Chinese Herbal Medicine
Chinese herbs have been used for centuries. Among the earliest literature are lists of prescriptions for specific ailments, exemplified by the manuscript “Recipes for 52 Ailments”, found in the Mawangdui tombs which were sealed in 168 BC.
The first traditionally recognized herbalist is Shénnóng (神农, lit. “Divine Farmer”), a mythical god-like figure, who is said to have lived around 2800 BC. He allegedly tasted hundreds of herbs and imparted his knowledge of medicinal and poisonous plants to farmers. His Shénnóng Běn Cǎo Jīng (神农本草经, Shennong’s Materia Medica) is considered as the oldest book on Chinese herbal medicine. It classifies 365 species of roots, grass, woods, furs, animals and stones into three categories of herbal medicine:
- The “superior” category, which includes herbs effective for multiple diseases and are mostly responsible for maintaining and restoring the body balance. They have almost no unfavorable side-effects.
- A category comprising tonics and boosters, whose consumption must not be prolonged.
- A category of substances which must usually be taken in small doses, and for the treatment of specific diseases only.
There are roughly 13,000 medicinals used in China and over 100,000 medicinal recipes recorded in the ancient literature. Plant elements and extracts are by far the most common elements used. In the classic Handbook of Traditional Drugs from 1941, 517 drugs were listed – out of these, only 45 were animal parts, and 30 were minerals. For many plants used as medicinals, detailed instructions have been handed down not only regarding the locations and areas where they grow best, but also regarding the best timing of planting and harvesting them.
Additional Chinese Therapies
Although Traditional Chinese Acupuncture is a primary form treatment used in our clinic, one or more of the following techniques may also be used:
- Electrical stimulation of acupuncture needles with microcurrent therapy in specific points and meridians.
- Physiotherapy is used adjunctively for pain management/injury rehabilitation. Infrared, ultrasound or electrical muscular stimulation may be added, depending on the case.
- Cupping, the use of glass cups which form a scution on the skin to promote and stimulate blood flow to certain areas of the body.
- Gwa Hsa, a dermal friction technique to promote and stimulate blood flow to certain areas of the body.
- Tui Na, Chinese massage to promote and stimulate blood flow.
- Dietary advice based on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theory.
- Chinese herbs and herbal formulas
- Sports Acupuncture