Chinese medicine is largely based on the concept of yin and yang in which balance and harmony is essential for the body and mind for our health. It is said that when our chi becomes depleted or blocked than our health is severely affected and illness begins to show. A diagnosis is usually made by using means such as looking at patterns and signs and symptoms that reflect an imbalance, the system places a great deal of emphasis on the lifestyle as a whole in order to diagnose illness and prevent it.

Herbal medicine and traditional medicine

Chinese medicine and traditional medicine have always worked side by side and seem to compliment each other very well. Herbal medicine however differs from the drugs used in traditional medicine with herbal medicine being less likely to cause side effects that some traditional drugs do.

Herbal medicine is solely based on the use of plants and plants are generally prescribed in combinations with each plant complimenting each other. Herbal treatments are also given to not only ease the symptoms of illness but also as a preventative measure against illness and disease and can be taken to restore the balance within the body and encourage self-healing.

What can Chinese medicine treat?

Chinese medicine has long been used for a broad range of illnesses and conditions, some of the most commonly treated disorders include:

• Skin problems such as eczema, acne and psoriasis.
• Irritable bowel syndrome.
• Constipation.
• Pre-menstrual syndrome.
• Endometriosis.
• Infertility problems.
• Hepatitis C and AIDS.
• Chronic fatigue syndrome.
• Asthma, bronchitis and chronic coughs.
• Sinusitis and perennial rhinitis.
• Arthritis.
• Cystitis.
• The prevention and treatment of diabetes.
• Depression and anxiety.

Is Chinese medicine safe to use by anyone?

If you go to a Chinese herbalist for treatment then Chinese medicine is very safe and most people can take the herbs prescribed, as Chinese herbal medicine relies soley on herbs and plants, they cause very little if any side effects and can be safely taken in the correct dosage.

The term acupuncture describes procedures involving the stimulation of anatomical points on the body by a variety of techniques. The techniques involve the insertion of thin metallic needles just under the surface of the skin and these needles are then manipulated either by hand or by electrical impulse.

What does acupuncture feel like?

The needles are hair thin and everyone will feel the effects of acupuncture differently, however when the needles are inserted no pain or very little pain will be felt. Some people say that they feel incredibly energised after the treatment while others feel relaxed and are almost sleepy with only very few patients saying that they have felt any pain or discomfort during the procedure. Providing you have treatment from a reliable and trained practitioner, acupuncture is generally considered a safe form of Chinese medicine.

Does acupuncture actually work?

Studies have been numerous on the benefits of acupuncture and its potential usefulness, from these studies many promising results have emerged, studies on people recovering from operations and those suffering the effects of chemotherapy showed great improvements when they took part in the studies. Great improvements were also seen in those recovering from addictions, strokes, carpel tunnel syndrome and those suffering asthma.

How widely used is acupuncture?

Acupuncture has gained in popularity tremendously over the last decade and is now recognised and used in many clinics and sports facilities as an alternative form of medication. Physicians and dentists are now training in the art of acupuncture, as it is a well-known alternative form of pain relief, hundreds of clinics specialising in acupuncture and are worldwide and it is estimated that there are over 12 million people worldwide that have used or are using acupuncture on a regular basis.

How does acupuncture work?

It is one of the most widely known and used aspects of Chinese medicine and is based on balancing the opposites yin and yang, it is when the body or the yin and yang becomes unbalanced that ill health occurs. Vital energy which is known as the Qi flows along what are know as the meridian channels and acupuncture is thought to be an excellent way of opening up the meridian channels and allowing free movement of the Qi throughout the body.

It is thought that there are roughly 12 main meridian channels and 8 secondary channels, with more than 2,000 acupuncture points on the body which connect the channels. It is these points which are used in acupuncture treatment by insertion of the needles at specific points relating to the illness or pain within the body.

Pain relief remedies

Woodlock massage oil – Woodlock is used as an external analgesic for the relief of pain in joints, muscles and nerves and is especially helpful for pain relating to sprains and arthritis and is in the form of massage oil.

Red flower oil – this is used for many different types of pain ranging from a headache to pain in the joints and is in the form of massage oil.

Xiao Huo Luo Wan – this is usually in the form of an herbal pill and can be used for a wide variety of pain from pain in the muscles and bones to chronic arthritis and lumbago.

Cold and allergy remedies

Hay fever

Fang feng Xin Yi Wan – these are in herbal pill format and are especially helpful to those suffering from hay fever and the common cold, they also work to relieve sore throats, dry mouth, night sweats and reduce high blood pressure. The main ingredients used in this remedy are Folium mori, Flos magnoliae, Flos lonicerae, Flos chrysanthemi, Fructus xanthii, Spica prunellae and Radix saposhnikoviae.

