Chinese Herbal Medicine
The practice of Chinese herbal medicine has been around for centuries and is still actively practiced today not only in Asia, but throughout the entire world. Unlike many other forms of medicine that aim to treat existing conditions, the main focus of Chinese medicine is to prevent illness from occurring and maintain a balanced level of health.
The Chinese doctor Li Shi-Zhen wrote a book documenting the different herbs and combinations for healing during the Ming Dynasty. At that point, there were over 2,000 documented herbs and extracts that were commonly used, and that was thousands of years ago.
The purpose of Chinese herbal atlternative medicine is to create and maintain a balance between mind, body, and spirit. When someone becomes ill, followers of the practice believe that it is due to an imbalance in the body's energy (known as qi). By administering herbs like astragalus, ginkgo, ginseng, eleuthero, and green tea, it is believed that people can:
- Control pain
- Boost immunity
- Restore balance
- Improve quality of life
If you are considering herbal Chinese medicine, you should still consult with your primary care provider. He or she will be able to ensure you are healthy enough for alternative therapies and may be able to identify any adverse reaction you could experience. |