Traditional Chinese Medicine
Chinese
Herbal Medicine
An Ancient Tradition
Chinese herbal
medicine is a safe effective and drug-free way to become well and stay healthy naturally! Chinese herbal medicine
and acupuncture are complimentary therapeutic modalities that are often used together in the treatment of a variety of medical
conditions.
Over the past 5,000 years, Chinese herbology
has evolved into an art form of its own. Ancient herbal information was gathered, compiled, formulated, tested, and
handed down from generation to generation. Today, practitioners of Chinese medicine continue to prescribe herbal formulas
because they are a powerful therapeutic method.
A practitioner who makes use of herbs is
familar with most of the 1,800 herbs in the Chinese pharmacopia. All of these herbs are classified according to their
energetic qualities, functions, and the different organs, meridians, and disharmonies for which they address.
Individual herbs are combined in order to
enhance their actions and effects upon the body. When combined, a unique, synergistic formula is created. This
combination increases the benefits of a particular formula, and minimizes any harmful side effects.
In order to create the most effective formula,
the herbs are used in different quantities and for different purposes. This allows the herbalist to create a formula
aimed at addressing individual needs.
Within
each formulas exits a specific hierarchy of herbs:
- CHIEF HERB-This herb has the greatest effect upon the principle problem and is most important ingredient.
It is the energetic and therapeutic focus of the entire formula.
- DEPUTY HERB-These herbs support the Chief herb in the treatment of the principle problem. Deputy
herbs usually address secondary signs and symptoms.
- ASSISTANT HERB-The role of assistant herbs is to support, and reinforce the effects of other herbs.
They also help moderate or eliminate any harsh properties of herbs within the formula.
- ENVOY HERBS- Envoy herbs harmonize, guide, and focus the action of the entire formula on certain meridians
or areas of the body.
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