Sinusitis

Bi Yan Kan – these pills are especially helpful to those suffering from sinusitis and contain over 14 different herbs including Forsythiae Suspensae Fructus, Angelicae Radix, Gardeniae Jasminodis Fructus, Phellodendri Cortex and Rhizoma Notopterygli.

Bronchitis

Qi Guan Yan Wan – these pills bring relief to those suffering from bronchitis and the main ingredients are Eriobotrya japonica leaf, Codonopsis pilosula root, Ziziphus jujuba fruit, Morus alba leaf, Zingiber officinale rhizome-fresh and the Prunes’ armeniaca seed.

Cough

Nin Jiom Pei Pa Koa – this is a traditional cough syrup that will relieve coughs due to colds and allergies and is made from Eriobotrya japonica, Taraxacum officinale, Euphorbia, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Citrum reticulata, Tussilago petasites and Senega.

Digestive problems

Indigestion

Jian Pi Wan – this can be taken either in liquid form or pills and is excellent for relieving trapped wind and aiding with digestion problems such as heartburn and indigestion and is made from Tang Shen root, Hawthorne berry fruit, Atractylodis root, Immature bitter orange fruit, Tangering peel and Germinated barley sprout.

Gastrointestinal problems

WeiTai – this is commonly given as a tea and relieves problems with the stomach such as flatulence, acidic stomach and stomach ache it contains Evodia fruit, Mock Orange leaf, Szechuan Pepper root, Baical skullcap root, Costus root, White Peony root and Tuckahoe.

Remedies aimed at the women

Painful periods

Menstrulax – aimed specifically at those who suffer from painful periods this remedy includes Motherwort and Leonurus cardiaca.

The menopause

Jing Xin Menocare Essence – this remedy helps to alleviate problems associated with the menopause such as hot flushes, headache and depression and includes Chinese Angelica Root, White Peony Root, Glossy Privet Berries and Wild Jujube Seed as some of the main ingredients.

Remedies aimed at the man

Impotence

Yang Sheng Wan – this is the herbal equivalent to Viagra for those suffering from impotence and is a 100% natural ingredient tonic.

Infertility

Wu Zi Yan Zhong Wan – this remedy is used to treat infertility in men and improve the sperm count it can also be used to improve the male sex drive and contains ingredients such as Lycium chinense fruit, Cuscuta chinensis seed, Rubus chingii fruit, Plantago asiatica seed, Schisandra chinensis frui.

Problems with the skin

Acne

Pien Tze Huang Pearl Cream – this cream is designed to improve the look of the skin and help to alleviate acne, the ingredients include Pearl Powder, Pien tze huang, Glycerine and super Fatty Alcohol.

Eczema

Genseng-RoyalJelly Cream – this cream nourishes and moisturises the skin relieving it from the dryness that eczema can cause.

The six external causes of disharmony

The Chinese also call this type of disharmony the six evils and they all relate to climatic conditions, when there is extreme cold, heat, wind, dampness or dryness the world around begins to suffer if these extremes are felt for any length of time. During these extremes, the Chinese believe that not only the environment is affected but also we become affected in addition and when we do, it shows as illness because our body becomes unbalanced.

Wind – wind is linked to spreading illness through the body and symptoms which the Chinese link to ill health caused by the wind are chills, fevers, colds, flu, headaches, nasal problems, dizziness and vertigo.

Cold – the cold weather causes havoc with our immune system and brings about illnesses such as respiratory infections, allergies, poor circulation, anaemia and problems with digestion.

Heat – conditions that are brought on or made worse by the hot weather include a high metabolic rate, hypertension, ulcers, inflammation of arthritic joints, the flu and problems with the skin such as allergies and rashes.

Dampness – symptoms caused by damp and wet weather include cysts, tumours, lumps, swellings and an increase in phlegm. Dryness – when it is too dry illnesses and problems occur such as, asthma, sinusitis, digestion and skin disorders and problems with the reproductive organs.

The seven internal causes of disharmony

Just as our surroundings cause our bodies disharmony, then so do problems associated with our feelings, these are known as the seven emotions and can be brought about by keepings are feelings suppressed, intense emotion or prolonged emotions.

Sadness – illnesses associated with sadness are depression, fatigue, a shortness of breath or problems related to asthma and allergies, cold and flu.

Grief – grief brings problems such as weakening the immune system, allergies, asthma and upper respiratory infections.

