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| NICK LAMPERT BA, PhD, DipAc, MBAcC, MRCHM, CertAc (Nanjing) |
| MARGARET EHRENBERG BA, PhD, MRCHM, ISRM, LSSMDip, DipAc MBAcC, CertAc (Kunming) |
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Chinese herbal medicine is one of the great herbal systems of the world and has an unbroken tradition going back to the 3rd century BC. Together with acupuncture, massage (Tuina), exercise (Tai Qi, Qi Gong) and dietary therapy it forms part of Traditional Chinese Medicine. |
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All these treatments share the same theory and the same aim, not just to treat symptoms but to deal with underlying imbalances and to strengthen the person’s Qi to prevent a recurrence of disease. |
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Chinese herbal medicine is extensively practised throughout clinics and hospitals in China for the treatment of a very wide range of conditions. Because of its systematic approach and clinical effectiveness it has for centuries had a very big influence on the theory and practice of medicine throughout the Far East. |
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During its two thousand year history, great doctors have contributed to its store of knowledge and wisdom, and in the past few decades a great deal of research has been done in China into every aspect of its use. The result is a subtle, safe but powerful system, which is becoming increasing studied and is becoming a treatment of choice in the West. |
| CONDITIONS THAT CAN BE TREATED |
The range of conditions that can be treated with Chinese herbs is wide, but the following may be singled out: |
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Skin conditions, including eczema, psoriasis, acne and rosacea |
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Digestive disorders, including diarrhoea, constipation, irritable bowel syndrome |
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Gynaecological problems, including menstrual problems and pre-menstrual syndrome. |
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Chronic fatigue, including ME or ‘post-viral syndrome’. |
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Asthma, coughs, bronchitis, hay fever, sinusitis, rhinitis |
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Urinary problems, including chronic cystitis. |
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Chinese herbal medicine uses several hundred substances, mostly of plant origin (roots, seeds, flowers, twigs and barks). These are hardly ever prescribed singly. They are combined into a formula which usually contains between 8 and 12 ingredients. |
The exact combination is adjusted to suit the patient’s individual condition, and is likely to be altered as the treatment progresses to take account of changes that have occurred. It is therefore a very flexible system which can be closely tailored to the needs of the individual.
The prescribed mixture of herbs is usually prepared by the patient as a decoction (boiled and then simmered in water) and taken twice a day. Consultations will be on average once a fortnight and you will be given enough herbs to last till the next appointment. In some cases the herbs may be given in powder form or as pills (these are not as strong as decoctions but are more suitable in those cases where longer-term treatment is indicated). In addition external treatments (ointments, washes, soaks) may be prescribed for skin problems. |
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| LENGTH OF TREATMENT |
The length of treatment will vary depending on the severity of the condition and how long you have been suffering with it. In some cases (especially with younger children) you can expect a good response in 2 to 3 weeks. For severe chronic problems you may need to take the decoctions for 8 to 12 weeks. In certain cases treatment may be even shorter or longer than these figures suggest.
SAFETY OF HERBS
There have been some recent concerns about the safety of certain Chinese herbal medicines. These have arisen from the inclusion of illegal ingredients by some suppliers, either banned toxic materials or ingredients such as steroids which by law can only be supplied by doctors. The Centre observes the highest standards of safety and quality and is supplied exclusively by companies that have been independently audited and included on a list of Approved Suppliers by the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine. Such suppliers have a proven commitment to the quality and safety of Chinese herbal medicines. In addition the Centre has blood-testing facilities which will be used when appropriate as a further safety measure. Finally, together with its commitment to safety and quality, the Centre fully supports worldwide conservation programmes, and no endangered species of animal or plant are used.
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