when it comes to their health.

As a treatment ancient Chinese medicine is tested and found to be very safe and incredibly effective, and is being adopted by more and more conventional practitioners every day. It is also often used in conjunction with more conservative medicine in order to help alleviate health ailments and disease.

alternative herbal medicines

2008-08-01T11:46:00.001-07:00

What’s Old Is New Again: Alternative Herbal Medicines

When you are sick, you feel helpless. It is not a nice feeling. It can be worse going through the modern health system when you are sick, for you are often treated as a problem that needs to be solved and not as a person. The doctor often pulls diagnosis from seemingly out of the air and relies on a mind-boggling array of technology and synthetic drugs. Although we are at a point in time where medical science is more advanced than ever, we are still getting sick. This is where patients who cannot get help from conventional medicine turn to alternative herbal medicines.

Lack Of Side Effects

One of the reasons many people prefer alternative herbal medicines to prescription or over the counter medicines is that they do not have to deal with harsh side effects. Although aspirin is a mild and helpful drug, long-term use usually leads to bleeding ulcers. In aspirin’s case, the cure can be just as bad, if not worse, than the cause! But many who use alternative herbal medicines get relief without such harsh side effects.

Getting Back To Their Roots

For some people, especially of Oriental, Indian or Native American decent, using the alternative herbal medicines developed by their ancestors provides healing comfort that can’t be duplicated. Not only do they have the comfort of familiar medicines, but seem to have a spiritual contact with the doctors and healers from generations and generations ago. Alternative herbal medicines can be a source of pride in one’s heritage as well as being effective treatments.

You Are Part of The Solution

If you want to use alternative herbal medicines such as Native American, Ayurveda or Traditional Chinese Medicine systems, you better get ready to work. You have to do your homework, work on managing stress, work on your diet and learn to trust yourself. This is very different from the “do what you’re told” mentality of conventional medicine.
You need to support and sustain your own body’s remarkable powers of healing.

Some people do not like alternative herbal medicines because they smack of a foreign spirituality or magic. You are asked to open your mind to new ways of looking at the world and yourself. You are also asked to use your own mental powers to help give the alternative herbal medicines the best shot at working. Many people are thrilled that they are an active partner in their own wellness and are not so helpless.

Alternative Herbal Medicine

2008-07-27T11:02:00.001-07:00

Alternative Herbal Medicine- Pros and Cons

Alternative herbal medicines are considered to be preparations which contain only plant substances. A lot of herbal medicines are also known as herbal supplements. Herbal medicines are made from items such as flowers, tree bark, leaves, fruit, a variety of seeds, stems and some variety of roots. For numerous herbal medicines the efficacy has been proven but for many other herbal medicines they simply have not been thoroughly researched to determine their effectiveness in curing and dealing with diseases and illnesses.

Since a lot of herbal medicines that are used by the public have not been thoroughly researched people ought to be concerned about the possible unwanted side affects that can result from using some of these alternative herbal medicine products. They should seriously consider whether they want to risk the potential harm that can occur from using some of these products.

Harmful Side Affects

Unfortunately some of the alternative herbal medicines used by the public are considered to have toxicity problems while some interact with synthetic drugs that people are taking and causing health problems. It is believed that Kava and Comfrey cause serious liver damage in people. Due to most herbal medicines not falling under some type of government regulation the quality of the herbal medications sometimes suffers and contamination and altering of the medicines do occur.

This can cause health problems for people who take the products. Before you begin taking alternative herbal medicines you should consult with your physician. Follow the directions on the label and women who are pregnant or are nursing their baby might want to avoid taking them.

IF you decide to use alternative herbal medicines to help with illnesses you should consult with an expert who has been trained in herbal medicines. Herbal and other types of dietary supplements are currently controlled by the FDA and therefore are considered food items and are required to meet different standards and different guidelines for proving their safety and their effectiveness when compared to medicines.

For a substantial numbers of alternative herbal medicines the active ingredients are not apparent due primarily to a lack of research. Some researchers suggest that an herbal supplement may contain numerous compounds; perhaps hundreds of compounds. Since herbal medicines have become popular with the public an increased amount of research is now going on concerning the effectiveness and the side affects of these products. You might want to search for the information that is currently available on the alternative herbal medicines that you are considering to use.

Uses of Herbal Medicines

Alternative herbal medicines have been used for a variety of illnesses, for pain relief and health benefits. They have been used for such things as helping with pain from migraines, to prevent coughing, weight loss, for birth control, female infertility problems, sunburn problems, constipation and other health issues. There are resources available that provide information on the usefulness and the possible harmful side affects from using herbal medicines and supplements including the NCCAM Clearinghouse.

Alternative Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine

2008-07-27T11:00:00.000-07:00

Learning About Alternative Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine

Chinese medicine has been around since the start of time and is more widely used now than ever before. There are many different systems that are included in Chinese medicine and one of the most significant and one of the most popular relationships of all here is the one between alternative acupuncture and Chinese medicine.

Alternative Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine

When it comes to alternative acupuncture and Chinese medicine, one of the most important things that you need to know is that you need to understand the actual intent of the therapy itself in order to get the best results. The goal of acupuncture therapy is to promote health and to alleviate pain and suffering. It is the technique of inserting thin needles through the skin at certain specific points on the body in order to control pain and other symptoms.

The person performing the acupuncture therapy is known as an acupuncturist, and they are able to influence health and sickness by stimulating certain areas on the body that are known as meridians. It is now one of the most popular therapies in the world and one that evolved from principles and philosophies that are truly unique to oriental thinking and medicine in general.

In order to understand about alternative acupuncture and Chinese medicine you truly need to become familiar with the basics of Chinese philosophy in general and with Chinese medicine.

Remember

Chinese medicine, including alternative acupuncture and Chinese medicine, is one of the most widely practiced forms of medicine in the world and is definitely one that you will want to become more familiar with. If you are interested in getting more information on this you should speak to your doctor, or you can do research on your own time.

Also remember that you can use Chinese medicine, acupuncture or other, in conjunction with more conservative methods of treatment, such as prescription medication for instance. Your health should come before anything, and so although alternative and natural medicine can be incredibly effective, if your illness or disease is very advanced you may have to rely on conventional methods of treatment, at least until you get the problem until control.

The philosophy behind Chinese medicine is that each patient should be treated as a whole and that the focus should be on their entire well being rather than just on the symptoms they are presently experiencing. This is why Chinese medicine is so much more effective and successful overall than the methods used in Western medicine.