Pensiveness – digestive problems, problems associated with the spleen, a loss of appetite and extreme fatigue are all associated with worry and deep thought.

Fear – intense fear or paranoia can bring about disorders such as problems with the kidneys, the lower back or problems associated with the joints.

Fright – common ailments associated with fright are breathlessness or palpitations, problems with the kidneys and lower back and painful joints.

Anger – intense or prolonged anger brings out feelings of dizziness, hypertension, mental confusion and prolonged headaches.

Joy – excessive joy or over abundance can bring problems relating to the heart, conditions associated with hysteria, problems with concentration and sleep problems may arise.

Those who practice the art of Chinese medicine strongly believe that all these factors play a part on our health as they have an affect on the balance of our “Qi” which is the body’s organs internal energy. This energy should flow undisrupted throughout the body but can become blocked due to the factors listed above. When the “Qi” becomes disrupted or blocked the illness shows.

What does herbal treatments consist of?

Herbal treatments are available in many different formats with the more popular ones being available as dried leafs or in bags for making tea, pills and capsules. You should however always buy your herbal medication from an herbalist to ensure that the correct treatment is taken and in the correct dosage.

Several herbal medications are now offered as tinctures or freeze dried powders with most of them tasting bitter at first to the person who hasn’t tried them before, it is not long though before the vast majority of people get used to their distinct taste.

As the remedies are tailored to suit a person’s particular needs there isn’t any set price for treatment although supermarkets do now sell some pre prepared herbal treatments for a set price. However, if you haven’t taken herbal treatments before you should always get advice from an herbalist before taking any over the counter remedies.

More and more health insurance companies are now including holistic forms of treatment in their cover so it is worth checking out your policy if you become ill and want to look into a holistic approach as either a supplement to traditional medication or an alternative.

Are herbs safe to take?

If the practitioner has been trained and has knowledge of the plants and herbs used in Chinese medicine and they prescribe the herbs, then they are usually quite safe to take. Chinese medicine has come a long way over the last few years with more and more people practicing it and practitioners now place great emphasis on the protection of the patient, with allergic reactions to the plants and herbs used in the medicine very rarely occurring in patients.

When advising treatment for a condition the herbalist will normally use a combination of herbs as different components found in different herbs, combine to balance each other. As the Chinese strongly believe that it is the disharmony of the Qi that is imbalanced in our body, treatments are usually given and diagnosed based on patterns and signs and symptoms that reflect an imbalance in the body’s energy flow.

During your first consultation with the Chinese herbalist, a full medical history will be taken and most will aid their diagnosis with a tongue examination. The Chinese believe that by looking at your tongue they can get a good idea of what underlying problems you might have that could be causing the depletion or blockage of Qi and therefore what’s causing your problem.

Chinese herbs have been widely used throughout the years for a diverse range of problems and medical conditions with one herb in particular being coveted more than most, Ginseng. Ginseng is perhaps the most illustrious of all tonics and is used throughout the world by people of all ages, unlike many medicinal herbal remedies that target specific illnesses the Chinese herbal tonic is used to enhance the overall general health and can be used on a regular basis.

The Chinese white Ginseng

The Chinese white Ginseng or Panax is the most well known of the Ginseng family and is the one which is used worldwide in tonics. Ginseng is known for its ability to increase the amount of overall energy with its properties enhancing both physical and mental performance particularly at times when we are under stress.

Ginseng is a root and the Panax root is also known for its ability to inhibit cancer cell growth and to help protect cells from oxidative damage. It will also help to alleviate problems brought about due to the menopause as it tones the hormonal system.

It has been used in china for many years treating people who are recovering from heart surgery and many years ago, it found fame as a tonic for men aiding with impotence and to increase low sperm count. Ginseng is rated alongside Ginkgo in popularity in the Chinese herbal remedies of today.

American Ginseng

American ginseng has all the benefits of Chinese but is also beneficial for strengthening the lungs and chest in cases of bronchitis and tuberculosis. It has a cooling effect on the body and is the form which is more widely used in remedies aimed specifically for woman when going through the menopause.

Siberian Ginseng

This root originates from Russia after the Russians sought a cheaper alternative to Ginseng, Russian cosmonauts have used this root to help them get through the rigorous training methods and Olympic athletes have taken advantage of its beneficial effects to help provide them with strength and endurance.

Codonopsis

This is often referred to as the poor man’s Ginseng, its properties are very similar to the Chinese ginseng but the results are somewhat milder as it is less stimulating and therefore more suitable for everyday use. It can help to relive discomfort from indigestion, improve fatigue and also helps to lower high blood pressure.

How to prepare Ginseng root

Ginseng is normally taken as a tea or can be taken in pill or capsule forms, to prepare the tea just follow the simple directions outlined below:

• Use 2oz of root for every 4 cups of water.
• Bring the water to a boil with the root in it and simmer for around 1 hour or until 1 to 2 cups of water remain in the pan.
• Drink 1 cup of the warm tea before your meals, adding ginger powder if you wish.
• It is important that you boil the root in glass or enamel, don’t use a metal saucepan as metal will destroy the antioxidants.

Massage therapy stems back as far as 722 BC when it was seen in ancient medical texts and during the Tang dynasty in 1907 AD when there were thought to be around 56 massage Doctors in the Imperial hospital which was more than the total amount of acupuncturists and herbalists combined. The Chinese methods of massage were imported to Japan and this eventually become what is know today as Shiatsu massage in Japan.

The Chinese massage technique came about as the result of four Doctors who came together and combined the sophisticated techniques of traditional Chinese medicine into the massage technique. Soon Buddhist and Taoists began using the technique and adapting it to support spiritual yoga and meditation and the nonprofessional began offering massage for pleasure and relaxation.

Today Chinese massage is widely used and accepted in medical hospitals and schools and is an essential part of primary healthcare. Chinese massage is not just a single therapy but five areas that overlap and relate to each other, these areas are:

Amno press and rub – this is massage to maintain health and aid with rejuvenation.

Tuina, push and grasp – a sophisticated technique which is used to treat injuries and is classed as a medical massage.

Infant Tuina – this is the primary care in china for young babies and children.

Dian Xue, point press – this is more familiarly known as acupressure.

Wai Qi Liao Fa – Qigong masters will heal using direct transmission after many years of training and discipline.

The basis of Chinese massage

Chinese massage is based on the theory of Jing Luo or the meridian channels; the inner body is linked by a series of channels whose sole function is to transport the Qi and blood. When this happens, yin and yang are regulated and the body is protected against disease and illness, when there is a blockage of the Jing Luo pain and problems with the health start occurring.

The Chinese massage technique

The Chinese use between 30 and 70 different hand techniques in massage and these are called Shou Fa; these techniques cover soft tissue techniques and joint manipulation techniques similar to osteopathy. Some of the techniques used follow closely to techniques used in the western world while others are very unique to the Chinese.

The therapist who is skilled in the art of Chinese massage will combine the different techniques the same way as the traditional Chinese herbalist will combine several herbs to form a remedy. The whole aim of the massage is to achieve a proper balance between the yin and yang, so if the yin were the dominant and causing illness then yang techniques would be used to counteract the yin.

Good technique is also essential in the treatment and good form is said to be when the Shou Fa is soft and gentle yet penetrating and deep, it is the controlled deep moving pressure that is the key to the massage and one which the therapist will strive towards perfecting.

Cupping therapy was taken one-step further as a way in which to open up the meridian channels, the meridian channels are channels through which the life energy is able to flow freely throughout the body and through all organs and tissues. There are five meridians on the back and if these are properly open then energy is allowed to travel the full length of the body. It is thought that cupping is an excellent way in which to open these channels to ensure the energy can flow freely.

The Chinese who practice the art of cupping have found that cupping affects the body’s tissue up to four inches deep; this causes the tissue to release toxins, clears blockages in the colon, activates the lymphatic system and helps to clear the veins and arteries.

Cupping is thought to be the best form of deep tissue massage available and is a method which is safe and reliable for most people, it is a method which is very easy to learn and the cups can be bought to use at home whenever needed. Cups bought now differ of course from those used many years ago but the benefits are still the same and some now incorporate magnets into the therapy.

How does cupping work?

Cupping is a very simple practice that can be quickly and easily learnt, any health care store or Chinese herbal centre will be able to supply you with all you need to get you started and for you to begin to feel the benefits of this ancient part of Chinese medicine. The use of modern cupping is described below:

• Makes sure the cups are clean and the grip is unfastened.
• Select the right size of cup and place it on the part of the body which aches with the rim of the cup downward.
• Press the cup down with a little force and screw the grip until the cup suctions to the skin.
• Screw or unscrew the cup to release or tighten the pressure.
• You can use one cup or more depending on the area to be treated or the problem.
• Leave the cup in position for roughly 10 to 15 minutes once a day for roughly 7 to 10 days.
• Rest for between 3 to 5 days and repeat if necessary.
• When the cupping therapy is over simply unscrew the cup and remove from the body.
• Blood speckles will appear on the skin but this is quite normal and will disappear within a few days.
• Occasionally blistering of the skin may occur where the cup has been on the skin, when this happens sterilisation may be applied.
• Cupping therapy should always be performed in a warm room to avoid cold.

Can anyone use cupping therapy?

While cupping therapy is safe, there are a few exceptions when cupping shouldn’t be done and is unsuitable for and these are:

• Anyone who has a serious heart condition or who is prone to bleeding.
• Pregnant women and women who are menstruating.
• Anyone who has any type of cancer.
• People who have suffered from trauma, injury or have fractures.
• Cupping therapy shouldn’t be used to treat ulcers.
• Cupping therapy shouldn’t be applied to anywhere the heartbeat can be felt or to blood arteries.

Due to this, the tongue is a very sensitive organ and is one organ which can change depending on how we feel and the state of our health. Therefore, the Chinese believe that by observing the tongue we can find a great deal out about our body and our health, when the practitioner asks you to stick out your tongue they check the appearance of it in three different areas.

The first area – the overall

The practitioner will take at look at the size of the tongue compared to the size of the opening of the mouth and any teeth marks where the tongue has been resting against the teeth. They will also look for any signs of lacerations or ulcerations which give them an indication that your body is prone to swelling or inflammation. The practitioner will also take into account the colour of the tongue as this gives a good indication on our overall health.

The tongue is said to be normal when it is a pinkish red colour with a little shine, if it is pale then this could be a sign of anaemia or that the body is in a general run down state. If it is too red then this could show signs of hyperactivity in parts of the body, if there is a tinge of purple then this could mean that their could be pain, blockage or congestion within the body. When looking at the tongue in general the practitioner can asses the overall health of the person before going deeper into the diagnosis.

The second are – The coating of the tongue

There should be a thin clear coating on the normal tongue and if the tongue becomes thick then this usually indicates that there is an imbalance in the digestive system. If the coat of the tongue peels then certain areas or systems in the body are thought to be damaged or in a weakened state. If the tongue has a yellowish, coating then this is the sign that infection is present within the body or that there are problems with inflammation.

The third area – regional analysis

Different areas of the tongue represent different areas of the body; one area of the tongue represents the functioning of the nervous system and the immune system. Changes to this area of the tongue indicate that cold, flu, respiratory infections, sleep disorders and changes to the person’s mental state are present. Another section represents the liver and the detoxification areas of the body and changes to this area indicate that there is high toxicity levels present in the body.

One area represents the digestive system and changes to this area represent problems with absorption and digestive problems. The last area represents the urogential systems and the intestines, if there are changes such as peeling in this area then this usually means a sign of adrenal weakness or lower back pain. Other signs of problems in this area are problems with the urinary tract, the reproductive system and elimination systems and these are normally indicated by a thick yellow coating.

Remedies which have the ginkgo tree extract as one of the main ingredients are now thought to be the number one best selling remedies in the UK and is in the top 5 of all prescriptions written in France and Germany.

How is the ginkgo tree used?

The seeds from the tree have been used for thousands of years in ancient Chinese remedies, the Chinese are known also to cook the seeds and eat them to maintain health and vigour. More recently, the extract from the leaves have been used to help alleviate and treat a wide variety of ailments including asthma, bronchitis, chronic fatigue and tinnitus.

Studies have also shown that the extract from the leaves can help with improving the memory and has been used to help with conditions such as Alzheimer’s and dementia along with improving the circulation of the blood.

In Alzheimer’s, studies showed that people suffering from the disease showed improvement in thinking and learning as well as improved memory, social behaviour and problems relating from depression also improved. More and more studies are now being conducted into a wider range of problems and illnesses and the beneficial effects the ginkgo extract has on these problems.

How is ginkgo used?

Extracts are taken from the ginkgo leaf and are then used in a wide variety of ways including tablet, capsule or tea forms, the seeds can also be crushed and used or as the Chinese did they can be cooked whole and used in salads. Some care should be taken however and ginkgo should only be used when prescribed by a Chinese herbal practitioner or Doctor and not eaten freely as part of the diet.

Are there any side effects to taking ginkgo?

Even though ginkgo extract is used widely in Chinese medicine and is available for many different ailments and conditions there can still be a few side effects from herbal remedies. Some common side effects that may occur with ginkgo are headache, nausea and vomiting or the onset of a rash.

People who are on medication such as anticoagulant drugs and have bleeding disorders or who are scheduled to have surgery should use ginkgo with caution and it is in your best interest to talk with a herbal practitioner or health care provider if you fall into these categories to be on the safe side.